Botswana’s National Assembly has approved the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026, successfully maintaining a key proposal to lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18, while also updating regulations applicable to the growing gambling sector. The third reading of the bill took place on August 13, following discussions in the second reading and detailed examination during the committee stage. The measure still requires presidential assent before it officially comes into force.
If enacted, the bill will modify the Gambling Authority Act (Cap. 19:03). Its provisions will be implemented on a date determined by the responsible minister, which will be announced via the Government Gazette.
The proposal to adjust the legal gambling age became the focal point of contention during parliamentary discussions, with opposition members advocating for the retention of the current age limit of 21. Despite these objections, Clause 2 of the bill, which substitutes the term "the age of 21" with "the age of 18" in the Act, was preserved.
Currently, the legal gambling age in Botswana stands at 21, and this amendment seeks to align it more closely with the national age of majority, set at 18. Proponents of the change argue that individuals aged 18 to 20 are already recognized as adults in many aspects of civic and economic life. They contend that keeping a higher gambling age could lead some to engage with unlicensed gambling sites.
During discussions in the committee stage, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Major General Pius Mokgware cautioned against adopting unenforceable legislation, stating, “Do not have legislations which you cannot enforce, it is dangerous.” On the other hand, MP Karabo Gare from Moshupa/Manyana expressed concern that 18-year-olds may lack the maturity to make informed decisions, potentially leading to gambling addiction. Similarly, Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga urged the maintenance of the 21-age restriction, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of younger adults to early exposure to gambling.
Discussion on the legal gambling age comes at a time when the Gambling Authority is amplifying its warnings concerning illegal online betting activities. In a statement made in January, Acting Gambling Authority CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale noted a decrease in problem gambling rates, from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025, attributing this improvement to the Authority’s National Responsible Gambling Programme and public education efforts.
Kemorwale emphasized that the Authority's main responsibility is to protect the public while ensuring the sector's benefits to Botswana. Efforts are underway to combat illegal operators who offer misleading promises of wealth to the public. At the South East Region Staff Excellence Awards in Gaborone, Kemorwale pointed out that unlicensed online betting is diverting an estimated P850 million ($63.2 million) from Botswana's economy and exposing minors to unregulated gambling.
The Gambling (Amendment) Bill also aims to fortify anti-money laundering measures by aligning the Gambling Authority Act with the Financial Intelligence Act and the Financial Action Task Force standards. Changes outlined in the bill include requirements for beneficial ownership disclosures and fit-and-proper assessments, along with the critical need for Authority approval for acquisitions of significant financial interests unless stated otherwise. License holders are expected to connect their gambling devices to the Authority's monitoring system, while casinos must establish their own monitoring frameworks.
Moreover, the bill proposes stricter penalties, raising the maximum fine for noncompliance under Section 87(1) to P100,000, with potential prison sentences of up to five years. Before a license can be suspended, revoked, or renewed, the Authority is required to provide licensees an opportunity to present their case.
The focus on responsible gambling continues to echo in parliamentary discussions. Minister Dr. Wynter Mmolotsi urged the establishment of dedicated rehabilitation facilities for individuals affected by gambling issues. He advocated for the development of systems capable of detecting prolonged gambling behaviors to better manage addiction. Mpho Morolong, MP for Kgatleng Central, stressed that gambling should be viewed as entertainment rather than a means of financial gain.
The gambling market in Botswana has expanded rapidly, particularly after the 2023 licensing process for bookmakers and totalisators, including online operators. By January 2024, before licensed online platforms became operational, the Authority noted approximately 510,000 cases of illegal online gambling by residents.
Sunbet Botswana introduced its online betting platform in February 2025 and reported a striking 4,700% increase in sign-ups in its initial month, although specific comparison figures were not disclosed. The Gambling Authority reported that licensed operators handled P150 million in wagers, paid out P135 million in winnings, and generated P15 million in revenue during March 2025. However, it was noted that merely 40% of Botswana's estimated 550,000 bettors were utilizing licensed operators, leaving a considerable share of the market with unregulated entities.
By December 2025, gambling revenue had surpassed P700 million, with expectations that the industry would exceed P1 billion by March 2027. Kemorwale indicated the necessity for modernized oversight in response to ongoing sector growth, which includes the implementation of a central electronic monitoring system and enhanced enforcement capabilities. He acknowledged challenges posed by illegal betting and mentioned ongoing investigations into foreign betting websites operating in Botswana through local proxies.
With parliamentary passage achieved, the next steps include seeking presidential approval, commencement dates, and the overall implementation of the reforms. The Gambling Authority is tasked with ensuring these changes translate into effective regulation against unlicensed operators and safeguard measures for consumers as the regulated gambling market evolves in Botswana.
