Botswana’s National Assembly has approved the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes lowering the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 while also updating the regulatory framework for the gambling sector. The bill passed its third reading on August 13, following a detailed review during the committee stage. However, it has yet to receive presidential assent and will not take effect until a ministerial order is published in the Government Gazette.
The bill aims to modify the Gambling Authority Act (Cap. 19:03), and the contentious age reduction was a key focus during parliamentary discussions. Opposition members argued for keeping the minimum age at 21 to protect young adults, but the bill maintained Clause 2, replacing “the age of 21” with “the age of 18.” This change would align the gambling age with the general age of majority in Botswana.
Proponents of the amendment noted that many individuals aged 18 to 20 are treated as adults in various aspects of life, and maintaining a higher gambling age could push youth towards unlicensed gambling sites. During debates, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Major General Pius Mokgware cautioned lawmakers against creating unenforceable legislation, stating, "Do not have legislations which you cannot enforce, it is dangerous."
Conversely, Moshupa/Manyana MP Karabo Gare expressed concern that 18-year-olds might lack the maturity needed to make informed gambling decisions, potentially leading to addiction issues. Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vulnerability of younger adults to the risks of early gambling exposure.
The backdrop of this age debate includes the Gambling Authority's efforts to address illegal betting, with Acting CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale noting a decline in problem gambling rates from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025. He attributed this progress to the National Responsible Gambling Programme and public education initiatives, stressing the regulator's role in safeguarding the public while ensuring that gambling remains beneficial for Botswana. Kemorwale revealed that illegal betting diverts an estimated P850 million ($63.2 million) from the economy each year, creating further complications for local youth.
The Gambling (Amendment) Bill not only aims to adjust the gambling age but also seeks to strengthen the legislative framework against financial crimes. It proposes updates to align with the Financial Intelligence Act and Financial Action Task Force standards, incorporating provisions on beneficial ownership, fit-and-proper-person assessments, and revised know-your-customer requirements. These alterations also mandate that operators link gaming machines to the Gambling Authority's monitoring system, making compliance essential.
Moreover, the amendment introduces tougher penalties for violations, raising the maximum fine under Section 87(1) to P100,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. Licensees will be given an opportunity to defend themselves before any suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a license.
Concerns about responsible gambling continued to surface during parliamentary discussions. Minister of Environment and Tourism Dr. Wynter Mmolotsi proposed the establishment of a rehabilitation facility for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm and highlighted the need for systems to monitor gambling behavior patterns effectively.
Botswana’s gambling market has seen rapid growth following the Gambling Authority’s efforts to license operators within a regulated framework. By early 2024, the Authority noted approximately 510,000 monthly incidents of illegal online gambling by residents. Licensed operators like Sunbet Botswana reported a staggering 4,700% increase in sign-ups following their launch, although most gamblers still prefer unregulated platforms.
By December 2025, Kemorwale indicated that gambling revenue surpassed P700 million, projecting over a billion by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. He stressed the urgent need for modernization and enforcement capabilities in oversight. Concerns remain high regarding illegal betting, with ongoing investigations into foreign-based sites allegedly operating in Botswana using local proxies.
With the bill securing parliamentary approval, the next steps will involve seeking presidential assent and implementing effective reforms aimed at enhancing regulation while curbing illegal activities as the gambling market continues to grow in Botswana.
