Portia Diteko and Botswana's responsible gambling leadership
Botswana has earned a reputation as one of the leading countries in Africa in regulating the gambling industry. Its approach strikes a balance between industry growth and a strict emphasis on responsible gaming, serving as a model for other countries on the continent. Focus Gaming News recently spoke with Portia Diteko, Responsible Gambling Manager at the Gambling Authority of Botswana, in order to gain insight into the country’s pioneering efforts and vision.
Botswana’s progressive model of regulation
Asked how Botswana is emerging as a continental gambling champion of responsible gambling, Portia gives credit to the country’s legal framework. Thank you for saying that. I believe one of our greatest strengths is our legal framework. We have a very strong legal foundation, especially regarding responsible gambling. When our Gambling Act, regulations, and policy were developed, those involved clearly had a deep understanding of responsible gambling and a genuine desire to keep the country safe.
This solid legal base ensures clarity in operations and responsibilities. The regulations outline the procedures for processing exclusions and the standards for providing counselling services. A noteworthy feature is the compulsory levy, where licensees contribute 3.5% of their turnover to support responsible gambling programs. The funds from this levy go a long way in developing and implementing our programmes and keeping our people safe, Portia says.
Government support further complements Botswana’s commitment to responsible gambling. We can approach the Presidents office to discuss responsible gambling, and we are listened to. Having leaders who are genuinely interested in gaming and responsible gambling has been invaluable. This level of high-level support enables the to implement and sustain progressive policies effectively.
Additionally, research plays a significant role. Before implementing any responsible gambling initiative, we conduct research to determine what is valid, reliable, and applicable for Botswana, says Portia. Such a focus on evidence-based practice guarantees interventions are tailored to the country’s needs. Having our research unit is really helpful because it enables us to identify problem areas and determine the most effective interventions for our people, m areas and determine the most beneficial interventions for our people,” she adds.
Responsible gambling: not anti-gambling
Portia makes an important observation: responsible gambling is not anti-gambling. She is a psychologist and business administrator by profession, advocating for a balanced approach. My point about responsible gambling not being anti-gambling is to help the licensees see that responsible gambling actually helps their businesses grow because if we dont promote responsible gambling, players are more likely to become addicted. If players are addicted, they wont come back. Theyll either be in rehab or have run out of money. This affects the long-term sustainability of the business.
She also cites stigma about problem gambling as a barrier to early intervention. Theres a lot of stigma based on what people see in problem gambling, says Portia. Responsible gambling involves understanding that the business is more successful when players gamble responsibly, as irresponsible gambling will damage the reputation and investment opportunities of the industry.
The “Motshameko o Phepa” campaign
One of Botswana’s notable endeavours is the “. Portia describes the purpose behind the campaign: What we were going for here was to get the licences and, mainly, to help the community realise that theres nothing wrong with gambling or gaming. It really depends on how you play. That will determine whether the consequences are negative or positive.
Before the start of this campaign, studies found gambling misconceptions. In Botswana, many thought it was a source of income. For example, someone might receive a small salary and think, Ill gamble to increase it. Or a young person might win a tender and, instead of buying the necessary materials or paying workers, decide to gamble the money in hopes of increasing it.
The campaign aims to educate the public on how to play responsibly, informing them that gambling can be an entertaining activity when done appropriately. Are you playing in a way that leads to harm, like seeing gambling as a source of income and betting your whole salary? Or are you approaching it as a form of entertainment, going out with friends, playing responsibly, accepting a loss, and simply going back home?
Special attention is placed on kids through “Dreams before Dices,” a campaign for kids under 21the age of gambling in Botswana. Our research revealed a high rate of underage gambling and gaming. The campaign encourages young people to focus on their dreams before even thinking about gambling. They will have time for gaming later when theyre older.
It also involves Botswana’s traditional leaders, known as “dikgosi.” We collaborate with them to make sure the message reaches everyone and that people are encouraged to gamble responsibly, Portia further adds.
Problem gambling and support strategies
The campaign also addresses those affected by gambling problems. The research showed that 5% of the population had a gambling problem at the time of the study. Were currently conducting another study to see how that number has evolved.
Realising that there was a need for treatment, the Authority provides free counselling to the people diagnosed with gambling addiction and their families. We realised we couldnt just focus on prevention and ignore the 5% already affected. So, we developed a curative strategy, she says.
Industry collaboration
Portia emphasises that cooperation with industry operators is the key to effective regulation. What I realised when I entered this sector, both in Botswana and globally, is that there was often a divide between the regulator and the licensee. To close the gap, the Authority encourages mutual understanding and cooperation. We see each other as partners who want to grow the gambling industry in our country while keeping people safe.
Training schemes, such as “Responsible Gambling First Aid Training,” equip licensee staff with the means to identify problem gambling early and implement initial interventions.
Regular consultative forums also allow for dialogue. These are periodic sessions where licensees come to the regulator to raise their concerns and make suggestions on how we can collaborate more effectively, says Portia. These forums make compliance and continuous improvement possible.
Regionally, Portia also believes there are benefits to building equivalent partnerships with other regulators. The key is that we are all on the same side. We all want the gambling industry to grow, to contribute positively to our country, and to ensure the safety of our players.
The future of Botswana’s gambling industry
Botswana’s commitment to legalising gambling responsibly is embedded in its emerging legal tradition. Were actually in the process of reviewing our Act. One thing about Botswana is that we want our laws to be dynamic. The gambling industry evolves very rapidly.
Economically, the industry is viewed as part of the overall national development strategy. Gambling is no longer just about playing a game, its also about contributing to national development, contends Portia. The government welcomes foreign investments provided that the applicants have local partnerships and contribute to national development through corporate social investment.
In short, Portia is optimistic about the future. Yes, I definitely see the industry growing. Because in Botswana, gambling is not just about gambling, its about improving the lives of our people. With a regulated strategy, civic engagement, and support from the industry, Botswana continues to be the standard for responsible gambling on the continent.
