Snapshot of gambling participation in Botswana according to studies
The Gambling Authority of Botswana revealed findings of the National Prevalence of Excessive and Problem Gambling Study. This was during a high-level stakeholder engagement at AVANI Gaborone Resort and Casino on 18 July 2025.
The report stated that 36.6% of Botswana regularly participate in gambling, wagering through both legal and illegal channels. Although the majority of players gamble without adverse effects, 6.7% of gamblers are classified as having excessive or problem gambling behaviour. The risk profile increases considerably in non-regulated settings, with the research noting 12% in illegal gambling groups. Researchers attribute the higher prevalence to the lack of consumer protection measures, inadequate age checks, and aggressive credit or bonus promotions, which encourage unfettered play.
Younger citizens at greater risk
found that young people aged 21 to 35 are the most susceptible to developing negative habits. Many participants within this age group cited unemployment and financial hardship as the main incentives for resorting to gambling. The study revealed that more than 20% of gamblers are under the legal age, with many having started before the age of 21. Early exposure tends to normalise risky betting in this group before reaching maturity. Online sites, readily available via smartphones, were identified as an entry point for under-21 patrons who bypass physical location checks.
Minister calls for decisive action in Botswana
Giving the keynote address, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Hon. Tiroeaone Ntsima, called on stakeholders to act with urgency and solidarity. “The report we unveil today is not just numbers; it’s a mirror into the lives of real people and families affected by excessive gambling. We must act swiftly and decisively,” Minister Ntsima said. Emphasising the threat represented by unlicensed operators, the Minister continued, “Online and illegal gambling platforms have created new vulnerabilities, especially for our youth,” Minister Ntsima cautioned. “These unregulated operators profit from addiction and offer no player protections.”
Government’s multi-pronged approach
In response to the growing threat, Minister Ntsima set out a balanced response between economic opportunity and protection of the public. The measures envisaged are:
- More forceful enforcement against online and illegal gambling sites.
- Public awareness campaigns aimed at schools, families, and communities.
- Increase counselling and support services, such as culturally appropriate interventions and helplines.
- Economic options by empowering youth and entrepreneurship.
- Increased accountability for licensed operators, such as training and harm-reduction strategies.
“We do not seek to eliminate gambling,” Minister Ntsima explained, “but we must ensure it is safe, responsible, and does not exploit those in financial or emotional distress.”
Role of the Gambling Authority of Botswana
Botswana’s Gambling Authority’s executives are committed to turning the study’s findings into concrete safeguards. Current programs, including a self-help website and national awareness campaigns, will be intensified. The Gambling Authority plans to cooperate with telecommunications suppliers to shut down access to black-market sites and will require licensed establishments to put their staff through upgraded responsible gaming training. Results of the study will inform subsequent regulations, ensuring that interventions are evidence informed.
Translating research into practice
The Minister made a call to action for collective responsibility. “Let today be a turning point,” urged the Minister. “Together, let us protect vulnerable citizens and ensure a sustainable gambling sector.” With unequivocal statistics now available and an action roadmap mapped out, the focus turns to implementation. Success will be gauged not just by lower prevalence rates but by the well-being of the country, who count on robust safeguards to commonly enjoy gambling as a source of entertainment and not of harm.
