Botswana's gambling industry is poised to play a significant role in the nation's economic development.
Speaking during the Big Africa Summit recently, the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, said beyond revenue generation, the sector is set to contribute to employment creation and tourism promotion, solidifying Botswana's position as a key player in the African gaming landscape. The government has recently issued gambling licences, a move that is expected to stimulate industry growth and create more job opportunities. "These licences will also foster strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders, encouraging knowledge exchange, and the adoption of best practices. Additionally, regulatory mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure the highest levels of integrity, consumer protection, and quality of life," he said.
Recognising the need for a streamlined regulatory framework, the minister said Botswana is currently reviewing its gambling legislation. This process aims to eliminate trade barriers, simplify investment procedures, and boost economic activity. "The country is repositioning itself as a hub for investment, innovation, and responsible gambling practices. The government has set clear priorities to ensure that the gambling industry remains a driver of economic growth whilst maintaining the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and inclusivity," he said.
Botswana has always championed responsible gambling and remains committed to international best practices in governance and regulation. As a proud member of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF), the country upholds ethical gaming practices. This dedication was recognised last year when Botswana's Responsible Gambling Programme was awarded the Best Responsible Gambling Initiative in Africa at the Gaming Tech Summit Africa in Kenya. This accolade reaffirms the nation's commitment to player protection and industry leadership. Further diversifying the industry, Botswana is developing a comprehensive Horse Racing Strategy. This initiative aims to support the growth of horse racing and betting industries, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. The government invites both local and international stakeholders to align with this project, reinforcing Botswana's openness to business and investment opportunities. In a significant step towards advancing research and innovation in gambling, the Gambling Authority, in collaboration with the University of Botswana, has sponsored 11 Batswana at the Master's and PhD levels. These scholars will focus on critical research areas, including harnessing Natural Language Processing and machine learning techniques to address gambling disorders, applying quantum cognition to understand and mitigate cognitive biases in gambling behaviour, and using data science to promote responsible gambling through data-driven solutions.
These research initiatives are expected to provide innovative solutions that will enhance responsible gambling efforts and improve regulatory measures. With these progressive measures, Botswana is well on its way to establishing a thriving, well-regulated gambling industry that drives economic growth whilst promoting ethical gaming practices.
