Minister Indileni Daniel Urges Namibia’s Gambling Board to Strengthen Oversight

During a strategic retreat in Swakopmund, Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, issued a firm directive to the Gambling Board of Namibia to intensify its regulatory efforts and fully operationalise its legislative mandate. This call for strengthened oversight is a direct response to the rapid expansion of the industry, specifically the rise in gambling houses and the proliferation of sports betting and online gaming platforms.

Minister Daniel emphasised that the evolving gambling landscape requires a robust, well-resourced, and fully functional regulatory body to safeguard the public and curb illegal operations. She urged the Board to transition from reactive monitoring to becoming a proactive leader in the industry. A key part of this leadership involves balancing the sector’s economic development potential with essential social protections, ensuring the industry operates in a fair and transparent manner.

During the retreat, she noted that; ” The Ministry is entrusted with regulating the Gambling industry and I’m confident that through collaboration we can address the sector’s challenges. “

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A central pillar of the Minister’s recommendations was the mandatory alignment of the Board’s programmes with Namibia’s overarching strategic frameworks. She clarified that for governing boards, such alignment is “not a choice” but a requirement.

To ensure the gambling sector contributes meaningfully to the national economy, the Minister specified that planning must be firmly anchored in the SWAPO Party Manifesto Implementation Plan, which details concrete actions and priorities for 2025 to 2030, the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which translates these manifesto priorities into national development goals; and Vision 2030, as public entities are required to ensure their strategic plans support the achievement of these long-term national objectives.

Under the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018, the Gambling Board is empowered to license, monitor, and control all gaming activities in Namibia. Moving forward, the Minister urged the Board to remain focused on its core legislative responsibilities, which include enforcing strict compliance with legal standards and protecting consumers. Specific emphasis was placed on the need to prevent underage gambling and address the social risks associated with problem gambling. By synchronising these efforts with national strategic plans, the Board is tasked with positioning gambling as a driver of development while maintaining a socially responsible framework.