Gambling Authority Invites Expressions of Interest for New Bingo and Casino Developments in Botswana
The Gambling Authority of Botswana has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified investors to develop and operate new Bingo and Casino establishments across the country.
This strategic initiative aims to assess market interest, identify capable prospective operators with the necessary technical and financial capacity, and gather preliminary information that will directly inform the Authority’s planning for future licensing roll-outs.
The EOI specifies two distinct license categories, each with designated development areas. Casino licenses are proposed for locations focused on major tourism and economic hubs, specifically Maun, Kasane/Pandamatenga, and the Central District.
Meanwhile, Bingo licenses cover several subdivided districts in accordance with the approved Licensing and Location Plan, including the Central, Kweneng, Kgatleng, North-East, South-East, Southern, Kgalagadi, Ghanzi, North-West, and Chobe Districts.
Interested investors must submit a comprehensive, concise proposal demonstrating their capability and outlining their development concepts. Submissions should include key information in several areas:
Firstly, a Company Profile & Experience should detail the ownership structure, shareholder information, areas of specialization, and relevant experience in the gambling, hospitality, tourism, leisure, or property development sectors. Secondly, a Development Concept & Investment section should outline the proposed concept, preferred locations, and an investment plan that includes capital requirements, funding strategies, and implementation timelines.
Read Also: Botswana Moves the Gambling Age From 21 to 18 In a Major Gambling Reform
Additionally, evidence of Capability & Impact must be provided to demonstrate the company’s financial and technical capacity to execute the project, along with projected economic benefits such as employment creation and local participation opportunities. Finally, a citizen participation plan should be included, clearly explaining how Botswana citizens will be involved through shareholding, representation on the board and management, and direct employment opportunities.
Established under the Gambling Act of 2012 to regulate all gambling activities within Botswana, the Gambling Authority is utilizing this EOI as a foundational planning tool. The data collected from submissions will help assess market interest, shape future license specifications and application requirements, and inform the drafting of future Requests for Applications (RFA).
Participants are advised that submitting an EOI does not constitute a formal license application, nor does it guarantee participation or entitlement in future licensing processes. Furthermore, participants are expressly advised not to include protected intellectual property, trade secrets, or commercially sensitive information in their submissions.
All submissions and supporting documents must be sent to the designated email address: licensing@gamblingauthority.co.bw. The deadline for receipt is 16 October 2026 at 15:00 hours local time.
The Authority will not accept submissions sent via postal mail, fax, Telex, or telefax. Late or incomplete submissions will be rejected. Any questions or requests for clarification should be sent to the licensing email at least two (2) working days before the deadline. To ensure fairness, staff of the Gambling Authority are strictly prohibited from discussing the EOI or providing verbal clarifications.
