Botswana’s Gambling Authority and IAGR Launch Campaign to Curb Illegal Gambling
The Gambling Authority of Botswana and the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) have launched a global awareness campaign to help consumers identify and avoid illegal or unlicensed online gambling websites and apps.
The campaign will share a series of digital messages to help consumers understand the risks of unlicensed gambling. It will also show how unlicensed operators can appear familiar and entertaining while offering none of the safeguards provided by properly licensed operators.
As digital betting expands, regulatory authorities are taking coordinated action to protect players from deceptive operators that mimic legitimate businesses while offering no consumer protections.
This joint initiative is among the actions, as it provides a free, public verification tool hosted on the Gambling Authority’s website (www.gamblingauthority.co.bw). Through this portal, users can instantly check whether a gambling site is licensed and authorized in Botswana before placing any wagers, helping them avoid illicit operators.
Mr. Moruntshi Kemorwale, the Gambling Authority CEO said: “Responsible gambling is everyone’s responsibility. We must protect our young people, support licensed operators, and stop illegal gambling from draining our economy. Together we can build a safer, more responsible gambling environment for Botswana.”
Because online gambling operates across borders, licensing status varies by jurisdiction. A platform authorized in one region may be illegal in another. The new verification tool draws directly from official regulatory records and verified public sources to provide players with clear, instant information.
Tiroone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, highlighted that illegal gambling platforms present grave dangers to young people by exploiting their vulnerabilities and omitting critical safeguards against addiction. Without proactive regulatory intervention, jurisdictions face the risk of rising gambling addiction and financial instability among youth.
A central objective of the campaign is to overcome the false sense of security created by deceptive gambling websites. Kevin Mullally, CEO of IAGR, commented: “We want gamblers to enjoy themselves while remaining safe, and that starts with knowing whether the site they are using is licensed in the jurisdiction; unlicensed is unprotected.
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“People frequently mistake familiarity for trust. Gamblers may be familiar with the website name, but the operator may not be licensed in their jurisdiction, and in other instances, illegal operators purposefully build sites to appear familiar and credible with the intention of purposefully deceiving gamblers. Our simple and free-to-use website allows consumers to instantly check the URL and gamble with confidence.”
Using an unlicensed gambling website exposes consumers to significant dangers. Users may have zero legal recourse, as they are left without dispute-resolution frameworks or legal protections if funds are withheld. They may also face financial fraud, with personal and financial details falling directly into the hands of fraudsters. In addition, illicit platforms lack responsible-gaming safeguards, such as self-exclusion tools, betting limits, and player-safety protocols mandatory for licensed entities.
As a regulator-led association dedicated to advancing gaming regulation globally, IAGR is uniquely positioned to drive international public education. By facilitating knowledge exchange, regulatory collaboration, and accessible tools, the association aims to empower consumers everywhere to make informed, safe choices online.
Brian Krolicki, President of IAGR, noted: “Illegal gambling websites are increasing in number, becoming more sophisticated and more visible, and making it harder for consumers to distinguish them from legitimate operators. Given the borderless nature of the internet, regulators need coordinated tools that help consumers make informed decisions before they wager. IAGR is launching this awareness campaign and website to give consumers resources to help keep them and their wagers safe.”
