Botswana Gambling Authority Boosts Local Industry with New Licenses
In a significant move to enhance the country’s gambling industry, the Botswana Gambling Authority has awarded 16 new licenses to local companies following a comprehensive selection process. These licenses comprise 10 Betting Licenses and 6 Limited Payout Machine (LPM) licenses, reflecting the authority’s commitment to fostering growth within the sector.
In 2023, the authority called for applications, receiving a total of 32 submissions—16 for each type of license. The mandatory meeting for applicants saw participation from 77 companies, underscoring the sector’s growth potential. After conducting public consultations and hearings, the authority awarded the licenses to the respective applicants. Botswana Gambling Licenses
A noteworthy aspect of this licensing initiative is the high level of participation from Batswana citizens, who collectively own 72% of the licensed companies, with 8 out of the 10 Betting License holders being citizen-owned. This emphasis on local ownership is intended to ensure that economic benefits directly contribute to the national economy. The issuance of LPM licenses will result in the establishment of over 200 gambling sites across the country, with wholesale operators responsible for managing and maintaining the machines at approved venues.
Additionally, independent site operators will have the opportunity to host the machines in bars and restaurants without the necessity of owning the equipment. The majority of these new establishments are expected to be citizen-owned, allowing 40% of the generated revenue to benefit local communities directly.
The newly licensed companies have pledged to create 2,017 direct jobs, with particular attention given to empowering women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Local sourcing for goods and services required by these businesses is expected to stimulate the economy and positively impact various sectors, including construction, sports, healthcare, and education.
In response to the social implications of gambling, the Botswana Gambling Authority has implemented several responsible gaming initiatives. These include a free 24/7 helpline and a self-help website featuring counseling and resources in multiple languages. Furthermore, their public awareness campaign, “Motshameko o phepa” (Clean Gaming), has successfully reached over 100 villages, with plans for expansion into more communities in the near future.
The Botswana Gambling Authority emphasizes that the growth of the gambling industry must be aligned with the well-being of its citizens. By prioritizing responsible gaming and promoting local business participation, the authority aims to ensure that the industry develops positively while mitigating potential gambling-related risks. Botswana Gambling Licenses
