Botswana Moves the Gambling Age From 18 to 21 In a Major Gambling Reform

On August 13, 2026, the Botswana Parliament made a major gambling reform, moving the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. The law was approved during the passing of the amendment bill No. 15 of 2026 after it passed opposition during the committee stage and was retained before it passed its third reading, where 20 of the 23 MPs voted in favour. However, the law is expected to only take effect once it’s gazetted.  

This bill amendment aims to modernise the regulatory framework, resolve implementation challenges, and align local laws with current national priorities and global best practices. During the passing of the amendment bill number 15 of 2026, the Botswana minister of trade, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima, told the parliament that the gambling industry has made significant progress over time, creating the need for new opportunities and regulatory frameworks. 

“The industry has evolved considerably over the years, presenting new opportunities as well as new regulatory challenges. It is therefore necessary that our legislative framework keeps pace with this development to ensure that the industry remains a transparent, accountable and effective regulator whilst regarding the public interest,” he said. 

He further went on to say that this new amendment bill is aimed at strengthening the financial integrity of the iGaming sector by aligning the Gambling Act with the Financial Intelligence Act of 2022 and international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

While those opposing the bill said moving the age back to 18 was a wrong move, Ntsima argued that the change was informed, stating that research shows a significant participation in gambling by 18- to 21-year-olds. Therefore, including them in the legal framework would allow for proper protection and support. 

“Failure to include them… means they cannot participate in the million-dollar industry nor own businesses. You should understand that the issue of age goes beyond gambling…”

While the Gambling Authority Act of 2012 mainly focused on licensing and operations of gambling activities, this amended bill went far beyond that. It went on to provide laws on corporate governance, transparency, ownership, anti-money laundering compliance and regulatory oversight. To the iGaming participants, including operators and investors, this law means more scrutiny and enhanced compliance obligations and accountability. 

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On August 13, 2026, the Botswana Parliament made a major gambling reform, moving the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. The law was approved during the passing of the amendment bill No. 15 of 2026 after it passed opposition during the committee stage and was retained before it passed its third reading, where 20 of the 23 MPs voted in favour. However, the law is expected to only take effect once it’s gazetted.  

This bill amendment aims to modernise the regulatory framework, resolve implementation challenges, and align local laws with current national priorities and global best practices. During the passing of the amendment bill number 15 of 2026, the Botswana minister of trade, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima, told the parliament that the gambling industry has made significant progress over time, creating the need for new opportunities and regulatory frameworks. 

“The industry has evolved considerably over the years, presenting new opportunities as well as new regulatory challenges. It is therefore necessary that our legislative framework keeps pace with this development to ensure that the industry remains a transparent, accountable and effective regulator whilst regarding the public interest,” he said. 

He further went on to say that this new amendment bill is aimed at strengthening the financial integrity of the iGaming sector by aligning the Gambling Act with the Financial Intelligence Act of 2022 and international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

While those opposing the bill said moving the age back to 18 was a wrong move, Ntsima argued that the change was informed, stating that research shows a significant participation in gambling by 18- to 21-year-olds. Therefore, including them in the legal framework would allow for proper protection and support. 

“Failure to include them… means they cannot participate in the million-dollar industry nor own businesses. You should understand that the issue of age goes beyond gambling…”

While the Gambling Authority Act of 2012 mainly focused on licensing and operations of gambling activities, this amended bill went far beyond that. It went on to provide laws on corporate governance, transparency, ownership, anti-money laundering compliance and regulatory oversight. To the iGaming participants, including operators and investors, this law means more scrutiny and enhanced compliance obligations and accountability.