Creating a Fair Playfield: Peter Emolemo’s Approach to Taxation and Regulation in African Gambling
In a recent interview with iGaming AFRIKA, Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, the CEO of the Gambling Authority in Botswana, shared key insights into the nation’s evolving approach to gambling regulations.
The CEO emphasized the need to avoid excessive regulation and taxation, stating, “We should stop over-regulating the issue of over-regulating.” By doing so, he argues that the industry can thrive economically while adhering to responsible gambling practices. Emolemo called for harmonizing gambling regulations across the region. He believes that consistent regulation across African nations would help simplify the legal landscape for operators, fostering greater regional cooperation and transparency.
Further reinforcing his message, Emolemo acknowledged the essential role that operators play in job creation and overall economic health in the industry. “Ours is not to focus on revenue,” he explained; he believes that regulators must prioritize a balance between social responsibilities and economic growth. His view promotes the idea that a sustainable gambling industry should be built on informed and healthy participation, where the long-term well-being of the community takes precedence over short-term financial gains.
Emolemo further emphasized the importance of fostering a responsible gambling landscape through collaboration among stakeholders. He highlighted that the government has actively engaged with mobile network operators to create guidelines for reviving mobile gambling licenses, which had been discontinued due to legal inconsistencies. “We stopped it because it was not according to law,” he stated, underscoring the commitment to align industry practices with legal standards. With the reintroduction of these licenses in Botswana, operators are required to pay a levy based on their gross gambling revenue, aimed at supporting addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs.
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Youth protection emerged as a central theme in Emolemo’s narrative, as he expressed concern over the potential risks associated with gambling, particularly for minors. “We’ve got kids who are going to school who will be playing these games…but knowing kids, they will try and do your other games,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of preventative measures. To combat this issue, the Gambling Authority has implemented a robust Know Your Customer (KYC) platform that enables tracking of SIM card usage, thereby facilitating monitoring and intervention when necessary. This proactive approach aims to create a safer environment for young users, ensuring that they are not exposed to the dangers of gambling at an impressionable age. Peter Emolemo
Furthermore, Emolemo acknowledged the importance of learning from global trends and shared experiences from neighboring countries. He expressed admiration for the innovations in Kenya and Nigeria, stating, “Botswana is copying from Nigeria,” when referring to the introduction of a central electronic monitoring system. This willingness to adopt best practices reflects a broader strategy for regional collaboration aimed at building a more robust and responsible gambling market across Africa. He advocated for harmonizing regulations among African nations, believing that “if you’re operating in Kenya or you’re operating in Namibia, you want to come to Botswana,” the licensing process should be consistent and accessible.
A significant portion of Emolemo’s discussion focused on the need to modernize Botswana’s regulatory framework, particularly since many regulations date back to 2002. He noted, “Everything has moved online,” underscoring the necessity for adapting laws to reflect this digital shift, where online betting comprises a substantial part of the global gambling market. He called for a review of existing regulations, emphasizing that effective policies should facilitate innovation while maintaining responsible practices.
Ultimately, Emolemo’s message highlights the importance of collaboration between regulators and operators, which he believes is crucial for creating an environment conducive to sustainable growth. “Our operators are our partners,” he said, advocating for a supportive regulatory framework that encourages compliance rather than imposes punitive measures.
Botswana’s regulatory model includes a mandatory levy fund intended for reinvestment in the industry, covering employee training and research initiatives. “This money, managed by the levy fund committee, is crucial for developing the industry,” Emolemo explained, reflecting the Gambling Authority’s commitment to fostering a thriving gambling ecosystem. The emphasis on responsible gambling is even more pronounced with mandatory contributions from operators to a responsible gambling fund, ensuring industry players contribute to societal well-being. Peter Emolemo
Peter Emolem
