Is Gambling Legal in Botswana? Laws & Regulations Explained 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Gambling Authority

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Regulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

The Gambling Authority is the sole regulator overseeing all gambling activities in Botswana.
Botswana’s Gambling Act legalizes casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and gaming machines.
Online betting is now legal, with operators required to obtain specific licenses for online and land-based activities.
In 2024, the Gambling Authority issued 16 new gaming licenses to stimulate industry growth.
Operators are subject to strict compliance, monitoring, and responsible gambling obligations.
Gambling levies are collected and allocated to youth, arts, culture, sports, and charitable projects.
The regulatory framework is evolving, with recent amendments aimed at closing gaps and increasing tax revenue.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The core legal framework governing gambling in Botswana is established by the Gambling Act, 2012. This Act provides the primary statutory basis for the regulation, control, and oversight of all forms of gambling activities within the country, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and other gaming operations. The Gambling Act, 2012 sets out the definitions, legal boundaries, and regulatory requirements for lawful gambling, and empowers the relevant authorities to enforce compliance and maintain the integrity of the sector.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Botswana are carried out by the Gambling Authority. The Gambling Authority is an independent statutory body established under the Gambling Act, 2012. It is responsible for regulating, supervising, and controlling all gambling activities to ensure they are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.

Regulates and supervises all forms of gambling within Botswana
Ensures compliance with the Gambling Act, 2012 and related regulations
Promotes responsible gambling and protects the interests of players and the public
Implements measures to prevent illegal and unregulated gambling operations

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Botswana

Casino License: Permits the operation of land-based casinos, including table games and slot machines.
Betting License: Covers fixed-odds and pool betting, including sports betting and totalisator operations, both land-based and online.
Gambling Machine License: Authorizes the operation of gambling machines outside of casinos, such as in bars or clubs.
Lottery License: Grants permission to run national or regional lottery operations.
Online Gambling License: Allows the provision of online betting and gaming services to players within Botswana.

Application Process

All applications are submitted to the Botswana Gambling Authority, the sole regulatory body for gambling activities in the country.
Applicants must complete the relevant application forms, available from the Gambling Authority’s website or office.
Supporting documents required typically include business plans, proof of financial capability, details of key personnel, compliance policies, and evidence of a secure and fair gaming system (for online applications).
Background checks are conducted on all major shareholders, directors, and key employees to ensure suitability and integrity.
Public notification and consultation may be part of the process, especially for land-based operations.
The Authority reviews the application, may request additional information, and conducts site inspections where applicable.
Successful applicants are granted a license, subject to ongoing compliance and payment of the relevant fees.

License Duration and Renewal

Licenses are typically issued for a fixed term, often ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on the license type.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiry of the current license, following a similar process as the initial application.
Renewal is contingent on continued compliance with all regulatory requirements, payment of fees, and satisfactory operational performance.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be registered business entities in Botswana or have an approved local presence.
Key persons (directors, shareholders, managers) must pass integrity and financial suitability checks.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to operate the business and meet player obligations.
For online operators, robust IT security, player protection, and responsible gambling measures must be in place.
Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) requirements is mandatory.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

Application fees are payable upon submission and are non-refundable. The fee amount varies by license type and is set by the Gambling Authority.
Successful applicants must pay an initial license fee before the license is issued. This fee also varies by license category and may be substantial for casinos and online operators.
Annual license fees are required to maintain the license. These are typically due at the start of each licensing year.
Applicants may be required to provide financial guarantees or surety bonds to ensure player funds are protected and regulatory obligations are met.
Failure to pay fees or maintain financial solvency can result in suspension or revocation of the license.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Strict adherence to operational, technical, and player protection standards as set by the Gambling Authority.
Regular submission of financial and operational reports to the regulator.
Ongoing compliance with responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion programs and public education initiatives.
Immediate reporting of any significant incidents, breaches, or changes in company structure to the Authority.
Cooperation with regulatory audits, investigations, and inspections as required.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Botswana

Gambling operators in Botswana are subject to the standard corporate income tax rate. As of the 2025/2026 budget, the corporate income tax rate has been increased from 22% to 23.5%.
This rate applies to all incorporated companies, including those operating in the gambling sector.
There are no separate or special gambling-specific tax rates published for different types of gambling operations such as casinos, sports betting, or lotteries; all are subject to the general corporate tax regime unless otherwise specified by future regulatory updates.

Type of Gambling Operation	Tax Rate	Basis of Taxation
All licensed gambling operators	23.5%	Corporate Income (Net Profit)

Basis for Taxation

The corporate tax is levied on net profit, not on gross gaming revenue (GGR) or turnover.
Net profit is calculated as total income minus allowable business expenses, in accordance with Botswana’s corporate tax rules.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Gambling operators must file annual corporate tax returns with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS).
Tax payments are generally due in advance, with two provisional tax payments required during the tax year, followed by a final balancing payment after submission of the annual return.
Operators are required to maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation for all income and expenses, including gaming-related transactions.
Failure to comply with reporting or payment deadlines may result in penalties and interest charges.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are no published tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions specifically for gambling operators in Botswana as of the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
General tax incentives available to all companies, such as deductions for certain capital expenditures or losses carried forward, may apply if the operator meets the qualifying criteria.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participating in any form of gambling in Botswana is 18 years. All gambling operators are required to verify the age and identity of their customers before allowing them to participate in gambling activities. This typically involves checking official identification documents to ensure compliance and prevent underage gambling.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Unlicensed gambling operations are strictly prohibited. Only operators holding valid licenses from the Gambling Authority may legally offer gambling services.
There are restrictions on unauthorized or informal gambling, including street betting, unlicensed gaming machines, and any gambling activities outside of regulated venues.
Specific game restrictions may apply, such as limitations on the types of games that can be offered in certain venues, but all forms of gambling must adhere to the approved list of games and formats as determined by the Gambling Authority.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Gambling advertising must not target minors or vulnerable groups. Marketing materials are required to include clear messages about the legal age for gambling and responsible gambling practices.
Operators are prohibited from making misleading claims about the chances of winning or the benefits of gambling.
Promotional activities must not encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior.
All advertising must comply with standards set by the Gambling Authority, which may require pre-approval or review of marketing content.

Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

Operators must provide information and resources about responsible gambling, including access to self-assessment tools such as the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI).
Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues and platforms.
Operators are required to offer support and referral information for counseling and problem gambling services.
There are mandatory limits on betting amounts and time spent gambling to help prevent excessive play.
Operators must monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary.
Public education campaigns are conducted to raise awareness of the risks associated with gambling and promote healthy gambling behaviors.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Gambling venues, such as casinos and betting shops, are only permitted to operate in designated locations approved by the Gambling Authority.
There are restrictions on the proximity of gambling venues to schools, places of worship, and other sensitive locations to minimize exposure to vulnerable populations.
Online gambling must be operated from within Botswana and comply with all local regulatory requirements, including geolocation controls to prevent access from prohibited jurisdictions.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1960s	Initial gambling activities began to emerge in Botswana, largely unregulated and informal.
2002	Government adopted the Gaming and Gambling Policy of 2002, laying the groundwork for formal regulation of the gambling sector.
2012	Enactment of the Gambling Act, establishing the legal framework for regulating gambling activities and creating the Gambling Authority as the national regulator.
2016	The Gambling Authority was formally established and began operations, taking over regulatory duties from previous bodies.
2018	Issuance of the first casino and gaming licenses under the new regulatory regime.
2022	Government initiated reforms to expand the scope of regulated gambling, including legalising and licensing new forms such as sports betting and online gambling.
2024	Gambling Authority issued 16 new gaming licences and began accepting applications for both land-based and online betting operators.
2025	Botswana hosted the 11th Annual BiG Africa Summit, highlighting the country’s growing regulatory framework and strategic focus on responsible gambling and industry growth.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

All gambling software used by operators must be certified by recognized independent testing laboratories to ensure fairness, randomness, and compliance with technical standards set by the Botswana Gambling Authority.
Gaming systems, including random number generators (RNGs), must undergo regular testing and certification to verify integrity and transparency.
Operators are required to implement robust technical controls to prevent unauthorized access, manipulation, or tampering with gaming systems.
Any updates or modifications to gaming software must be reported to the Authority and may require re-certification before deployment.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

Operators must implement comprehensive data protection policies in line with Botswana’s data privacy regulations, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of player data.
Personal and financial information of players must be securely stored using encryption and other industry-standard security measures.
Access to sensitive data must be limited to authorized personnel, with audit trails maintained for all data access and processing activities.
Operators are required to host their primary gaming servers within Botswana or in jurisdictions approved by the Gambling Authority to facilitate regulatory oversight and compliance audits.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Operators must establish and maintain robust AML programs, including risk-based customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence for high-risk transactions.
KYC procedures are mandatory, requiring operators to verify the identity, age, and source of funds for all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Operators must monitor transactions for suspicious activity and report any suspected money laundering or terrorist financing to the relevant authorities without delay.
Ongoing monitoring of customer accounts is required, with periodic reviews and updates of customer information.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all gaming transactions, deposits, withdrawals, and player balances.
Regular financial reporting to the Gambling Authority is mandatory, following prescribed formats and timelines.
Annual independent audits of financial statements and gaming systems must be conducted by certified external auditors approved by the Authority.
All records, including customer data, transaction logs, and audit trails, must be retained for a minimum period specified by the Authority, typically not less than five years.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators must provide technical tools that enable players to set deposit, loss, and time limits on their gambling activities.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, allowing players to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling services for defined periods.
Systems must be in place to detect and intervene in cases of problematic gambling behavior, including automated alerts and referral to support resources.
All responsible gambling tools must be easily accessible, functional, and regularly tested for effectiveness and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

Gambling Authority - Official regulatory body for gambling in Botswana

Contact Information

Gambling Authority Plot 54368, Central Business District (CBD), Gaborone, Botswana Phone: +267 318 0951 Email: info@gamblingauthority.co.bw