Botswana is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most influential gambling regulators, drawing interest from neighbouring countries and international stakeholders for its governance standards, compliance systems and collaborative approach to oversight.
Throughout 2025, the Botswana Gambling Authority (GA) has hosted a series of high-level visits, benchmarking missions and regulatory signings that position the country as a regional centre of excellence in gaming supervision.
A year of regulatory partnerships across Southern Africa
In May, the GA hosted the Lesotho Casino Board, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on licensing, compliance, anti–money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling. The agreement aims to standardise regulatory practices across borders.
In July, Botswana formalised another cooperation framework with the Lotteries Board of Namibia, expanding joint oversight efforts.
This was followed in August by a two-day benchmarking mission from the Eswatini Gaming Control Board, which evaluated Botswana’s player protection measures and supervisory structures.
Most recently, in October, the GA welcomed a delegation from the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) for a one-day benchmarking session focused on operational tools and regulatory alignment.
Across all engagements, the priorities remained consistent:
- sharing regulatory best practices
- training staff
- strengthening AML and consumer protection measures
- and coordinating research to build a high-integrity African gaming environment
Technology-driven oversight and new market entrants
Following the issuance of ten new bookmaker licences in May, GA Chairman Marvin Torto outlined the Authority’s next steps for increasing regulatory efficiency and adopting modern oversight tools.
“As part of our repositioning strategy as a facilitative regulator, we are intensifying stakeholder engagement, developing Botswana gambling standards and proactively working to reduce regulatory hurdles,” Torto said.
The GA’s move toward stronger digital supervision mirrors a broader shift across African regulators, many of whom are grappling with rapid market expansion, rising online betting participation and the need for consistent enforcement models.
Botswana’s growing market influence
Regulatory confidence has also had a direct impact on market performance. The Authority expects gambling revenues to exceed P1 billion ($73 million) in the next financial year, reflecting strong industry growth following the entry of new operators.
A recent financial report from Super Group, the parent company of Betway Africa, ranked Botswana among its top ten global markets — a notable achievement given the brand’s relatively recent launch in the country.
A continental blueprint for responsible governance
By opening its doors to peer regulators and actively engaging in cross-border cooperation, Botswana has positioned itself as a benchmark nation for transparent, accountable and technology-driven gambling regulation.
Industry experts say the GA’s focus on compliance, responsible gambling and streamlined licensing offers a model that other African states are increasingly keen to emulate.
With more MoUs and benchmarking projects expected in 2026, Botswana’s influence in shaping the future of Africa’s regulated gambling landscape is set to grow even further.
