16 New Licenses Awarded by Botswana Gambling Authority

Tough Selection Yields New Licensees

In 2023 the Authority called for applications, 32 were received – 16 for Betting Licenses and 16 for Limited Payout Machine (LPM) licenses. The mandatory meeting for applicants had 77 companies represented, showing the growth potential of the sector. After public consultations and hearings 10 were awarded Betting Licenses and 6 LPM licenses.

One of the key outcomes of the licensing process is the high participation of Batswana citizens. Together they own 72% of the licensed companies and 8 out of the 10 companies licensed are citizen owned. This is to ensure that the economic benefits go directly to the national economy.

The LPM licenses will lead to over 200 gambling sites across the country. Wholesale operators will manage and maintain the machines in the approved venues while independent site operators can host the machines in bars and restaurants without owning the equipment. Most of these new venues will be citizen owned with 40% of the revenue going directly to citizens.

Job Creation and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

The new licensees have committed to create 2,017 direct jobs with a special focus on women, youth and people with disabilities. Most of the goods and services required by these businesses will be sourced locally, this will stimulate the economy and support other sectors like construction, sports, healthcare and education.

To address the social impact of gambling the Authority has launched several responsible gaming programs. A free 24/7 helpline and a self-help website with counseling and resources in multiple languages. The public awareness campaign “Motshameko o phepa” (Clean Gaming) has reached over 100 villages and will be rolled out to more villages in the coming months.

The Botswana Gambling Authority says growth and citizen wellbeing must go hand in hand. Responsible gaming and local business participation is key to the industry growing positively and minimising the risks of gambling.