New Operator Bet267 Launches in Botswana
Botswana’s gambling landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Gambling Authority officially endorsed Bet267, a new entrant set to strengthen the country’s regulated betting sector.
Bet267 Launch Strengthens Botswana’s Regulated Market
At a launch event in Mogoditshane, Gambling Authority CEO Emolemo Peter Kesitilwe outlined the broader vision behind Bet267’s entry. He emphasized that the occasion was not merely about welcoming a new operator, but about reinforcing a national commitment to building a gambling market that is commercially sustainable, technologically advanced, and socially accountable.
“We welcome Bet267 as a strategic partner in shaping a gambling market that is not only commercially viable but also technologically driven and socially accountable,” Kesitilwe stated during his speech.
Majority of Gamblers Still Outside the Regulated Framework
Kesitilwe drew attention to a critical issue: out of approximately 550,000 individuals participating in betting activities in Botswana, only 40% currently do so through licensed operators. This gap leaves the majority of gamblers exposed to unregulated platforms, increasing risks to consumer protection and draining potential national revenue.
The scale of the challenge also points to significant opportunity. In March 2025 alone, players placed bets worth P150 million, generating P15 million in gross gambling revenue (GGR). Kesitilwe highlighted that “if this is what 40% of the market yields, we could see GGR exceeding P450 million annually if we bring the remaining market into the regulated fold.”
Regulatory Reform to Support Growth
To address these structural gaps, Botswana’s Gambling Authority is pursuing an ambitious agenda of regulatory reform. Proposed updates include amendments to the Gambling Act of 2012 and a complete overhaul of the outdated 2002 Gambling Policy. These reforms are designed to align Botswana’s gambling framework with international standards, enhance oversight of digital gambling activities, fight money laundering, and lower the minimum legal gambling age from 21 to 18.
“We are not just regulating for the sake of control—we are building a future-ready, responsible gambling sector that can contribute meaningfully to our economy,” Kesitilwe concluded.
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