Q: Recently you were appointed to the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum Board. Kindly share with us the significance of this appointment.
A: It reflects recognition of my expertise and leadership in the gambling regulatory sector. This appointment places Botswana at the forefront of gambling regulation in Africa and enhances the country’s influence on regional regulatory policies and standards.
Q: Does this mean the Forum has confidence that you will add value to the Board?
A: Yes, this appointment indicates the Forum’s confidence in my ability to contribute positively to the Board. My experience and vision are expected to bring valuable insights and drive initiatives that enhance the effectiveness and integrity of gambling regulation across Africa.
Q: Kindly expand on the mandate of the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum?
A: The Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) is mandated to foster collaboration and harmonisation of gambling regulations across Africa. It aims to promote best practices, facilitate information sharing among member countries, and enhance the regulatory capabilities of its members to ensure fair, transparent, and responsible gambling environments.
Q: By affiliating to the Gaming Regulators Africa forum, how will the Gambling Authority benefit in terms of capacity building and industry development?
A: By affiliating with the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum, the Gambling Authority benefits from capacity building through training programs, workshops, and conferences. It also gains access to a network of regulatory experts and resources that support the development of robust regulatory frameworks and industry standards.
The Authority benefits from capacity building through training programs, workshops, and conferences. It also gains access to a network of regulatory experts and resources that support the development of robust regulatory frameworks and industry standards.
Q: By sitting on the board of the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum, how will this professionally develop the Authority as well as its CEO?
A: Serving on the GRAF Board enhances the professional development of both the Authority and its CEO. It provides Mr. Kesitilwe with opportunities to influence regional policies, engage with international regulatory counterparts, and stay abreast of emerging trends and challenges in the gambling industry. This experience is invaluable in strengthening the Authority’s regulatory capabilities and strategic vision.
Q: Most recently, the Authority was recognised for nurturing a responsible and well-regulated gambling environment in Botswana. What does this special recognition mean to the Authority?
A: The recent recognition for nurturing a responsible and well-regulated gambling environment is a testament to the Authority’s commitment to excellence. It signifies validation of its efforts to protect consumers, ensure fair play, and promote social responsibility within the gambling industry.
Q: Responsible and well regulated gambling is highly regarded internationally, kindly share with us strategies put in place by the Authority to promote a responsible gaming and gambling environment.
A: The Authority employs several strategies to promote responsible gaming, including public awareness campaigns, strict regulatory oversight, collaboration with stakeholders, and the implementation of responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion programs and encouragement on limits on betting amounts. These strategies aim to minimise the risks associated with gambling and support the well-being of players.
Q: Regionally and internationally, kindly share with us gambling associations and/or regulatory forums which the Gambling Authority is a member of.
A: Regionally and internationally, the Gambling Authority is a member of various gambling associations and regulatory forums, including the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF). These memberships facilitate global and regional cooperation, information exchange, and benchmarking of regulatory practices.
Q: In each of these regulatory forums or associations, what benefits are there for the Gambling Authority?
A: Membership in these forums provides the Gambling Authority with numerous benefits, including access to global best practices, participation in international regulatory discussions, and opportunities for collaborative projects that enhance the effectiveness and integrity of its regulatory framework.
Q: Recently the Authority announced that it was at an advanced stage of issuing licences for Limited Payout Machines and Betting Licenses, kindly give us an update of the progress?
A: The Authority is at an advanced stage of issuing licenses for Limited Payout Machines and Betting Licenses. The evaluation process is nearing completion, and we expect to announce the successful applicants within the second quarter of 2024/25 This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to expand and regulate the gambling industry effectively.
Q: How many licenses are expected and what kind of economic value will be derived once the licenses are operational?
A: The issuance of these licenses is anticipated to stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities, increasing tax revenues, and attracting investment in the gambling sector. The exact number of licenses and the projected economic impact will be detailed upon finalisation of the licensing process.
Q: After issuing these licenses, what will the Authority focus on as another project?
A: After issuing these licenses, the Authority will focus on bingo licensing. This may include further enhancements to regulatory frameworks, development of new gambling products, or initiatives aimed at promoting responsible gambling and consumer protection.
Q: Please share with us any extra information relevant to this discussion.
A: The Gambling Authority remains committed to fostering a transparent, fair, and responsible gambling environment in Botswana. We continuously strive to improve our regulatory practices, engage with stakeholders, and leverage regional and international collaborations to achieve our objectives.
