The gambling industry is on the brink of a major transformation, marked by the Gambling Authority’s recent issuance of the first-ever Betting and Limited Payout Machines (LPM) licenses.
This milestone represents a pivotal moment for the country, ushering in a more inclusive and diverse gambling sector. The authority, responsible for regulating the industry, has awarded licenses to a variety of companies, with most of them being Batswana-owned. The potential impact of these licenses is substantial, promising both economic growth and job creation for citizens.
At a recent event in Gaborone, the Chairperson of the Gambling Authority Board, Marvin Torto, addressed the media and stakeholders to update them on this historic achievement. “We recently awarded the first-ever Betting and Limited Payout Machines licenses in Botswana, marking a new chapter in our journey towards developing a dynamic and inclusive gambling industry,” he announced, underscoring the significance of this development.
The issuance of these licenses followed a thorough and transparent process that involved public participation and feedback. The Request for Applications (RFAs) for betting licenses was published in June 2023, with RFAs for LPM licenses following in July 2023. The Authority received 32 applications, evenly divided between the Betting and LPM categories. After a rigorous evaluation, 16 companies were granted licenses.
Among the licensed companies in the Betting category are notable names such as Bet Pula (Pty) Ltd and Hollywoodbets Botswana (Pty) Ltd. In the LPM category, successful applicants include VPB Gaming (Pty) Ltd and Goldrush Slots Botswana (Pty) Ltd. This diversification is expected to bring significant economic benefits to local communities. “The aggregate shareholding by Batswana in all these companies is 72 percent, with 10 out of the 16 companies being majority citizen-owned,” Torto highlighted, emphasising the role of local ownership in driving economic benefits.
The economic impact of these licenses is anticipated to be substantial, with over 200 gambling sites set to be established across the country. These sites will be located in bars, restaurants, guest houses, and lodges, offering both entertainment and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs. “We encourage Batswana to approach the companies awarded the licenses for opportunities to benefit from the route or wholesale model,” Torto said, urging citizens to take advantage of the expanding gambling industry.
A particularly compelling aspect of this development is the focus on job creation. The licensed companies have pledged to create 2,017 direct jobs, with a special emphasis on women, youth, and people living with disabilities. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the benefits of the gambling industry are widely shared. Additionally, the companies are expected to source the majority of their goods and services locally, further contributing to economic growth.
Beyond economic considerations, the Gambling Authority is prioritising responsible gambling. Torto highlighted the launch of a 24-hour toll-free responsible gambling helpline and a self-help portal available in multiple languages. These initiatives aim to support gamblers in need of assistance and to address the stigma associated with gambling in Botswana. The Authority’s public education campaign, “Motshameko-O-Phepa,” has already reached over 100 villages and will expand to 150 more by the end of the financial year.
As Botswana’s gambling industry continues to evolve, the Gambling Authority remains committed to fostering a safe and sustainable environment. “Responsible gambling remains at the heart of our operations,” Torto assured the audience, adding that licensed companies have shown strong commitments to upholding responsible practices.
This expansion of the gambling industry is not just about issuing licenses—it is about creating a thriving, citizen-centered industry that brings positive social and economic benefits to Botswana. Concluding his remarks, Torto expressed optimism for the future: “We celebrate the progress we have made thus far, and we look forward with great anticipation to the continued growth and transformation of the gambling industry in Botswana.”
