Botswana National Assembly Passes Gambling Amendment Retaining Age Reduction to 18

Botswana’s National Assembly passed the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026 at third reading on 13 August. The legislation retains the proposal to lower the minimum legal gambling age from 21 to 18 while updating the regulatory framework for the sector. The bill has not yet received presidential assent and would amend the Gambling Authority Act with effect from a date set by ministerial order.

As reported by iGaming Business, the age provision was the most divisive element. Supporters noted that individuals aged 18 to 20 hold adult status in other civic and economic matters, arguing that a higher gambling threshold might direct activity toward unlicensed sites. Opposition MPs countered that the change exposed younger adults to addiction risks.

Debate Surfaces Enforcement and Harm Prevention Limits

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Major General Pius Mokgware warned against rules that cannot be enforced in practice. “Do not have legislations which you cannot enforce, it is dangerous,” Mokgware told parliament. Moshupa/Manyana MP Karabo Gare stated that an 18-year-old “cannot make informed decisions, hence they end up being addicted to the game.” Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga and others echoed concerns about vulnerability to early exposure.

Minister of Environment and Tourism Dr Wynter Mmolotsi called for a dedicated rehabilitation facility and detection systems that track session length, betting patterns and play style. The bill raises the maximum penalty for key offences to a P100,000 fine, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. It also requires the Gambling Authority to allow licensees an opportunity to be heard before suspension, revocation or non-renewal of a licence.

Implementation Challenges for Regulators and Operators

The amendments align the Act with the Financial Intelligence Act and FATF standards, adding beneficial ownership rules, fit-and-proper assessments, customer due diligence and Gambling Authority approval for any direct or indirect acquisition of 5% or more controlling interest. Most licensees must connect premises-based machines to the Authority’s central monitoring system.

Acting Gambling Authority CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale reported problem gambling falling from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025, while unlicensed platforms divert an estimated P850m ($63.2 million) from the economy each year. Licensed operators recorded P15 million gross gambling revenue in March 2025; the Authority projects sector revenue above P1 billion by March 2027. With assent pending, effective enforcement against illegal operators and practical harm-prevention measures will determine whether the lower age limit expands the regulated market or simply shifts risk downward.

Reporting: iGaming Business (iGB)

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