07 Dec 2022

Batswana have been urged to stop stigmatising the gambling industry as it has the potential to grow the economy.

Presenting on value chain opportunities for gambling and gaming in Botswana during the ongoing North West tourism expo, Mr Moruntshi Kemorwale decried the negative perceptions some people had about gambling.

The Gambling Authority official said some  associated the game with evil deeds but by nature it was fair, clean and entertaining.

He said it also had the potential to help transform the economy adding that globally the industry was worth over P9 billion.

“It is unfortunate as people do not know what gambling is all about. The game is not dicing as people perceive it. It is safe and entertaining and I urge people to stop stigmatising it as that pushed the industry down,” he said.

Mr Kemorwale encouraged Batswana to utilise opportunities offered by the authority in order to improve the country’s economy.

Currently, he said, Batswana were at liberty to apply for gambling slots/licenses in Maun, Kasane and Palapye.

Mr Kemorwale revealed that next year the authority intended to re-issue casino licences and urged Batswana to try their luck.

Among other public and private sector organisations exhibiting at the SPEDU-organised expo is Botswana Investment Trade Centre (BITC).

Its director of business services, Mr Gaorekwe Gaorekwe apprised the gathering on various services and investment opportunities offered by the organisation. 

He explained that BITC’s mandate was to promote the country as an investment hub adding that it also assisted with capacity building to ensure production of quality goods.

Mr Gaorekwe pointed out that BITC had resuscitated the Buy Botswana campaign currently going by the slogan; ‘PushaBW’.

He encouraged the business community to take advantage of the initiative which was aimed at pushing local products onto retail outlets shelves. Ends