30 Jan 2024

Gambling Authority projects the issuance of licenses for Bookmaker and Totalizator operators by May 2024, while licenses for Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) were slated to follow suit by June 2024.

Briefing the media on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Kesitilwe, said for Totalizator and Bookmaker, commonly known as betting, they received approximately 71 requests for application purchases, and 44 applicants attended the applicants’ conference. 

“Among them, 17 applications were submitted, comprising 10 route operator applications and 7 independent applications, he said.

Mr Kesitilwe said response to the Request for Applications (RFA) for Totalizator and Bookmaker licenses, initiated in the preceding December, was nothing short of substantial.

He envisioned the forthcoming allocation of licenses for cutting-edge gambling experiences, citing that the anticipation revolved around innovative forms of gambling, such as Totalizator, colloquially known as betting, and the buzzworthy Limited Payout Machines (LPMs).

In January 2024, a new set of applications were ushered in for the much-anticipated LPMs licences, with a remarkable 46 requests for application purchased, and were accompanied by 34 participants for the applicants’ conference, he said.

Mr Kesitilwe added that 16 applications emerged from this, being a mix of four route operator applications and 12 independent operator applications, citing that a nationwide distribution plan aimed to deploy 1 900 LPMs, creating numerous opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.

“The surge in applications serves as a testament to the industry’s bright prospects. Upholding transparency and fairness, the Authority had previously disseminated draft Request for Applications (RFAs), enabling potential applicants and the public to engage in discussions, seek clarifications, and request additional information through the Authority’s Virtual Data Room (VDR),” he said.

Mr Kesitilwe said all registered potential applicants received responses to their questions via the authority’s Virtual Data Room.

The incorporation of public feedback into the draft RFA paved the way for the publication of a final RFA and those who procured the final RFA were then summoned to a mandatory applicant’s conference, he said.

Mr Kesitilwe said a no-show translated to disqualification and rejection of the application.

He said post the rigorous application phase, the Authority was mandated to embark on comprehensive background investigations to gauge the suitability of applicants for licences.

Subsequent to this, Mr Kesitilwe said, an evaluation process ensued, culminating in the much-anticipated licenses expected to be granted to qualifying operators by the esteemed Board of Directors of the authority, the governing licensing body.

He emphasized that these cutting-edge forms of gambling were poised not only to diversify existing activities but also to present alternative avenues for leisure and entertainment.

In a resounding conclusion, Mr Kesitilwe envisioned a ripple effect extending beyond the realm of gambling.

He highlighted: “These new gaming and gambling ventures will also spur the development of tourism infrastructure, creating new opportunities within the local economy and offering additional entertainment and recreational activities for the public.” Ends