15 May 2024

A campaign by Gambling Authority dubbed ‘Motshameko O Phepa’ which fosters responsible gambling has reached a 100 village milestone achievement during the financial year ending March 2024.

The campaign promotes fair play and  has been instrumental in raising awareness about responsible gambling practices as well as providing support to those affected by problem gambling.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Kgotla meeting in Thamaga on May 11, Responsible Gambling Manager Ms Portia Diteko said the authority targeted reducing the occurrence of problem gambling to at least 2 per cent by 2028, therefore, the campaign was a step in the right direction.

She reported a sound success to the campaign which reached 100 villages and sites across Botswana in the first year of implementation.

She said key takeaways from interactions with societies across varied settlements nationwide had been the extent of adverse effects of problem gambling emanating from illegal gambling establishments.

Ms Diteko said interactive sessions with members of the communities had positioned the authority ready to devise interventions that were geared towards promoting safe and responsible gambling gaming practices. “Part of our strategic response to combating problematic gambling has been the introduction of Responsible Gambling Self-Help Portal and the introduction of the 24/7 Toll-Free Line,” she said.

Ms Diteko said problematic gambling worried the authority, hence its efforts toward mitigating the prevalence by engaging in dialogue with varied groups.

Notably, she said it was essential to acknowledge the socio-economic benefits of gambling to an economy like Botswana’s, citing that it contributed significantly to fiscal growth, thereby generating revenue that supported various government initiatives and services.

She said a country like Malta which did not have minerals had significantly managed to earn a decent economic upkeep through revenues generated from gambling.

For her part, Chairperson of the Responsible Gambling Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee, Ms Lerato Mphusu said they have witnessed a remarkable turnaround with 77 per cent of people developing a positive attitude toward licensed gambling as a safe form of entertainment when done in moderation and responsibly, with the intention not to make money but to pass time.

Through this, Ms Mphusu said they learnt that Batswana were ready for gambling and that with the right support and regulatory framework, the industry could also create employment and contribute positively to the economy.

She said responsible gambling public education campaigns in 100 villages served as testament to the power of education and community engagement in promoting responsible gambling practices and fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

Member of Parliament for Thamaga-Kumakwane Mr Palelo Motaosane said in diversifying the economy, Gambling Authority introduced licenses ranging from Lottery, Bingo, and Limited Payout Machines which would not only generate revenues, but create employment opportunities for the majority. He said the new licenses would create about 2 800 direct jobs and more could be anticipated given the value chain creation emanating from the development.

He urged residents of Thamaga to take heed of the GA deliberations which promoted safe and responsible gaming, adding that the campaign resonated with mindset change movement as it demonstrated how pivotal gambling industry was to the economy.

Mr Mataosane reiterated the worrisome 5 per cent prevalence of illegal and irresponsible gaming, which he dubbed a great concern given its myriad of challenges.ENDS