05 Aug 2026

Francistown South MP and Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, has called for the establishment of a rehabilitation facility to help break cycles of gambling addiction in Botswana.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday during debate on the Gambling Amendment Bill, Mr Mmolotsi said many countries already run such facilities to help people stop compulsive betting, recover, and rebuild their lives.

The bill was presented by Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima, and  seeks to amend the Gambling Authority Act to align Botswana with international standards.

Mr Mmolotsi said stronger monitoring systems were also needed to oversee gambling activities. He noted that in some countries, systems track the time spent gambling, every bet placed and how games were played, which helped curb addiction.

“In other countries, such systems detect the time taken, every bet placed, how is the game played and thus help to curb addiction,” he said.  

He added that the Gambling Authority should be modernised and that responsible gambling programmes should be expanded.

Mr Mmolotsi said adopting advanced technology would require robust player protection, strict anti-money laundering controls, and transparent digital oversight.

He welcomed the amendment, saying it would align the Gambling Authority with the Financial Intelligence Act and Financial Action Task Force standards. He recalled that Botswana was once grey-listed because existing laws did not do enough to stop illegal cash flows.

Moshupa/Manyana MP, Mr Karabo Gare, said the amendment was relevant because previous gaps had contributed to Botswana being blacklisted over money laundering concerns. He said responsible gambling was a global priority and Botswana must create a safer environment.

Mr Gare supported expanding the scope of the bill to cover new games that created opportunities for money laundering. However, he opposed the proposal to lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18. 

 “When a person is still 18, he or she cannot make informed decisions, hence they end up being addicted to the game,” he said.

Kgatleng Central MP, Mr Mpho Morolong, said public education was essential to promote responsible play and protect vulnerable groups, especially youth. 

 “Gambling should be taught as entertainment rather than a way to make money,” he said.  

Mr Morolong also called for counselling services and early identification systems to help at-risk players regain control.

Tlokweng MP, Mr Phenyo Segokgo, described the bill as important for economic growth. He said gaming facilities can create jobs and stimulate the economy.

“This is the right bill aimed to assist in job creation and revival of our economy, which is shaking at the moment,” Mr Segokgo said.  

He added that Botswana should consider adopting aspects of the American system where laws do not conflict with existing ones, and suggested exploring a 24-hour betting economy to liberalise the sector.

The Gambling Amendment Bill seeks to modernise regulation, strengthen oversight, and bring Botswana’s gambling laws in line with global anti-financial crime standards. ENDS