Gambling framework to be reviewed

Botswana’s Gambling Authority is reviewing the Gambling Policy to ensure that its regulatory framework aligns with global best practices, especially in the context of digital gambling and cross border enforcement, reports Mmegionline. The Gambling Act is also being amended to explicitly address anti money- laundering and to counter financing of terrorism, while revising the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 in line with global norms. ‘This change will allow companies to legally enrol more customers who would otherwise migrate to unregulated platforms,’ the authority’s CEO, Peter Kesitilwe said. In March, of the country’s betting population estimated at 550 000, only 40% or about 220 000 used licensed operators, highlighting the continued issue of illegal betting platforms. Since early this year, when the Gambling Authority moved to license several online sports betting players, the country has seen a huge uptake of gambling activities, particularly among younger people. For the Gambling Authority, which is monitoring the trends, the concern is around the illegal betting platforms.

Full Mmegionline report