Botswana Gambling Authority Projects $7.9m Revenue As Sector Continues to Grow

Botswana’s Gambling Authority is forecasting operating revenue of P108 million, equal to about US$7.9 million, for the 2025/26 financial year as it continues to push for financial independence.

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The regulator presented the projection to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises, highlighting how growth in the country’s regulated gambling market is helping reduce reliance on government funding. 

Acting chief executive officer Moruntshi Kemorwale explained that since its establishment, the Authority has steadily expanded its revenue base through licensing fees, monitoring charges, promotional competitions, and other regulatory income streams. 

Kemorwale noted that the Authority is working with its Board to cut government subvention by half, from P30 million (US$2.2 million) to P15 million (US$1.1 million), in the shortest time possible. 

“Currently, we are engaging the Board to reduce government subvention by 50 per cent, from P30m (US$2.2m) to P15m (US$1.1m), in the shortest time,” he said. The Authority’s revenue growth has been sharp, rising from P2.94 million (US$215,000) in 2021/22 to P24 million (US$1.8 million) in 2024/25, with the latest forecast showing a significant leap to P108 million. 

Chief finance officer Tshepang Magang added that new licence categories and supervisory fees are supporting the self‑sustainability model, and the Authority expects to become “fully self‑sustaining by 2028.”

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Casinos create over 400 jobs in a year

Botswana’s gambling industry is showing its impact not only in revenue but also in employment. By the start of 2026, the Gambling Authority reported that casinos together with newly licensed bookmakers had created more than 400 jobs. 

With betting and gaming operations still expanding, the regulator expects that number to rise further. This job growth came as gross gambling revenue was on track to pass P1 billion (US$73 million) by March 2026, after already crossing P700 million (US$51 million) at the end of 2025. 

While celebrating these gains, the Authority has also kept its focus on responsible gambling. Kemorwale explained that a strategy is in place to curb excessive play, supported by public education campaigns and partnerships. 

At the same time, officials pointed to illegal activities such as coin spins, card games, and horse betting as areas that still demand close monitoring and enforcement.

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Source: Focus Gaming News