Rapid growth in online betting and mobile platforms drives market expansion, while authorities emphasise responsible gambling measures
Botswana’s gambling industry is poised to reach a historic milestone, with gross gambling revenue (GGR) projected to exceed P1 billion (€64.3 million) by the end of March 2026, according to the Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA). This projection reflects consistent industry growth over the past several years and highlights the increasing significance of digital betting platforms in the local market.
Speaking at a media briefing in Gaborone on 15 January, Acting CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale noted that the industry has grown more than fourfold since 2024, when Botswana recorded GGR of P234 million (€18 million). By December 2025, revenue had already surpassed P700 million (€55 million), positioning the sector to comfortably exceed the P1 billion target in the current financial year. “We expect gambling revenue to exceed the P1 bn target by March this year. This is driven by growing adoption of betting in the country,” Kemorwale said. He clarified that GGR represents funds wagered that players did not win back, underscoring the economic significance of the industry for the state.
The rise of mobile and online betting platforms has been a major factor behind this growth. Increased smartphone penetration, combined with digital innovation in wagering services, has allowed more participants to access gambling products conveniently. The number of active bettors is also expanding, with projections suggesting that registered players could rise from just over 500,000 to more than 700,000 by March 2026.
Policymakers have highlighted the broader economic potential of the sector. Speaking at an event in Francistown, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Tiroeaone Ntsima emphasised that, globally, gambling generates over US$500 billion in gross revenue annually. He noted that Botswana’s gambling sector, while comparatively smaller, is on a strong upward trajectory and has the potential to support job creation, attract investment, and contribute to public revenue.
Alongside revenue growth, authorities are prioritising responsible gambling. Kemorwale highlighted the success of the National Responsible Gambling Programme, which has reduced the incidence of problem gambling from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025. Another initiative, Motshameko o Phepha, has already targeted 173 out of 500 sites in just over two months, further reinforcing public safety and compliance standards.
As Botswana approaches the P1 billion GGR milestone, officials underscore the need to balance growth with regulation, ensuring that expansion in online and mobile betting does not compromise player welfare or public trust. The country’s gambling sector is increasingly positioning itself as a model for responsible, technology-driven market development in Southern Africa.
