Namibia Acts on Growing Gambling Risks
Namibia is taking firm steps to address rising concerns about problem gambling, especially among unemployed youth and underage players. With mobile and online betting expanding fast, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is enforcing stricter controls under the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2021.
The law allows the Gambling Board to ban individuals showing signs of addiction, based on reports from family or community members. It also provides funding for treatment and rehabilitation programs to support those affected by gambling-related harm.
Tougher Compliance and Community Oversight
To ensure tighter control, all licensed gambling venues must now display visible warnings, distribute responsible gambling literature, and enforce stricter ID verification, especially on digital platforms. Online operators are expected to implement real-time KYC verification, including facial recognition and location tracking, before account activation.
Penalties for non-compliance are stiff: any operator found enabling underage gambling faces fines of up to N$20,000 or two years of imprisonment.
Simultaneously, over 280 illegal operators have been identified and shut down since 2021. Public awareness campaigns are being rolled out to educate citizens on the risks of unregulated gambling and how to report suspicious activity.
Namibia Sets a Responsible Gaming Precedent in Africa
Namibia’s actions reflect a forward-thinking regulatory model where public welfare and industry integrity are not mutually exclusive. By integrating strong compliance, tech-driven oversight, and community involvement, the country is positioning itself as a leader in responsible gambling governance.
As Africa’s gaming markets expand, Namibia’s approach offers a sustainable roadmap: regulation with compassion, enforcement with precision, and growth without compromise.
