Sports betting in Botswana is legal under the Gambling Act of 2012 and is overseen by the Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA). Licensed bookmakers may accept bets on sports events only after obtaining the proper betting licence and adhering to the Authority’s regulatory framework (1).
To qualify for a betting licence, operators must meet stringent requirements including demonstrating financial probity, providing secure technical infrastructure, and committing to responsible gambling measures. The BGA evaluates each application based on these criteria to ensure fair and transparent operations (1).
"Betting means making or accepting a bet on the outcome of a race, competition or other event of any description; the likelihood of anything occurring or not occurring; or whether anything is or is not true."
In addition to licensing, the BGA enforces an 18-year minimum age requirement and anti-money laundering protocols. Despite this regulated environment, the Authority has reported hundreds of thousands of Batswana engaging in illegal online betting each month, prompting stepped-up enforcement and public education efforts (2).
Overall, sports betting in Botswana is legally permitted when conducted by BGA-licensed operators. The Authority continues to refine its licensing regime and enforcement actions to protect consumers, uphold industry integrity, and support national development goals (1)(2).
Source:
https://gamblingauthority.co.bw/
https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/77537
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
