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The Botswana Gambling Authority used the opening day of the Botswana Economic Forum 2025 to highlight the role a regulated gambling sector could play in shaping the country’s economic future.
Held on 18 November at the Gaborone International Conference Centre, the forum set the stage for wider discussions on diversification, investment, and long-term national planning.
Regulated gambling presented as a rising economic opportunity
The acting CEO pointed to the potential of a sector that remains largely untapped within Botswana.
Addressing delegates, acting CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale described how a structured gambling industry could support employment, tax contributions, and new revenue pathways. He noted that licensed casinos, betting houses, and digital gaming platforms could each contribute to Botswana’s goal of building a more diverse economy.
Kemorwale referenced the global outlook to illustrate the scale of opportunity. With the international gaming industry expected to reach 188 billion dollars this year, he said Botswana should work to position itself where investment and regulated growth can take hold.
Call for investors to engage with licensed opportunities
Local businesses were encouraged to take part in a developing sector.
Kemorwale urged Botswana-based investors to explore licences for limited payout machines, SMS competitions, and virtual digital games, describing these verticals as accessible entry points for building sustainable businesses within a regulated framework.
He emphasised that domestic participation forms an important part of the market’s future direction, as locally rooted companies can contribute to both sector development and broader national objectives.
Responsible growth remains a central priority for the Authority
Regulation is positioned as the foundation for long-term sector credibility.
Alongside the discussion on economic potential, Kemorwale stressed that the Authority’s work continues to place strong weight on safeguarding and responsible gaming. Licensing, supervision, and compliance processes are designed to ensure that expansion aligns with international expectations and protects players as the market evolves.
He noted that opportunities within the sector must be pursued with an understanding of the regulatory framework. This includes a commitment to oversight, consumer protection, and operational accountability.
Forum gathers an international audience for national planning
More than 20 countries participated in discussions that will shape future policy directions.
The Botswana Economic Forum brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry specialists from over 20 countries. Sessions throughout the day explored the country’s ambition to strengthen economic resilience and align development initiatives with Vision 2036.
For the gambling sector, the forum signalled that regulators view the industry as part of Botswana’s wider growth narrative, provided investment is paired with responsible development and consistent oversight.
As Botswana looks to attract new participants into its licensed gambling market, how will investors respond to a sector that sits at the intersection of economic opportunity and regulated expansion?
Source: Focus Gaming News
