The Botswana Gambling Authority has expressed confidence that the National Lottery will become operational before the end of this year. The announcement follows months of uncertainty within Botswana’s gambling sector after last year’s licence cancellation. Officials believe the lottery could restore funding streams for sports, arts, and charitable programmes nationwide.
Gambling Authority restarts lottery process
Acting Chief Executive Officer Moruntshi Kemorwale told the Parliamentary Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises that the process is underway. Kemorwale said the authority has initiated steps to establish the National Lottery and facilitate operations.
The Botswana Gambling Authority has reportedly restarted negotiations with a local consortium identified as the preferred bidder. The consortium is being considered for a 10-year licence to operate the National Lottery. According to Kemorwale, the process could take approximately three months before a formal contract is finalised.
Previous licence cancellation created uncertainty
Last year, Botswana’s Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship cancelled the country’s first-ever lottery licence. The licence had initially been awarded to Ithuba Botswana.
At the time, the Gambling Authority told Ithuba Botswana that the ministry had decided not to proceed with the lottery. From the beginning, legal disputes arose over the project, especially over the selection of the preferred bidder. The move created uncertainty across the Botswana gambling industry and delayed the launch of lottery operations.
Lottery fund expected to support key sectors
Kemorwale said the absence of the National Lottery has disrupted funding generation through the National Lottery Fund. Without an active lottery, the fund cannot generate resources for public initiatives and sponsorship programmes. He stated that sports and arts activities have already been affected by the delays.
The Gambling Authority regulates all legitimate betting, gaming, and future lottery activities in Botswana. Its mandate is to ensure licensing transparency and administer the National Lottery Distribution Fund. The fund is to be used for charities, sports development and arts programmes across the country.
Market outlook and regulatory updates
To place these developments in context, Botswana’s gambling industry is not only moving toward relaunching the National Lottery project but is also experiencing strong revenue growth that is reshaping regulatory priorities and long-term market planning.
According to previous SiGMA News reports, gross gambling revenue is projected to exceed BWP 1 billion ($73.87 million) by March 2026, as demand continues across betting platforms. Regulators have attributed this growth to increased online participation and greater digital access nationwide. The Gambling Authority also emphasised the need to accompany rising revenue with stricter oversight in order to support sustainable industry development and consumer protection.
Illegal betting and problem gambling remain concerns
Kemorwale also raised concerns about problem gambling and the rise of illegal betting activities. He said the authority hopes to reduce problem gambling levels to as low as 2 per cent.
Illegal betting has reportedly affected young people, including minors. Most illegal operators reportedly use online platforms that attract large audiences across the country.
Kemorwale said the authority has mechanisms in place to address the issue nationwide. He added that the regulator is working closely with private-sector stakeholders and recognised counsellors. Botswana’s renewed push for a lottery reflects broader efforts to balance gambling revenue generation with stronger consumer protection measures.
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