Botswana takes responsible gambling campaign to Kokotsha Derby
The Botswana Gambling Authority has expanded its responsible gambling campaign to the 2026 Kokotsha July Derby in the Kgalagadi District, where it urged racegoers to gamble only with licensed operators and avoid viewing betting as a source of income.
In a social media update published on 20 July, the Authority announced its participation in the annual event organised by the Kokotsha Community Horse Racing Association at the Resting Place Grounds in the Kgalagadi District. The derby attracted horse racing enthusiasts from Kokotsha and neighbouring villages, bringing together riders, spectators and members of the local community.
Regulator promotes responsible gambling
During the event, Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs Linnet Mafukidze urged members of the public to gamble responsibly and to participate only in licensed and legal gambling activities.
Mafukidze encouraged attendees to treat gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income and to gamble within their means without chasing losses. The Authority said responsible gambling helps minimise the social and financial harms associated with excessive gambling.
Consumers were encouraged to confirm that gambling operators are licensed by the Botswana Gambling Authority before placing bets. According to the Authority, licensed operators must comply with regulatory standards designed to protect consumers and ensure fair gambling practices.
According to the regulator, participating in community events provides an opportunity to engage directly with the public, reinforce responsible betting messages and increase awareness of the importance of using licensed gambling services.
In a separate social media statement issued during the event, the Authority said the Kokotsha Derby had drawn large crowds from surrounding villages, creating an opportunity to connect with horse racing enthusiasts while promoting legal gambling. The regulator reiterated its message that members of the public should participate only in licensed and legal gambling activities.
The event also received recognition from Botswana’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Hon. Ramaotwana, who commended the community for organising the initiative.
Community event continues to grow
According to the organisers, the Kokotsha July Derby has grown beyond a horse racing competition to become a major community event, promoting local talent while attracting horse owners, breeders, traders and visitors from across the region.
The growing popularity of the event has also prompted organisers to introduce improvements to racing operations. Earlier this year, the Kokotsha Community Horse Racing Association introduced professional starting gates with the aim of improving both the safety of participants and the fairness of races.
The Authority said its participation in the Kokotsha July Derby formed part of its efforts to engage directly with the public on responsible gambling and the importance of using licensed gambling services.
Consumer protection remains a regulatory priority
The Authority said it uses community events to engage directly with the public on responsible gambling and encourage participation in licensed gambling activities.
The Authority encouraged the public to verify that gambling operators are licensed before placing bets, noting that licensed operators are required to comply with regulatory standards designed to protect consumers and ensure fair gambling practices.
According to the Authority, taking part in community events allows it to engage directly with the public and promote responsible gambling alongside the use of licensed gambling services.
Leadership changes strengthen the Authority
The outreach campaign comes shortly after Botswana’s Gambling Authority strengthened its executive leadership with a series of senior appointments.
Earlier this month, the Authority appointed Moruntshi Kemorwale as its substantive Chief Executive Officer after he spent nearly a year serving in the position on an acting basis. The appointment was approved by the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Hon. Tiroeaone Ntsima, placing one of the regulator’s longest-serving executives at the head of the organisation as it continues overseeing Botswana’s regulated gambling market.
Kemorwale joined the Gambling Authority in 2016 and has held several senior positions, including Chief of Staff and Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs, where he oversaw responsible gambling initiatives, stakeholder engagement and strategic implementation. His experience in the Authority’s responsible gambling portfolio aligns with the regulator’s continued focus on consumer awareness and public engagement.
The regulator has also strengthened its executive team with the appointment of Tshepang Magang as Chief Financial Officer. Magang brings more than 15 years of experience in finance, auditing and corporate governance and previously held several senior finance positions within the Authority, including Acting Chief Financial Officer. Her appointment forms part of the Board’s efforts to reinforce the organisation’s financial sustainability, governance and long-term institutional capacity as it continues regulating Botswana’s gambling sector.
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