Botswana

Botswana regulates gambling through the Gambling Authority under the Gambling Authority Act (Cap. 19:03). The Authority began licensing bookmakers and totalisator operators in 2023, including online betting with its approval, and runs the National Responsible Gambling Programme.

Which Betting Sites Are Licensed in Botswana?

Betway Botswana, at betway.co.bw, is promoted by Delta Bay (Pty) Ltd and licensed and regulated by the Gambling Authority. Sunbet launched online sports betting in Botswana in February 2025. The Authority estimates that illegal online gambling takes about P850 million a year out of the country, so check that a site is licensed in Botswana before you deposit.

Will the Betting Age Drop to 18?

On 13 August 2026 the National Assembly passed the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 15 of 2026), which replaces the age of 21 with 18. The bill also tightens fit-and-proper checks, requires the Authority's approval for anyone acquiring a stake of 5% or more in a licensee, and links gambling machines to a monitoring system. It takes effect on a date the minister sets in the Government Gazette, so until then the minimum age stays at 21.

What Does the Gambling Authority Expect From Operators?

In January 2026 the Authority said it would enforce licence conditions more strictly after complaints about betting platforms crashing at peak times and paying out late. Licensed operators must meet technical standards, handle disputes properly and pay winnings on time, or face fines or the loss of their licence.