positive response to it as the beginning of a new age in betting, which will significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth. Te industry will also offer new channels for economic participation and position the organisation at the forefront of the African betting landscape he said. Gambling policy is also being shaped by the government’s


wider economic policies. Speaking at the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) conference that was hosted in Ga- borone in 2023, Kesitilwe said: “Tis industry is evolving. Te review of this policy is to ensure that we don’t need to re-amend regulations as and when new forms of gambling are embraced.”


NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF GAMBLING IN BOTSWANA Kesitilwe also highlighted education as a key issue as perceptions of gambling are extremely negative. In March 2022 a study commissioned by the Gambling Authority revealed that Batswana tend to avoid and generally have a negative perception of


gambling. Te study suggested that this sentiment may stem from a lack of understanding of what casino gambling entails. Indeed the stigma is so great that it extends to some financial institutions who do not want finance gambling related services – not even the Gambling Authority “Te stigma is just so bad that we wanted to get financing for


the property where we housed the head office of the Gambling Authority, but none of the financial institutions wanted to assist,” said Kesitilwe. “Tey wanted a government guarantee, which we gave them. But the issue was the word ‘gambling.’ So we are also amending the Act to be called Gaming Authority,’ he said. Many Batswana believe that gambling is a form of exploitation


and manipulation. Tis stigma had led to an increase in gambling related problems as people refuse to get help the study found. As a result the board launched a public awareness campaign aimed at de stigmatising gambling and help combat illegal gambling.


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