Botswana Gambling Authority Embark on Problem Gambling Research

The Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA) is imploring the service of local consultancy firm 5 AM Consultancy, the tender to research the prevalence of problem gambling on behalf of the Botswana gambling authority.

The field workers from 5 AM will visit designated homesteads in a one-on-one interview subjects study. According to the authority report, the official page read the field workers will follow all covid-19 protocols. They will keep the contact time minimal (with social distancing maintained, face shield, and face mask worn). “We appeal to communities to corporate with our teams during this study, and field workers will be identifiable by Gambling Authority branded t-shirt, as well as ID’s and if in doubt, members of the community are requested to contact Omphile Tihaolang to confirm the authenticity of the interviewers.

The collection of data as part of the research project to establish the prevalence of problem gaming in Botswana and transforming Botswana economy through safe gaming, the BGA as attributed this project towards educating the general public about the authority mandate, economic opportunities being yielded by the new gambling industry, as well as cautioning the people against the consequence of excessive and unlicensed gambling activities. Meanwhile, this program has been an ongoing project of the BGA in the last couple of years through the previous year’s health crisis forced the authority to postpone the week-long program. The 2019 program was held at GICC in Botswana. The goal of the program by 2036, according to the management, the agency’s role and existence in the new national transformation agenda is to facilitate the gaming industry’s growth effectively. They exist to transform the country’s economy through safe gaming.

In contrast, the Botswana gambling industry is one of the recent countries in Africa to regulate and grant approval by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and industry to issue national lottery licenses and casino licenses. In Maun, Kasane, Palapye, and Gaborone simultaneously sport betting and bingo. While part of the Gambling Authority’s vision in the distant future, they look to develop locally grown iGaming industry, locally grown horse race industry, and manufacturing value chain and support the development of a diversified gambling industry entrepreneurship in the country. Further to achieve this goal, the (BGA) has partnered with Botswana innovation hub to stimulate local developers’ interest to venture into iGaming development initiatives even though the gambling authority opened its doors in 2016 and was established to replace the now-defunct Casino Control Board. As mentioned earlier, the board mandate is driven by Vision 2036’s target of transforming Botswana into a high-income economy 20 years from now.

In contrast, in Botswana, a landlocked country situated in Southern Africa, gambling is generally legal, well-regulated, and a functioning gambling board that permits all the most common gambling forms, as said earlier. Online casinos and SMS are allowed in Botswana, provided operators apply for and receive proper licensing under the Gambling Act. However, it is interesting to know that Botswana is one of the hotspots for tourists’ attractions in Africa, rich in culture, a paradise for travelers who want to experience an African safari’s true essence. From exciting activities to an unforgettable experience, Botswana has it all, from the gambling sector to wildlife experience.

Adeleye Awakan

Author E-play Africa, sports betting reviews, thoughtful leardership articles in Africa gambling industry, marketing gaming platforms in Africa with strong networking relationship with gaming operators in Africa, Expertise in PR, marketing communication, and consultant on gaming in Africa.