TLDR
- Botswana’s Gambling Authority projects P108 million (~$7.9M) in operating revenue for 2025/26
- The regulator aims to cut government funding by 50%, from $2.2M to $1.1M
- Revenue has grown from $215,000 in 2021/22 to $1.8M in 2024/25
- Casinos and bookmakers created over 400 jobs by early 2026
- Gross gambling revenue is on track to exceed $73M by March 2026
Botswana’s Gambling Authority is forecasting operating revenue of P108 million, roughly $7.9 million, for the 2025/26 financial year. The projection was presented to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises.
The regulator says the growth reflects a maturing, regulated gambling market that is reducing the need for government support.
Acting CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale told the committee the Authority has built its revenue base through licensing fees, monitoring charges, promotional competitions, and other regulatory income since it was established.
Revenue figures show sharp growth. Income rose from P2.94 million ($215,000) in 2021/22 to P24 million ($1.8 million) in 2024/25. The latest forecast of P108 million marks a major jump from those earlier numbers.
Push for Financial Independence
A key goal for the Authority is reducing its reliance on government subvention. Kemorwale said the regulator is working with its Board to cut that funding by half, from P30 million ($2.2 million) to P15 million ($1.1 million), as quickly as possible.
Chief finance officer Tshepang Magang said new licence categories and supervisory fees are helping support the self-sustainability model. The Authority expects to be fully self-sustaining by 2028.
Jobs and Industry Growth
The gambling sector is also having a measurable effect on employment. By the start of 2026, casinos and newly licensed bookmakers had created more than 400 jobs combined.
Officials expect that number to grow as betting and gaming operations continue to expand across the country.
On the revenue side, gross gambling revenue was on track to pass P1 billion ($73 million) by March 2026. That follows the sector already crossing P700 million ($51 million) at the end of 2025.
The Authority has kept responsible gambling on its agenda alongside the growth numbers. Kemorwale described a strategy to curb excessive gambling, backed by public education campaigns and partnerships.
Illegal activity remains a concern. Officials flagged coin spins, card games, and horse betting as areas still requiring close monitoring and enforcement action.
The regulator’s path toward financial independence, combined with a growing jobs base and rising gross revenue, marks a shift for the sector in Botswana.
