Botswana
Botswana gambling licensing: established categories and remote betting checks
The Gambling Authority administers licensing under the Gambling Act, 2012, Cap. 19:03, with applications initiated through published invitations. Official sources confirm established gambling licence categories, but a current general remote casino or online sports betting licensing route was not verified.
Lottery · Land-based casino · Land-based betting
Last reviewed: 2 November 2026
Regulator
Gambling AuthorityCompany & local presence
For establishment applications, the Authority’s section 37 guidance requires adequate security of tenure over the whole premises and management of the facilities. A universal incorporation or local-office rule for online operators was not verified; ask for the applicable Request for Application (RFA).
Ownership requirements
The Authority assesses the integrity of applicants and company directors. Its licensing unit also reviews changes of shareholders and acquisitions of shares; no universal citizen-equity percentage was verified in the reviewed guidance.
Required documents
The RFA specifies requirements and permitted locations. The Authority’s application guidance identifies premises tenure, management arrangements, relevant knowledge and experience, financial resources and casino plans/specifications as matters assessed under section 37.
Financial requirements
Fees
The official 2024 amendment replaces regulations 108 and 109 and amends fee schedules; it provides for licence levies and service fees based on gross gambling revenue. Obtain the consolidated schedule and applicable licence classification before budgeting. Confirm the current amount with the regulator.
Capital
Section 37 guidance requires adequate financial means to establish and operate the gambling establishment to a high standard. A fixed capital minimum for the proposed activity was not verified. Confirm the current amount with the regulator.
Guarantees / bonds
No generally applicable bank-guarantee or security-deposit amount was verified from the reviewed official guidance. Request the requirements for the specific licence and RFA. Confirm the current amount with the regulator.
Application process
The Authority initiates licensing by publishing an invitation in the Gazette or another form. Applicants follow the RFA, after which the licensing unit reviews submissions and determines suitability before making recommendations.
Seek written confirmation of the legal basis and permitted distribution channels for any online proposal; a land-based licence category alone does not verify remote permission.
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Timelines
Application deadlines and licence locations are invitation-specific. No currently open general remote application window or standard approval turnaround was verified; confirm the live RFA and evaluation schedule with licensing@gamblingauthority.co.bw.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; always confirm with the regulator or speak to our team.