Botswana Confronts Rise in Problem Gambling: Minister Calls for Stronger Safeguards

Botswana Confronts Rise in Problem Gambling: Minister Calls for Stronger Safeguards. Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Hon. Tiroeaone Ntsima, has officially launched the National Report on the Prevalence of Excessive and Problem Gambling, revealing growing concerns about the social and economic impact of gambling in Botswana.

Speaking at the launch in Gaborone, Hon. Ntsima highlighted findings from the national study, which show that 36.6% of Batswana actively engage in gambling, with 6.7% exhibiting signs of excessive or problem gambling. The report also noted a 12% increase in illegal gambling activities and that over 20% of active gamblers are under the legal age of 21.

“The most vulnerable group is the youth aged 21 to 35,” the Minister noted, pointing to the potential long-term consequences for both individual wellbeing and national development.

To address the issue, Hon. Ntsima outlined several government-led interventions. These include tighter regulation of illegal and online gambling platforms, expanded public awareness campaigns, and broader access to support services such as counselling and rehabilitation.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurial community, the report offers both a warning and a call to action. Hon. Ntsima emphasized the need to promote economic alternatives, including entrepreneurship, job creation, and financial literacy, as part of a holistic response.

The Minister called on the public, industry players, and civil society to work with the Gambling Authority in creating a safer, more informed environment.