BFL CEO Warns That Botswana Entered Betting Market Too Quickly

BFL CEO Warns That Botswana Entered Betting Market Too Quickly. Botswana Football League (BFL) Chief Executive Officer, Billy Sekgororoane, has raised concerns that the country’s betting industry was introduced without adequate consultation or preparation, creating challenges for both football and society at large.

Speaking at a media briefing in Gaborone, Sekgororoane stated that the rapid licensing of betting companies occurred before essential structures and education frameworks were in place. He noted that while the industry has grown quickly, its expansion has outpaced the country’s capacity to manage it effectively.

“The introduction of betting came too fast,” he said, adding that Botswana now faces regulatory and ethical gaps that could have been prevented through better planning. According to Sekgororoane, there was little to no sensitisation for players, referees, and the public about the potential risks linked to gambling, such as match-fixing, addiction, and conflicts of interest.

The CEO also revealed that both the Botswana Football League (BFL) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) currently lack specific local regulations on betting. Instead, they rely on Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA frameworks to manage betting-related issues within the sport.

Sekgororoane said the BFL is now working to develop its own policies and a code of conduct for players, referees, and officials. This includes initiatives to promote awareness and responsible behaviour around betting and to protect the integrity of Botswana’s football industry.

His remarks come at a time when betting continues to expand across Africa, raising important discussions about regulation, transparency, and ethics in sport. For Botswana’s business and sports sectors, the call highlights the urgent need for stronger governance as the betting market evolves.