Botswana Wins Africa Responsible Gaming Leadership Award

Botswana Wins Africa Responsible Gaming Leadership Award. Botswana’s Gambling Authority (GA) has secured the prestigious Africa Responsible Gaming Leadership Award at the Africa Gaming Conference (AGE), recognizing the country’s outstanding efforts in promoting responsible gaming practices.

The award highlights the GA’s commitment to safeguarding players and communities, with Acting CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale credited for driving several impactful initiatives. Among these are the “Motshameko o Phepa” campaign, the 500 sites campaign, and the launch of a self-help portal designed to support individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Key initiatives under the GA’s responsible gaming strategy include:

• A 24-hour toll-free helpline offering guidance and support.
• Self and third-party exclusions to help individuals manage gaming habits.
• The 500 sites campaign, targeting high-risk gaming areas.
• Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects, such as sponsoring 11 University of Botswana students to pursue Master’s and PhD studies.

These efforts have already shown measurable impact. According to the GA, the prevalence of problem gaming has dropped from 5 percent in 2020 to 3.5 percent in 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of its interventions.

The recognition positions Botswana as a leader in responsible gaming across Africa, reinforcing the importance of balancing industry growth with social responsibility. The country’s gambling sector continues to generate significant revenue and create employment opportunities, while ensuring that player protection remains central to its operations.

Kemorwale emphasized that the award is both a milestone and a motivation to continue strengthening responsible gaming frameworks. “Our initiatives are about protecting communities and ensuring that gaming remains safe, fair, and sustainable,” he said.

The GA’s victory at AGE reflects Botswana’s broader commitment to responsible industry practices, setting a benchmark for other regulators across the continent.