Botswana Gambling Authority Issues Tender for Nationwide Problem Gambling Study

Botswana’s Gambling Authority has launched a new tender for a nationwide study on excessive and problem gambling, as the regulator seeks stronger data to guide responsible gambling policy and licensing decisions.

Botswana’s Gambling Authority has issued a tender inviting citizen-owned companies to conduct a nationwide study on the prevalence of excessive and problem gambling in the country.

The tender, referenced GA 3/1/5-I 001/2026-2027, covers research on the prevalence of excessive and problem gambling in Botswana and is restricted to 100% Botswana citizen-owned companies. The bidding window closes on June 24, 2026 at 12:00.

Interested companies are required to pay a non-refundable fee of P1000 for the tender document, while youth-owned companies are eligible for a reduced fee of P500. After payment, bidders must submit their company details, including the company name, contact person and telephone number, to the procurement email address provided by the regulator in order to receive the tender documents.

The study is expected to give the Gambling Authority a clearer national picture of gambling behaviour, including participation levels, excessive gambling patterns and indicators of gambling-related harm. Although the full methodology has not been publicly detailed, such research usually examines gambling frequency, spending behaviour, platform use, risk factors and the effectiveness of existing player protection measures.

The tender comes as Botswana continues to strengthen its responsible gambling framework. The expansion of online betting and mobile access has made gambling more visible and easier to reach, creating new challenges for regulators that need to balance market development with consumer protection.

Findings from the study are expected to support evidence-based policy decisions. The results could help shape licensing conditions, responsible gambling standards, awareness campaigns, intervention programmes and future safeguards for vulnerable groups.

For Botswana’s gambling market, the tender marks an important step toward data-driven regulation. Rather than relying only on enforcement or general market assumptions, the regulator is seeking measurable evidence on how gambling affects consumers across the country.

This approach could give Botswana a stronger foundation for future gambling policy, especially as digital betting channels continue to grow. If the research is implemented effectively, it may help the Gambling Authority design more targeted protections while supporting a more transparent and sustainable regulated market.