Botswana Gambling Authority Responds to Player Complaints Over Technical Issues

The Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA) has engaged independent experts after a surge of complaints from players about technical glitches on licensed betting platforms since the regulated market launched in March 2025.

Bettors have reported repeated problems, including failures when placing bets, difficulties withdrawing funds, and site downtime with messages such as “We’ll be right back.” Screenshots and reports from users circulated widely on social media, prompting public criticism of the regulator.

In its statement, the BGA confirmed that it is “aware of player concerns and actively engaging with all parties to ensure the issues are resolved in a fair and transparent manner.” The authority said independent experts are reviewing the platforms to identify root causes and recommend corrective action.

The regulator stressed that protecting players and maintaining fairness are its top priorities. However, some bettors criticized the BGA for not naming specific platforms involved, with Betway frequently mentioned in player complaints.

Earlier this year, in April, a blackout on several licensed betting sites left users without access, further damaging confidence in the market.

Industry observers warn that if technical failures persist, bettors could turn to unregulated operators, undermining both the credibility of the regulated system and its contribution to tax revenues.