Botswana Gambling Authority seeks investors ahead of new bingo and casino licensing phase

Botswana’s Gambling Authority has launched an Expression of Interest for proposed bingo and casino developments, seeking experienced investors as it prepares the next stage of its strategic licensing programme.

Botswana’s Gambling Authority has invited potential investors to express interest in developing and operating new bingo and casino establishments as the regulator moves toward the next phase of its licensing strategy. The Expression of Interest (EOI) is intended to measure market demand and identify businesses with the financial, technical and operational capacity to invest in the sector.

For casino developments, the Authority has identified potential locations in the Central District, Maun and the Kasane/Pandamatenga area. Bingo opportunities cover a considerably wider geographic footprint, including the Central, Kweneng, Kgatleng, North-East, South-East, Southern, Kgalagadi, Ghanzi, North-West and Chobe districts.

Interested companies are being asked to provide details about their ownership and corporate structures as well as their experience in sectors including gambling, hospitality, tourism, leisure and property development. The regulator also wants investors to describe their proposed development concepts, preferred locations, indicative investment levels, financing arrangements and expected implementation schedules.

Financial and technical capacity will form an important part of the assessment. Botswana’s existing licensing framework requires prospective gambling operators to demonstrate integrity, relevant experience and sufficient financial resources to establish and operate facilities to an appropriate standard. Casino applicants are also expected to show that proposed premises meet standards relating to amenity, appearance and comfort.

The Authority is placing particular emphasis on the wider economic impact of potential projects. EOI participants are being asked to outline expected employment creation and opportunities for Botswana citizen participation, including possible local shareholding, representation at board and management level and jobs for citizens.

However, the regulator has stressed that submitting an EOI does not constitute a licence application and does not guarantee that an investor will be allowed to participate in a future licensing process. It also creates no entitlement or expectation that a casino or bingo licence will ultimately be awarded. Information gathered through the exercise will instead help the Authority shape future licence specifications, regulatory planning and any subsequent Request for Applications.

Under Botswana’s Gambling Act 2012, the Authority is empowered to issue both casino and bingo licences and determine where gambling establishments may operate. Its stated strategic objective is to diversify the regulated gambling industry while supporting economic development and responsible gambling.

Interested investors have until 3:00pm on October 16, 2026 to submit their EOI and supporting documents electronically. The Authority retains the right to amend, suspend or withdraw the process.

The initiative signals that Botswana is moving from market planning toward a more concrete assessment of new casino and bingo investment. The immediate outcome will not be the award of licences, but the responses received could determine the scale, locations and requirements of the country’s next formal licensing round.