Botswana Prioritises Local Investors Ahead of Casino Licensing Expansion

Botswana’s Gambling Authority is preparing to expand the country’s casino and bingo industry, placing particular emphasis on local ownership, investment capacity and job creation ahead of future licensing procedures.

Botswana is moving towards a new phase of gambling industry development, with the Gambling Authority prioritising citizen participation in upcoming casino and bingo projects. The regulator is currently assessing whether local investors have the financial resources and technical expertise required to establish and operate new gambling facilities.

The initiative follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) launched on September 1, 2026, inviting prospective investors to present development proposals. The submission deadline is October 16 at 15:00 local time.

According to Linnet Mafukidze, Acting Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs at the Gambling Authority, the process aims to evaluate the readiness of Botswana citizens to participate in the industry before formal licensing begins.

The regulator is considering new casino developments in the Central District, Maun and Kasane/Pandamatenga, while bingo opportunities cover several districts across the country, including Kweneng, Kgatleng, Southern and North-West.

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, relevant industry experience, technical capabilities and potential economic benefits, particularly employment opportunities for local citizens.

Investors lacking sufficient resources or expertise may establish joint ventures with other partners. However, the regulator has emphasised the importance of maintaining majority citizen ownership in qualifying partnerships.

The Authority clarified that the current EOI is not a licence application and does not guarantee participation in future licensing rounds. Instead, the information collected will help determine market demand and shape subsequent regulatory requirements.

By encouraging local investment and partnerships, Botswana aims to ensure that future gambling industry expansion generates broader economic benefits. The initiative could create new opportunities for domestic businesses while attracting international expertise and capital under a framework focused on citizen participation.