Botswana’s “Motshameko O Phepha” Responsible Gambling Campaign Goes Nationwide

Gambling Authority of Botswana (GAB) has expanded its flagship responsible gambling initiative “Motshameko O Phepha” across Botswana, aiming to reach 500 sites nationwide and raise awareness of gambling harm in communities large and small.

Launched in September 2025 in Francistown by Tiroeaone Kealeboga Ntsima, Minister of Trade & Entrepreneurship, the campaign promotes safe and sustainable gambling practices and underlines the social responsibility of the industry. According to the latest update, the roadshow leg running from 27 October to 1 November will visit towns including Chadibe, Shakawe, Tloaneng, Mokobeng, Xamasere, Mogonye, Tewane, Sepopa, Pilane, Mogome, Ikoga, Bokaa, Etsha 13, Malolwane, Palapye, Etsha 6 and Sikwane.

Key features of the campaign include community activation at local kgotla / shops venues (10:00 – 20:00), a 24-hour toll-free helpline and digital counselling platforms designed to reach vulnerable groups such as youth and women. Minister Ntsima stressed that in Botswana a recent prevalence survey found that 13% of gamblers are at risk of problem gambling and 3.4% already experience problem gambling — and that nearly one in five young people aged 18-24 are at risk.

Aligning with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and international ESG principles, the campaign aims not only to support operator compliance but also to embed governance, inclusion and sustainability in the gambling industry. The GAB says the campaign reflects its commitment “to ensure gambling contributes to national development while safeguarding citizens’ well-being”.

Industry stakeholders say the expansion is a positive signal, but emphasise that sustainable impact will depend on follow-through: monitoring of operator behaviour, effective referral systems and data-driven evaluation of outcomes will determine whether the campaign moves beyond awareness to tangible harm reduction.