Gambling has always been a popular activity in the southern African country of Botswana; however, the legal framework surrounding gambling has undergone many changes. This article discusses in detail the features of gambling laws for bookmakers, the evolution of the subject, the authorities regulating the activity, the types of bets permitted and prohibited, the cost of a license, and taxes, in the context of Botswana bookmakers and Botswana sports betting.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Background of Gambling Laws in Botswana
Early Legislation
- 1961: The Lotteries and Betting Act of was passed to regulate for gambling operations in Botswana. This act was the beginning of the regulation of gambling in the country.
- 1966: Botswana became an independent state and thus the new government started to develop the policies on the gambling itself.
- 1971: The Casino Act was enacted to provide a guideline on the legal casino gambling business in Botswana. This act was to be the cornerstone of the country’s formal approach to regulating gambling activities.
Modern Reforms
- 2011: The Ministry of Industry and Finance also released a statement pointing at the fact that currently adopted laws regulating gambling are rather archaic. Thus, the necessity of the comprehensive gambling legislation was identified.
- 2012: The Botswana Gambling Act was enacted replacing all the previous laws and regulating all forms of gambling. There is the Botswana Gambling Authority that regulates and supervises the operation of the industry.
- 2013: The new Gambling Act opened new gambling products in the country which include casinos, bingo, totalisators and pools, horse races, sports betting, national and charitable lotteries and non-casino gaming machines.
- 2016: Some changes were made in the Gambling Act; the control system to regulate gaming machines and other guidelines to combat money laundering were put in place.
Regulatory Agencies
The Botswana Gambling Authority which was established in the year 2012 is the main regulatory body that regulates gambling activities in the country. It regulates, oversees and controls all the gambling activities and the licensing of all gambling operators.
Botswana Bookmakers Licensing and Fees
The Botswana Gambling Authority is the license granting body that is in charge of the different types of gambling licenses. The specific licenses and their associated fees are as follows:
- Betting License: Betting shop licence and other licences for operating betting establishments.
- Bingo License: Needing for working in bingo halls.
- Bingo Machine License: For working with the bingo machines.
- Bookmaker’s License: Necessary for carrying out activities of a bookmaker.
- Casino License: This category is applicable for operating casinos.
- Gambling Establishment License: Needed for working any gambling business.
- Gambling Machine License: For working with the slot machines.
- Lottery License: There is one national lottery licence.
- Lottery Machine License: Needed to work the lottery machines.
- Racing License: Necessary for the conducting of racing events.
- Testing Agent License: This is because it is used in testing as well as certification of gambling equipment.
- Totalisator License: Needed for the functioning of totalisators.
License Fees
The fixed license fees per year (in Botswana Pula, BWP) are as follows:
- National Lottery: 1 000 000 BWP (approximately USD 89 000).
- Casino: Kucia 250 000 BWP (około 22 000 USD).
- Betting Shop: BWP 50,000
- Bingo Hall: BWP 10,000
Bookmaker Gambling Taxes
Botswana imposes taxes on various gambling activities, which are as follows:
- Casino Tax: It is 10% of the gross gambling revenue as the name implies.
- Bingo Tax: This bill is to collect 8% of the gross gambling revenue.
- Bookmakers: 6. The Commission may keep not more than 5per centum of the gross gambling revenue.
- Totalisators: 2. 5% of the gross gambling yield
These taxes are on top of the standard corporate taxes that stands at 22 percent. Also, VAT applies to lottery tickets; however, it does not apply to the majority of gambling activities.
Botswana Sports Betting
Legal Framework
The act of betting on sports is legal and is governed by the Gambling Act of the year 2012. Football is the favourite sport to bet on in the country due to the influence of the British colonizers. Others are cricket, rugby, tennis, softball, badminton, golf, and athletics among others.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
The gambling act of 2012, hammer down the different forms of bets that are permitted and those that are not allowed. In general all types of sports betting are allowed, as long as they are practiced in establishments that are authorized to do so. However, there are no laws that specifically outlaw online sports betting since it is not regulated. Thus, the citizens of Botswana can easily engage in the foreign based online sports betting sites that are accessible for them.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
- 1980: This was the first time that Botswana was participating in the Olympics.
- 2000: Of importance, Glody Dube did well in the 800m at the Sydney Olympics.
- 2012: Nijel Amos stood second and got the silver medal in the 800m race during the London Olympics.
- 2014: Isaac Makwala clinched the gold in the 400m event of the Commonwealth Games.
- 2014: Kabelo Kgosiemang was an Olympic bronze medalist for the 400m hurdles at the Commonwealth Games.
Conclusion
There is a clear legal system concerning the provision of gambling services, which includes bookmakers and sports betting in Botswana. The activities are also regulated by the Botswana Gambling Authority which sees to it that the activities are carried out in a right manner. Given the current state of development of gambling laws and their further changes, Botswana can remain a leading country in the sphere of gambling.
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