The Parliament of Botswana has amended the country’s gambling framework, approving Bill No. 15 of 2026 on August 13, which is set to lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18.
The bill was approved after 20 of the 23 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the initiative, with the new regulations aimed at modernizing the country’s gambling framework and bringing local laws in line with international best practices and Botswana’s priorities.
Before the official approval of the bill, multiple opposition members spoke out against it; however, the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, argued that updated legislation was necessary to include 18- to 21-year-olds under a legal framework that would allow regulators to enforce better consumer protections and provide support. The urgency of the matter was also connected to the fact that the age group has been actively engaged in Botswana’s gambling market.
Minister Ntsima explained:
“The industry has evolved considerably over the years, presenting new opportunities as well as new regulatory challenges. It is therefore necessary that our legislative framework keeps pace with this development to ensure that the industry remains transparent, accountable, and effective regulator whilst safeguarding the public interest. Failure to include them means they cannot participate in the million-dollar industry nor own businesses. You should understand that the issue of age goes beyond gambling.”
Additionally, the amended rules are expected to strengthen the iGaming industry’s financial integrity by aligning with the Financial Intelligence Act of 2022 and the standards of the Financial Action Task Force.
