- Tsaone Segaetsho
The Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Gambling Authority, Peter Kesitilwe, has decried unlicensed gambling as an economic impediment to the industry, noting that a significant portion of the betting market is exposed to unregulated and unscrupulous platforms.
These, he said, not only pose consumer protection risks but also drain potential national revenue. He made the remarks during the launch of Bet267, the newest entrant to Botswana’s sports betting industry, held near Gaborone.
Kesitilwe stated that while Botswana’s betting population is estimated at 550,000, only 40% currently place bets through licensed local operators.
The CEO, however, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to fostering a secure, transparent, and economically impactful gambling environment. He went on to share the most recent and striking figures from March 2025.
“As of March, Botswana players placed bets worth P150 million, with gross gambling revenue hitting P15 million. Extrapolated annually, that’s P180 million from just 40% of active gamblers. If we close the gap, our GGR could exceed P450 million,” revealed Kesitilwe.
Speaking about Bet267, Kesitilwe said he views the company as a partner in shaping a market that is commercially viable, technologically advanced, and socially responsible.
Following its licensing by the Gambling Authority on Thursday, Bet267 has already employed eight Batswana, with the number expected to grow to 26 in Gaborone and further increase countrywide as the company expands to the semi-urban central town of Palapye and the diamond mining village of Letlhakane.
“Let us work together to grow this market responsibly – protecting players while unlocking economic value,” Kesitilwe told Bet267 as he officially opened their betting facilities.
