Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. Gaining independence on the 30th of September in the year 1966 as the Republic of Botswana, sports betting has similarly evolved in the world and in Botswana. So, with different betting sites having different features and offers, it is now a perfect time to start searching. This is a comprehensive guide that will outline all you need to know about betting in Botswana including; the history of betting laws, and the leading betting sites in Botswana.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Gambling Laws and Legislation Over the Ages
This paper aims at exploring the history of the laws on gambling in Botswana to help in comprehending the current betting situation.
- 1961: It was allowed by the Lotteries and Betting Act.
- 1971: The Casino Act was put into place to govern the act of casino gambling.
- 2012: The Botswana Gambling Act was established therefore including all forms of gambling such as the casinos and the sports betting.
- 2016: There were some changes that were made in the 2012 Act, for example to enhance the regulation of the sector; measures that were put in place to fight money laundering.
Botswana’s Gambling Regulatory Agencies
Botswana has set up very effective bodies to regulate the gambling business.
- Casino Control Board: Created to regulate the casinos, bingo and lotteries.
- Botswana Gambling Authority: Established in the year 2012, this agency is in charge of the regulation and issuing of licenses for all forms of gambling in the country.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can and cannot bet on in Botswana:
- Permitted: Betting on sports, playing table and slot games in a casino, lotteries, and charitable gambling.
- Prohibited: This activity is not legal and not regulated; therefore, it is considered as prohibited.
Licenses and Fees for Betting Sites in Botswana
In the same way, to protect players from unfair and dishonest activities, Botswana has certain permits and taxes for different types of gambling.
- National Lottery License: BWP 1 million (~US$ 89,000 per year).
- Casino License: The annual fund is BWP 250,000 (~US$ 22,000).
- Betting Shop License: Annual budget for the BWP is BWP 50,000.
- Bingo Hall License: The amount shall be BWP 10 000 per year.
Gambling Taxes
The government also collects taxes from the gambling activities with the purpose of raising revenue.
- Casino Tax: One percent of the gross gambling revenue.
- Bingo Tax: Pari-Mutuel with 8% of the gross gambling revenue.
- Bookmakers Tax: 6. A fixed amount which is 5% of the gross gambling revenue.
- Totalizators Tax: 2. 5% of the gross gambling yield.
Best Betting Sites in Botswana
Here are some of the most popular betting sites in Botswana:
Dafabet
Dafabet
Features: Many sports markets, live streaming, great bonuses.
Why Choose Dafabet: Outstanding user/ customer interactions/engagement and customer service/ relations.Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
1xBet
1xBet
Features: Live betting, pre-match bets, virtual sports, offers and bonuses.
Why Choose 1xBet: A simple and rather intuitive interface, a lot of opportunities for the betting.Up To £100
Betmaster
Betmaster
Features: Virtual sports, competitive odds, a lot of payment methods.
Why Choose Betmaster: A lot of options to choose when it comes to placing a bet, clear and easy to navigate interface.Up To £1000 + £10 Free Bets
Major Events in the History of Sports in Botswana
Botswana has had its fair share of milestone events in sports:
- 2012: Botswana is one of the African countries that made it to the African Cup of Nations in football.
- 2013: ICC Africa Division One tournament in cricket was won by Botswana.
Botswana’s Sports Stars
The country is blessed with some of the world’s greatest sporting legends who have brought pride to the nation.
- Isaac Makwala: He is the gold medalist in the 400m category during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- Amantle Montsho: Won the 400m at the 2011 World Championships and was a gold medalist.
- Nijel Amos: Won a silver medal in 800m at the London Olympics held in the year 2012.
International Comparison of Gambling Legislation
Botswana shares borders with several countries that have their own gambling regulations:
- South Africa: Began legal gambling in 1996 with the National Gambling Act that provided a structure for legal casinos, betting shops and online gambling.
- Namibia: Legalized gambling under the Lotteries Act of 1992 regulating different forms of gambling like lotteries, casinos and sports betting to make sure that all is done in the right manner.
- Zimbabwe: This law is The Lotteries and Gaming Act of 2000 that regulates all forms of gambling, such as casinos, lotteries, and betting, with the purpose of preventing undesirable gambling and outlawing it.
Conclusion
The sports betting industry in Botswana is quite developed and regulated as well. No matter if you are a new comer to this industry or someone who has been in this business for a while, there is always something to do. Knowing the history of betting, the laws, and the existing platforms can be useful and assist you in making better choices and increasing the enjoyment of the process.
FAQ of Betting Sites in Botswana
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