Botswana to Lower Gambling Age From 21 to 18

Botswana's government has amended its gambling legislation to lower the minimum legal gambling age from 21 to 18, according to a report by iGaming Expert. The change is contained in the Gambling (Amendment) Bill No. 15, 2026, which the National Assembly approved in its third reading.

Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Tiroeaone Ntsima stated that people aged 18-21 are already actively participating in gambling activity, arguing that bringing this age group into the legal framework will provide them additional protection and support. Alongside the age change, authorities are tightening penalties for violations of gambling law, with fines reaching up to $35,000 for first offenses and up to $70,000 for repeat violations, with potential prison sentences also possible. The reform comes amid a growing illegal gambling market in the country, with estimated annual betting volume through unlicensed platforms reaching approximately $59.5 million.

The bill now requires presidential approval before taking effect. The combination of lowering the legal age while simultaneously increasing penalties for illegal operators suggests Botswana is pursuing a dual strategy of formalizing existing youth gambling activity under regulatory oversight while intensifying pressure on unlicensed operators capturing a significant share of the market.