Online casinos Botswana

Botswana has a long history with gambling as the gambling industry dates as far back as the 1970s. The first gambling laws date back to the Lotteries and Betting Act of 1966 and the Casino Act of 1971. Although these laws were adequate to regulate land based gambling in Botswana, it fell short with online gambling. Online casinos are not covered by this act and this created a scenario where online casino Botswana operators existed within a grey area. It was not until 2013 when the country put in place an online gambling act (which was formulated in 2012) to adequately address the presence of online gambling.

Under this new Gambling Act, online casinos, online sports betting, horse racing, bingo, and non-casino gaming machines are covered. The push for the regulation of online casino sites was necessitated by internet penetration and illegal gambling options that began to spring up in the country. The online gambling laws have been crafted to protect Botswana players and create a safe environment for them to gamble and earn rewards. It has also allowed Botswana players to gain access to slot machines, jackpots, sports betting, and other online gambling operators legally.

The increased tax revenue from online gambling is another motivator that accelerated the regulatory framework for Botswana online casinos. Curbing the rise in black market international online casinos and funneling lost revenue into legal coffers has helped stabilize the online gambling industry in Botswana. In addition, fighting organized crime and creating a safe environment for online gambling was also important. Most international online casinos are allowed within Botswana but they must be registered with recognized international bodies and adhere to regulations by the Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA).

In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about online gambling in Botswana including regulation, casino games, sports betting, casino gambling providers, bonuses and mobile gaming. Here is everything you need to know about online gambling in Botswana.

By Adiela de Bruyn - Updated 2024/02/08 - Estimated reading time: 17 minutes.

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Online casinos Botswana

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  1. 1
    Zar Casino
    Zar Casino Since 2006
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    Tusk Casino Since 2020
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    125
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Online Casino Botswana Regulations

The Botswana Gambling Authority is in charge of all regulations covering online casinos and other related entities in the country. The Gambling Act of 2012 is responsible for the formation of the gambling authority which serves to enforce the new gambling laws on Botswana online casino websites. Botswana online casinos are required to get a license in place before they can begin accepting players from the region. The gambling authority issues this license to ensure that players are protected from cybercrime and money laundering checks are in place.

Online gambling sites are also required to have KYC (Know Your Customer) checks in place to verify the identity and source of funding of their users. Using these regulations, the gambling authority is able to force out illegal online gambling platforms and allow legitimate operators to provide services for players. In addition, the gambling authority lays out the protocols for the operation of land based gambling arenas where players come to for physical entertainment. Private lotteries, land based casinos, betting shops, and other offline gambling activities must have the relevant licenses to open up operations in the country.

Despite these regulations, the Botswana gambling market still has a high number of foreign casinos operating within the country. These offshore online casino platforms are free to operate if they have a valid license from a recognized international regulator like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Players in Botswana are attracted to these international online sites because other countries tend to have a wider selection of online betting and casino sites with bonuses and great odds. For example South Africa has a fantastic range of online casinos that Botswanan players can enjoy.

The Casino Control Board and gambling authority has stopped issuing licenses to private companies wishing to operate the National Lottery. This is due to a few issues regarding the creation of the National Lottery. Hence all pending licenses regarding the lottery are halted till further notice.

The regulations within Botswana are also aimed at making sure the sites pay the requisite amount of tax. It means that playing at an online casino in Botswana provides funding for infrastructure within the country. It's extremely useful for the country as a whole. Players don't tend to be allowed to use Botswanan currency, so an exchange fee often needs to be paid. If cryptocurrency is allowed, this does sidestep the issue slightly though.

The legal gambling age for players in the country is 18 years and older. Botswana online casinos, land based casinos, and other operators are expected to enforce this age restriction. This is to protect underage gamblers from the negative effects of online gambling. Botswana casino sites and other gambling operators are also mandated to make responsible gambling tools for those who bet online and offline. This ensures that players have the right tools to protect themselves when gambling online.

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Online Gambling Safety and Security

The safety and security of Botswana online gambling platforms are important to the players using these services. The best online casinos adhere to the necessary stipulations of their license regarding the protection of Botswana online gamblers. Online gamblers release their personal and financial information to Botswana gambling platforms which makes it important for the use of top security to safeguard this data.

The best casinos use 128-bit encryption security to protect the information of users as they are sent back and forth. In addition, they use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates of the highest industry standards to secure users. The available gambling platforms also do not share their user data with third-party brokers or data miners as stipulated by their license. The data collated by Botswana Online casino sites are only used for Anti Money Laundry (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) purposes.

The terms and conditions pages of Botswana online gambling platforms and online betting websites contain information regarding the privacy policy and how users' data is handled by the site. Players are encouraged to read these parts of their preferred gambling website for more details on how their data is used by the operator.

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Online Gambling Bonuses

There are different gambling bonuses made available at online betting and Botswana online casinos. Most online casinos use these bonuses to lure new members and keep old users happy. These bonuses have their conditions such as the minimum deposit, bonus code, or wagering requirements which must be met to trigger the bonus. Here are the types of bonuses available at casinos in Botswana:

Deposit Bonus

Deposit bonuses require users to fund their account to claim the bonus. Deposits must also meet the minimum deposit requirement before the bonus can be triggered. Here are the types of deposit bonuses players will encounter at a casino:

  • Welcome bonuses: These are deposit bonuses that are given to users when they first sign up to an online betting or casino website. These bonuses typically include free spins and cash bonuses that allow users to gamble on various titles at the casino. This bonus usually has a minimum deposit amount that users must meet before the bonus is triggered.
  • Match Bonus: A match bonus is a bonus that repays users up to an amount deposited on the gambling platform. For example, users may receive a 100% match up to a specified amount when they fund their account with the minimum deposit required. The match percentage varies between operators as there's no fixed amount.
  • Cashback Bonus: These are exclusive bonuses that are given to VIP members of a casino. It rewards them with a certain percentage of their losses from the previous week. This bonus may also include free spins and other non-monetary bonuses. The percentage of the cashback depends on the VIP level of the user as higher-level members get higher percentages.
  • Reload Bonus: This deposit bonus is like the cashback bonus but it is open to all users at an online casino. It is available to users who have already made a deposit at the casino and can come in various forms including free spins, bonus money, and other perks.

No Deposit Bonus

A no deposit bonus does not require users to fund their accounts to claim the bonus. These bonuses are given to users for free and can be claimed by all members on a gambling website. Here are some of the common no deposit bonuses available to users on gambling platforms:

  • Bonus Codes: Some casinos provide bonus codes that grant users various bonuses once the code is used on the website. These codes can be found on the website or on review websites where the codes are displayed for curious users searching the web. These bonuses give players random rewards such as free spins, cash, and free play.
  • Free Cash: Free cash is bonus money given to users by gambling websites. This money does not require a deposit to be received but it cannot be withdrawn immediately. Players must meet the wagering requirements attached to the free cash before they can withdraw the money off the gambling website.
  • Free Spins: Free spins are bonuses usually attached to online slots and other related games. They allow players to play games without placing a real money wager and win real money. Free spins also have wagering requirements which must be met before they can be withdrawn by gamblers. This requirement usually varies depending on the casino players gamble at. Free spins can also be attached to specific games or online slots. For example, if a player receives free spins that can only be used on Book of Dead that means the player will only be able to use the assigned free spins cannot be used on any other game except that specific game.
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Software Providers

The casinos in the region have [linkakt:casino-software]gaming software[/link] from some of the biggest providers in the industry. These include Pragmatic Play, Amatic Industries, Red Tiger, RTG Slots (Real Time Gaming), Spinomenal, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and Microgaming. The games developed by these providers use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to control the outcomes of the games. These generators ensure that games are fair and balanced as they ensure all game outcomes are random and unpredictable.

The available games have also been tested by independent testing bodies like the eCOGRA which validate the authenticity of the games. It is also important to note that these providers are responsible for creating the software that powers land-based casinos as well. With trusted providers like these, gamblers can enjoy various games both online and offline.

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Payment Methods

There are different available payment methods for gamblers at available casinos. These payment methods allow players in the region to make deposits and withdrawals seamlessly. It is important for players to choose the method that best suits their needs.

The most common method players will be able to use is direct bank transfers from their bank account. Although this method may seem like the most desirable, it may attract processing fees. Furthermore, the withdrawal processing times may take between 24 hours to 5 days depending on the bank you use.

E-wallets like Neteller, Skrill, and Jeton are also available at online casinos in Botswana. These digital payment platforms are favored because of their anonymity and fast transaction times. They also have minimal to no fees which is another reason why their appeal is high among gamblers in the region.

Credit and debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are available at online gambling platforms in the region. These methods are available for both deposits and withdrawals from casino accounts. These cards are secure and are used for seamless transactions on these gambling sites.

It is important to note that most casinos do not accept the Botswanan Pula. Therefore, gamblers will have to convert their local currency to any of the more popular currencies like the Dollar, Euro, Pounds, or Rands. This process will incur currency conversion fees which players should take note of when making deposits or withdrawals. Casinos will provide all the necessary details such as deposit and withdrawal limits, minimum deposit amounts, processing times, and other important details in their banking section. Players are encouraged to go through these details before they pick a payment option.

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Casino Games

Gamblers in Botswana will be exposed to various types of casino games when they gamble from the region. These games are from various providers and allow users to experience a great time while winning rewards for their efforts. Here are some of the most popular games you will find:

Slots

Online slots are the most popular casino game on the market and it is no surprise that there are numerous varieties available for players in the region. Almost every online casino that can be played in the country has a great range of slots on offer. These include classic slots, video slots, and jackpot slots which cut across various titles from top providers.

The video slots are the modern version of slots and usually have more reels and pay lines which give players more chances to win bigger prizes. Progressive jackpots also allow players to win huge rewards as these titles usually have connected titles that have one grand prize attached. The prize keeps growing until a winner emerges and the pot starts growing again until the next winner. No matter what you could want from a video slot game, there are available to players in Botswana.

Table Games

Botswana online casinos offer players the ability to enjoy a large range of different table games. Everything from Blackjack to Poker and Roulette games is available, so no matter what kind of table games players want to try out, it's easy to do in Botswana. Players have access to a fantastic range of different games making it easy to find the game you want to play.

The table games are controlled by Random Number Generators which ensure that the outcomes of the games are fair. Players can also play the demo versions of these games to learn about the rules and strategies which they can use to get ahead. Players should always check the minimum deposit amount of each table before they begin gambling so that they can manage their bankroll efficiently. Furthermore, players should learn the minimum deposit and maximum bet amounts for each table before they begin placing bets. For a more expressive experience, players can switch to live casino games which allow them to play these table games with a live dealer.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games, like the name implies, are games that have real-life dealers manning the game. These games were created to give players gambling at online casinos the feel of gambling at a physical casino. Players at Botswana online gambling websites have access to live dealer titles that can be enjoyed. These games do not have a demo mode, so players are advised to be sure of their skills before they begin playing at live casinos.

The dealers available at these games have been properly trained to moderate games to a high standard. The games are played over a live video feed, so it does require a fast internet connection to play it properly. These titles are more immersive than other casino table games and they do really bring players into the game. Live games include popular card games like American Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat. There are also other types of games such as Monopoly Live and Deal or No Deal.

Sports Betting

Online betting is another popular gambling category in Botswana. Punters wager on different sporting events from popular sports including football, ice hockey, basketball, and tennis. There are also many different betting markets available, including handicaps, over/under, double chance, and correct score. Some casinos also allow accumulators, which players can use to stack multiple selections into one ticket to maximize the odds and improve their chances of winning big returns.

The selections made will always be available on the bet slip, and punters are encouraged to cross-check their selections before they place their final wager. Bet slips will display the odds and projected payout depending on the amount wagered. Punters can adjust this amount how they wish and fund their account to finalize the bet. Finally, bettors should ensure that they only place bets at licensed sportsbooks to avoid losing money to scams or shady betting website operators.

Other Games

There are also plenty of other casino games available to players too. Players in Botswana can enjoy online craps, online lotteries, and bingo at casino sites. There are also plenty of other online casino games that can be enjoyed too. Titles such as Plinko and fishing games both provide a lot of different gameplay that is highly enjoyable.

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Mobile Gambling

Players in Botswana will be able to gamble freely from a mobile device of their choice (iOS or Android). Most casinos in the region have mobile websites or apps built using HTML 5 (Hyper Text Markup Language) which allows the games and sports betting to be compatible with any web browser (Safari, Chrome, and Firefox) on any mobile device. The mobile versions of these casino websites are fully protected and allow players to gamble on the go without fear of being hacked or have their information stolen.

The penetration of mobile internet in Botswana has made it easier for more players to gamble using a mobile internet connection. Regardless of the network provider a gambler uses, they will be able to access all the available mobile casino games. In addition, all bonuses will be available to users, including free spins, welcome packages, cashbacks, and reload bonuses.

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Conclusion

Gambling in Botswana is regulated by the Botswana Gambling Authority under the Gambling Act of 2012. This regulatory body ensures that players are able to gamble safely within the country whether they register on local or international websites. Illegal websites are prohibited from operating within the country, and international gambling websites must have the appropriate license from a recognized international regulator like the Malta Gaming Authority.

Gamblers in the region will also have access to numerous bonuses which increase their chances of winning big rewards. Welcome bonuses are given to new players while existing players can take advantage of the free spins, reload, and cashback bonuses available. The websites are also secured using the best technology to ensure that player data and information are protected while they gamble. Furthermore, online gambling operators are required to use the information provided by players to verify their identity and comply with Anti Money Laundering initiatives.

Botswanan players have a great selection of different online games to play. These include slots, table games, jackpots, bingo, and other games. It's very easy to find a site to play at that's both safe and has a great selection of games available. Players are advised to verify the registration information of their chosen gambling provider before they register or make a deposit. Always remember that gambling is a recreational activity and should be done in moderation. Gamble responsibly.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Online Casinos in Botswana

Are online gambling sites in Botswana legal?

Yes, they are legal. Local gambling websites are expected to have a license from the Gambling Authority while offshore websites are required to have a license from a recognized international regulatory body like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Is online sports betting legal in Botswana?

Yes, it is legal in Botswana. Punters are allowed to wager on their favorite sports such as football, basketball, and ice hockey.

What casino games are available at Botswana casinos?

There are many games available for players, and these include table games, slots, live games, and Plinko.

What payment methods are available for gamblers in Botswana?

The major payment options available for players include debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

What software providers are available at Botswana casino websites?

The providers available at the casinos include Red Tiger, Microgaming, NetEnt, Spinomenal, Real Time Gaming, and Amatic Industries.

Author: Adiela de Bruyn

Adiela de Bruyn

Adiela de Bruyn, our founder, launched this site in 2016. Since then, she's written over 100 pages filled with crucial info to enhance your gaming experience. Her goal? To provide you with the best, most reliable online casino knowledge.

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Article published 2018/02/06