Online poker exists in a legal gray area in Botswana, as the country's gambling laws do not specifically address online gambling activities. The Gambling Act of 2012 establishes the regulatory framework for land-based gambling and created the Gambling Authority to oversee the industry, but interactive gambling remains uncharted territory under the current legal system, being neither explicitly prohibited nor permitted (1). This regulatory gap allows international poker sites to serve Botswanan players without direct legal consequences.
The Gambling Authority is actively working to modernize Botswana's gambling regulations to address the surge in online gambling activities. The current legislation, which primarily focuses on traditional land-based gambling venues, is considered outdated for addressing digital gaming platforms including poker sites (2). Players in Botswana can freely access foreign online poker platforms due to the absence of specific regulatory restrictions on online gambling participation.
"Interactive gambling, on the other hand, retains the status of 'uncharted waters' under the legal system, being neither prohibited nor permitted so far."
Botswana is currently reviewing its gambling laws to combat illegal platforms and align with global standards amid the dramatic increase in online gambling activity. The government recognizes the need for comprehensive online gambling regulation but has not yet implemented specific legislation covering online poker. Until new regulations are established, online poker remains accessible through international platforms, though players should be aware that the regulatory landscape may change as the government develops more comprehensive digital gambling laws.
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/botswana
https://gamblingauthority.co.bw/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
