Six licensed betting operators were named as follows: Sunbet, PstBet, Bet 267, Betway, BBets, and BetXplosion. Each operator was listed with a public website. That gives players a direct way to check whether a brand appears in the regulated market.
Botswana has been trying to move betting into a clearer licensed framework. Publicly available lists reduce ambiguity for players. Users may come across many betting brands but find it difficult to differentiate between those that are approved within the country.
At the same time, the list shows which of the betting brands have moved from license award or setup stage into active operations. This is important in small regulated markets because license announcements don’t necessarily mean that a brand is already taking bets.
Licensing Remains the Main Filter
The country’s betting market has been influenced by a general licensing process. In 2025, the Gambling Authority issued 10 national bookmaker licenses, according to industry reports citing the regulator. Six license holders had started operations, one had withdrawn, and three were expected to enter the market later.
In the current public notice, the focus is again on the functioning of that licensing process. There is no announcement of a new licensing cycle. Instead, the regulator gives the public a list of brands it currently treats as both licensed and operational.
This works more as a public compliance tool than a sanction. Alongside enforcement and warnings, the authority uses public information to guide users towards licensed companies. It may also make unlisted betting sites easier for users to question.
Why the List Is Useful for Players
In terms of its effect on the end user, this is quite straightforward. People in Botswana can compare a betting site against the regulator’s list before signing up or placing a bet.
This is important in markets in which some offshore or unauthorized betting sites might still be accessible. Being licensed is not a guarantee of a good user experience. It means the operator sits under local regulatory oversight, including compliance and responsible gambling requirements.
This notice is also consistent with the regulator’s efforts to promote safer gambling. It directs users to additional sources of information.
What the Notice Changes
This notice does not change Botswana’s betting industry suddenly. It is more practical in its implications. Players are presented with six operational sites and six licenses to consider before making any deposits. The upcoming notice from the regulator should show whether the remaining license holders go live (or whether the regulated field stays limited).
