Botswana's Gambling Authority took its responsible gambling message to the racecourse on Saturday, telling spectators at the Ghanzi Derby to treat betting as entertainment rather than a way to earn money.
Chief executive Moruntshi Kemorwale delivered the message at the Ghanzi International Racecourse Showground on 31 October. Sport and arts minister Jacob Kelebeng also attended.
The advice given
Kemorwale told spectators to wager only what they could afford to lose, and not to use money meant for household expenses.
He pointed to the authority's support services, which include counselling and voluntary self-exclusion for people who want help with their gambling.
The argument about racing itself
The second half of his address was aimed at the industry rather than the crowd. Kemorwale said the long-term growth of horse racing as both a sport and a commercial activity depends on integrity, regulatory compliance and fair competition.
Those conditions, he argued, are what sustain public trust and keep investment coming into the sport.
Why the venue matters
The Ghanzi Derby was staged as a celebration of Botswana's racing heritage, showcasing local breeders and jockeys alongside the commercial side of the sport.
Taking a responsible gambling message to the place where betting actually happens is a different approach from publishing guidance and hoping it is read. Regulators elsewhere are tightening the racing sector through licensing instead, as our report on Mauritius and its 2027 stable rules shows, while Uganda's regulator has been making the case for public education. The event was reported by Focus Gaming News.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ghanzi Derby?
A horse racing event held at the Ghanzi International Racecourse Showground in Botswana, staged as a celebration of the country's racing heritage.
What did the Gambling Authority tell bettors?
To treat betting as entertainment rather than income, to wager only what they can afford to lose, and not to use money meant for household expenses.
Who leads Botswana's Gambling Authority?
Moruntshi Kemorwale is the chief executive.
What help is available for problem gambling in Botswana?
The authority points to counselling services and voluntary self-exclusion for people seeking help with their gambling habits.
Why is the regulator involved in horse racing?
It regulates betting on the sport, and says racing's growth depends on integrity, compliance and fair competition.
Image: CNJerem, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
