Namibia is preparing to license more bookmakers and totalizators, and it wants the process to be tough. At a workshop in Windhoek on 15 October 2026, the government told applicants that every licence request will face a full investigation and a technical check of its betting platform.
What happened in Windhoek
The Gambling Board of Namibia (GBN) held the workshop at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM). It explained the licensing rules for bookmakers and totalizators under the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act, 2018 (Act No. 13 of 2018).
Applicants heard what to expect:
- investigations into each application and the people behind it
- technical assessments of the betting and wagering platforms they want to use
- the same rules for everyone, with no special treatment
What the minister said
Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel, whose ministry oversees gambling, called for fair but rigorous checks and for the law to be applied consistently. She said the government was "not prepared to gamble" with the well-being of Namibians and the integrity of the economy.
GBN chairperson Ben Shikongo pointed to strict directives and SADC best practice, and accepted that the Board's approach to operators has faced political and public criticism. Acting GBN CEO Johannes Erastus said regulated gambling can support investment, jobs and government revenue, as long as the risks to communities are managed.
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO of the African iGaming Alliance, spoke on the future of betting in Africa, calling for clear licensing rules, balanced tax and strong consumer protection. The Namibia Revenue Agency also spoke on tax.
More rules on the way
Separately, the ministry held six regional public consultations from 5 to 14 October on proposed changes to Namibia's gambling and lottery regulations. The proposals include:
- registration of gambling employees
- restrictions on underage online gambling
- a 5% monitoring fee on net monthly income
- a 1% maintenance fee on gross income to fund a Central Electronic Monitoring System
These are proposals only, and no final decision has been announced.
What it means for operators
Namibia is a small market, but it is moving towards a more formal, monitored system like its neighbours South Africa and Botswana. Operators planning to apply should prepare for detailed checks of their ownership and their technology, and should budget for the possible new monitoring and maintenance fees.
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Sources
- Focus Gaming News, 20 October 2026
- iGaming Afrika, 21 October 2026
- SiGMA News, on the regional consultations
Sources last checked on 25 October 2026. Gambling is for adults only (18+).
