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Responsible Gambling

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What is Responsible Gambling

The Authority is mandated to promote safe and sustainable gambling practices while minimizing the potential harm associated with gambling activities. This service offering plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the risks of problem gambling, providing education and information to help individuals make informed decisions, and offering support and resources for those affected by gambling addiction.

Responsible gambling services also work to implement preventative measures, such as self-exclusion programs and setting limits on gambling activities, to reduce the likelihood of harm. By fostering a supportive and accountable environment, responsible gambling services strive to ensure that gambling remains a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment for all individuals involved.

Public Education

The Gambling Authority actively engages with diverse organizations, including community centers, educational institutions, and support groups, to conduct educational programs and workshops. These sessions provide invaluable opportunities to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive gambling and provide participants with practical strategies for responsible gambling behavior.

Additionally, the Authority leads public awareness campaigns across multiple mediums, including television, radio, print, and online platforms, tailored to resonate with various demographics.

Free Counselling

To ensure that a gambling problem does not develop and/or progress, Gambling Authority offers free counselling.  Through this service, individuals have access to help which is empathetic, confidential , addresses triggers and provides healing to them and their loved ones.

Gamblers and their family members have the choice to undertake voluntary counselling and/or rehabilitation at any stage of their gambling lives, including post gambling, with costs borne by the Authority

Research

Research is a crucial field dedicated to understanding and promoting safe and healthy gambling behaviors. With the rise of illegal, online gambling platforms and the increased accessibility of betting options, it’s become essential to investigate the factors that contribute to responsible gambling practices and identify effective strategies for minimizing the potential harms associated with excessive gambling. The Gambling Authority acknowledges the pivotal role that research plays in informing evidence-based policies, programs, and practices aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable gambling environments.

In 2020 Gambling Authority conducted research on the “‘Prevalence of Excessive and Problem Gambling in Botswana”. In 2023 two more research projects were conducted on the Socio-Economic Impacts of Gambling in Botswana and Risk Factors for Problem Gambling in Botswana.

SELF EXCLUSION

A person who wishes to be prevented from engaging in any gambling activity may register as an excluded person by submitting to the Authority, a notice to effect in a form to be provided by the Authority on request.

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3RD PARTY EXCLUSION

a person may apply to register, to exclude a person, who is a family member or a person on whom the applicant is financially responsible or any other person to whom the applicant has a duty of care

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