Welcome to Botswana’s top online betting guide—your guide to Botswana’s dynamic iGaming landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or venturing into the exciting realm of online betting for the first time, our mission is to fill you in. How? By providing you with comprehensive information about the top bookmakers, in-depth analysis of the regulatory landscape, and insights into the dynamic betting market.
Top Online Bookmakers in Botswana
What follows is an updated list of the best online sportsbooks for punters in Botswana. We’ve added the key features of each so you can choose the one that best suits your sports betting requirements.
Welcome Bonus:
100%Features
- Fully licensed by the Botswana Gambling Authority
- Intuitive desktop and mobile apps
- Extensive pre-match and live sports markets
- In-play cash-out
- Promotions and loyalty rewards
Welcome Bonus:
100% First DepositFeatures
- African-focused operator
- Mobile-first design
- Live betting
- Simple interface
- Targeted promotions for local leagues
Welcome Bonus:
100% up to P750Features
- Botswana’s first licensed online bookmaker under "Sun International"
- Multi-channel support (web, mobile, retail)
- Casino and virtual sports
- Atractive first-deposit bonus
Welcome Bonus:
NoneFeatures
- Local license
- Online access to all odds
- Easy betslip creation
Welcome Bonus:
NoneFeatures
- Local license
- Streamlined interface
- High-end betting shop
Welcome Bonus:
100% up to P1,570Features
- Competitive odds across major sports
- Wide selection of betting markets (including eSports and virtual sports)
- Generous promotions
- Multiple language and currency options
Welcome Bonus:
100% up to P1,572Features
- High odds for African and international sports
- Live betting hub
- Mobile-friendly website and app
- Frequent special odds boosts
Welcome Bonus:
200% up to P2,800Features
- Internationally licensed
- Huge range of betting markets (from major leagues to obscure niche sports)
- Casino and live casino offerings
- Cryptocurrency support
Welcome Bonus:
100% up to P1,571Features
- Competitive Botswana Premier League & international odds
- In-play hub with cash-out
- Low-data mobile app
- Frequent odds boosts
Welcome Bonus:
100% up to P3,000Features
- Comprehensive sportsbook and casino suite
- Rapid withdrawal processing
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
- Robust loyalty program
Welcome Bonus:
100% up to P1,361Features
- AirTM, Neteller & crypto payments
- In-play betting with cash-out & live stats
- Android app & PWA optimized for low-data use
- Daily promos & frequent odds boosts
Welcome Bonus:
+500% up to $560Features
- MoneyGo, card & crypto payments
- Live betting with real-time scoreboards
- Native app for Android & iOS
- Loyalty rewards
Welcome Bonus:
NoneFeatures
- Crypto-friendly
- Good coverage of core sports
- Good selection of classic slots
- Fast interface
Welcome Bonus:
T&C ApplyFeatures
- Extensive market depth
- HD live streaming
- Biometric login on the app
- Regular price boosts & acca insurance
Detailed Bookmaker Overviews
Betway
Betway holds a high reputation in Botswana’s betting market due to its local license and user-friendly platform. Betway is licensed by the Botswana Gambling Authority under the Gambling Act of 2012, thereby offering bettors a secure environment and peace of mind. The bookmaker's strength lies in its variety of sports markets—from international football leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga to local events like Botswana Premier League fixtures. The website also offers live streaming of select matches, an in-play cash-out feature, and regular promotions, including free bet offers and accumulator bonuses.
- Regulatory Confidence: Fully licensed to operate, with assurance of compliance with local law and robust player-protection policies.
- Market Variety: More than 30 sports covered, as well as novelty markets for politics and entertainment events.
- Mobile Excellence: Native iOS and Android apps, along with a responsive mobile site
- Casino Limited: The Casino section isn’t as extensive as some competitors, with a focus on slots and a few table games.
- Withdrawal Speeds: Standard bank transfers can take 2–3 working days.
PstBet
Designed for African punters, PstBet values simplicity and mobile responsiveness above all else. It leads with local league coverage, including the Tanzanian Premier League, Zambian Super League, and Botswana Premier League, along with promotions targeted at these leagues and occasional match-level free bets. The website’s bare-bones aesthetic minimizes loading times and data usage, a must for players on capped mobile data plans.
- Local Focus: Regionally targeted promotions and competitions.
- Efficient Mobile Site: Optimized for low-bandwidth environments to minimize data usage.
- Live Betting: Live game bet placement and in-play odds updates.
- Limited Casino: No live dealer or stand-alone casino offering.
- Fewer Payment Methods: Primarily accommodates local bank transfers and mobile money.
Sunbet
A first-mover entrant, SunBet is the first operator to achieve a Botswana-specific license within the Sun International stable. SunBet offers a full casino and virtual sports betting, in addition to sports betting, with all components accessible via desktop, mobile browser, and designated retail outlets. New entrants are welcomed with a sign-up bonus—generally a 100% match on first deposit—and seasonal reload bonuses, while the loyalty program rewards active punters with cashback and free spins.
- Brand Assurance: Underpinned by Sun International’s proven track record in gaming and hospitality.
- Multi-Channel Reach: Online, mobile, and physical retail points of presence.
- Cross-Platform Gaming: Sportsbook, slots, table games, and virtual sports all within one account.
- Minimum Deposits: Higher entry points than pure online challengers.
- Niche Coverage: Deep on local and regional events but lighter on some international markets.
1xBet
Renowned for its mammoth menu of options, 1xBet is a paradise for punters who desire variety. Licensed in Curaçao, it offers over 50 sports, eSports, political, and novelty markets, along with a massive casino lobby featuring thousands of slots and live dealer tables from Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and other top studios. The website supports over 30 payment methods, including cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and TRON) and local options like mobile money wallets.
- Market Depth: One of the widest sports and game selections in the world.
- Payment Freedom: Crypto deposits, e-wallets, and bank cards.
- Incentives: Regular odds boosts, risk-free bets, and VIP cashback series.
- Regulatory Distance: No Botswana license—players have to rely on Curaçao eGaming regulation.
- Customer Service: Response times can vary, especially by email.
Betwinner
BetWinner has established itself through competitive odds, particularly on football and tennis, and an interface welcoming to both sharp and novice players. ESports, virtual games, and a novice-friendly casino tab with slots, live dealer games, and a sportsbook-style crash game complement its sportsbook.
- Good Odds Quality: Regularly among the best for major football and tennis markets.
- Variety: eSports, virtual sports, crash games, and more.
- Personalization: Multi-language website and odds format (American, decimal, fractional).
- No Local License: Offshore regulated, so local player protection tools are limited.
- Complex Navigation: Feature richness is overwhelming to novice users.
Paripesa
Paripesa offers a simplified sportsbook with a focus on African and European football, as well as basketball, rugby, and tennis. It boasts a sleek mobile app and website design that offers fast bet placement. The operator also offers frequent in-play promotions, such as “Bet Boosts” on selected games. Withdrawal options are through bank transfers and e-wallets, which are processed within 24 hours for most methods.
- Speed: Fast registration and fast payout processing.
- Odds Boosts: Regular in-play offers enhance value for top events.
- App-Centric: Designed with mobile bettors in mind as the main priority.
- Licensing: No BGA license
- Customer Support: No local phone line
Megapari
Megapari stands out with its combined sportsbook and casino product, live dealer tables, slots, poker, and a novel “Bet Constructor” tool for custom accumulators. It provides support for over 25 payment methods, instant KYC verification via instant document upload, and a comprehensive loyalty program with graduated rewards.
- One-Stop Solution: Sports, casino, live dealer, and instant win games.
- Fast Onboarding: Automated KYC for faster access.
- Loyalty Program: Points-based system for better bonus unlocking.
- No Local License: Regulated offshore, which may concern conservative bettors.
- Responsible Gaming: Less embedded tools than some competitors.
The Online Gambling Environment in Botswana
Regulatory Environment
Established under the Gambling Act of 2012, the Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA) oversees all forms of gaming, including casinos, sportsbooks, and lotteries. In response to the digital age, in 2018 the BGA initiated online licensing, making it necessary for any operator that accepts Botswana customers to obtain a local license, adhere to strict KYC protocols, and implement responsible gaming measures such as self-exclusion and deposit limits.
Botswana law targets:
- License Requirements
Operators must have a local representative or physical presence, pay yearly fees, and meet capital requirements.
- Player Protection
Mandatory KYC checks, segregated protected funds, and clear terms and conditions in English and Setswana.
- Responsible Gaming
Required to offer cooling-off periods, deposit and loss limits, and links to support services.
Market Trends and Statistics
- Internet Penetration
Approximately 65% of Botswana’s adult population is online, with mobile broadband covering over 85% of households.
- Mobile Users
Over 50% of punters engage with mobile apps or browser-based betting, thanks to increasing smartphone penetration.
- Growth Rate
The online betting market is growing at a rate of 12–15% per annum, fueled by improved internet infrastructure and increasing digital literacy.
Key market segments:
- Football Dominance
Accounts for nearly 70% of total bets, led by the EPL, CAF Champions League, and Botswana Premier League in terms of volume.
- Esports Uptick
Titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and FIFA attract younger audiences, making up about 5–7% of total bets but growing at a rapid rate.
- Virtual and Novelty Bets
Virtual horse racing, crash games, and political markets make up a small but steadily growing 3–5% portion.
Technology and Mobile Betting Innovations
With the expansion of Botswana’s 4G network and 5G trials in the pipeline, latency issues in live streaming and in-play data feeds are diminishing. Bookmakers leverage such enhancements to introduce features such as:
- In-Play Cash-Out
Locking in profits or limiting losses before the result of an event.
- Live Streaming
Free streaming of selected football matches and virtual sports right in the betting interface itself.
- PWA (Progressive Web Apps)
Delivering app-like experiences without downloads—ideal for users with limited device storage.
Benefits of Online Betting in Botswana
- Convenience
Bet anywhere—no need to visit a retail outlet.
- Variety
Exposure to global events, niche sports, and bet types not found offline.
- Value
Better odds, online-only exclusive promotions, and loyalty rewards.
- Data & Analytics
In-built statistics, head-to-head, and live scoreboards to help inform betting decisions.
- Community
Integrated chat rooms, forums, and social media integrations provide a sense of communal excitement.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
- Payment Diversity
Although major operators accept bank transfers and e-wallets, the greater utilization of local mobile money solutions, such as Mascom Mobile Money and Orange Money, and emerging fintech solutions (e.g., QR-based wallets) can further boost accessibility.
- Regulatory Clarity
Continued dialogue between operators and the BGA is needed to simplify licensing renewals and promote transparency.
- Customer Education
Initiatives to promote financial literacy on betting odds, bankroll management, and responsible gambling would facilitate safer play.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
As the betting market in Botswana matures, responsible gaming practices are essential. Key initiatives include:
- Self-Exclusion Schemes
Bettors may voluntarily deactivate accounts for defined or indefinite periods.
- Deposit and Loss Limits
Features to cap daily, weekly, or monthly spending.
- Awareness Campaigns
Collaborations between the BGA and NGOs to educate on the risks of problem gambling.
- Support Referrals
Links and hotlines for Gamblers Anonymous, counselling services, and financial advisors.
The Local iGaming Ecosystem
Beyond sports betting, Botswana’s iGaming ecosystem encompasses:
- Online Casinos
Slots, table games, and live dealer studios by Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt.
- Virtual Sports
Simulated football, racing, and greyhound events running around the clock.
- eSports Platforms
Dedicated tournaments and community events for titles such as League of Legends and Valorant.
- Fantasy Sports
Emerging platforms where users can draft virtual teams and compete based on actual performance.
Future Outlook
The future of Botswana’s online betting marketplace is very promising.
- 5G Rollout
Increased speed and stability will push live streaming and in-play innovations to new heights.
- Fintech Integration
Mobile money and e-wallets will persist in democratizing access.
- Regional Hubs
Botswana can serve as a beacon for an iGaming hub within Southern Africa, attracting partnerships and localized products.
- Regulatory Evolution
The Gambling Act is regularly revised and may encompass esports-specific regulations and stronger consumer protections.
In effect, Botswana’s online betting market is set to grow strongly. With technology advancing, consumer preferences evolving, and regulatory structures maturing, bettors can expect an immersive, diverse, and secure iGaming experience at their fingertips.