Melbet hits Botswana as a whirlwind—not with flair, nor with sheen, but with sheer quantity. Sports action, promotions, lines, slots, crypto—whatever it does, it’s got it. All of that is stuffed onto a site that looks like it was created for surfers who gamble with one hand and surf with the other. It’s got an international license, takes BWP, and teeters on the edge of being overwhelming and thrilling. So we did what any curious punter would: registered, funded, and placed some pilot bets to test where it shines—and where it disappoints.
Licensing & Oversight
Melbet is licensed by Curaçao eGaming (No. 8048/JAZ2020-060), so international regulation is adhered to, but no direct regulation is available within Botswana. They have industry-standard KYC, account protection, and responsible gaming tools behind players, but in the case of a complaint, it’ll be dealt with by Curaçao’s systems, not locally. It’s not an unusual setup–BetWinner and PariPesa use the same frameworks, but it’s something to consider for locals who like to have their affairs regulated locally.
Registration: Few Clicks, No Nonsense
Melbet registration is as simple as possible. Simply pick your method of choice—phone, email, socials, or the ever-present “one-click”, select Botswana and BWP, and you’re halfway there. We opted for phone and received our SMS code instantly, faster than it takes to read a fixture list.
You can select your welcome bonus immediately (sports or casino), or opt-out if you don’t want to play it cool. If you change your mind eventually, just tick the bonus opt-in option in account settings. Identity checks are not onerous initially but, if you hope for larger withdrawals, the KYC process will be activated sooner or later.
Mobile App: Fast, Functional, Familiar
Melbet understands its users and it shows in its mobile betting experience. The Android APK is readily available on the site, complete with installation instructions, while the iOS version can be found on the App Store. The mobile site runs seamlessly in any browser for those who prefer not to download. We added it as a shortcut via Chrome and were impressed with its PWA mode, which ensures a fast and functional betting experience.
In testing, the app handled live betting well—no buffering, no crashes, even with four tabs open in the background and notifications buzzing like it was Black Friday. Compared to the slightly bulkier feel of 1xBet’s app, Melbet’s layout is a tad cleaner, especially when navigating in-play bets.
Sportsbook: A lot to scroll
Melbet’s sportsbook is like a sports bar with 20 TVs playing different leagues. It’s a one-stop shop for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, table tennis, MMA, and even elections for the adventurous. The coverage on esports like CS2 and LoL is not just about outcomes but also includes niche props like “team to plant bomb first.”
We tested the waters with a Premier League treble and a sneaky live tennis set bet. Odds updated quickly, and cash-out kicked in almost instantly. It’s a lot to take in at first glance (especially if you’re not used to the multi-column setup), but the menus are surprisingly well-organized—unlike the chaotic sprawl you’ll get on some sites where “total corners” is buried five layers deep.
Is it better than Bet365 in terms of market depth? Maybe not. But it holds its own and beats Forzza in terms of variety and live features.
Slots & Quick Games
If sports betting is the main dish, the casino is a full buffet. Melbet’s slot lobby features a rotating cast of hits from providers like Betsoft, Amatic, and Mascot Gaming. We found ourselves surprisingly hooked on NekoCat Fortune (don’t ask) and Big Catch, which kept popping up like it had a vendetta against our balance.
Quick games like Crash, Coin Strike, and The Big Splash cater to players who prefer results in seconds rather than minutes. It’s not the most curated selection we’ve seen—titles are jammed together like weekend shoppers—but you won’t run out of options.
Live Casino: Real Dealers, Real Stakes
Melbet’s live casino deserves a shout. It’s loaded with Evolution, Ezugi, SA Gaming, and XPG games. Think Speed Roulette, Football Studio, Lightning Baccarat, and more. Over 100 tables mean you can always find a spot, even during peak hours.
We tested out Evolution’s Lightning Roulette on a Friday night. The interface was slick, the stream never stuttered, and our tiny 50 BWP stake got the same respect as the whales dropping five figures. Bonus: SA Gaming’s Dragon Tiger table was surprisingly active, which isn’t always true on smaller platforms.
Payments & Withdrawals
Melbet doesn’t offer mobile money (yet), which feels like a missed step in Botswana. That said, you’ve got plenty of other options:
| Method Type | Examples | Min Deposit | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-wallets | Jeton, Plastrix, MiFinity, Airtm | ~13 BWP | Instant, No Fees |
| Vouchers | Neteller | ~13 BWP | Instant, No Fees |
| Crypto | BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, TRX, USDT & more | Varies | Instant, No Fees |
Withdrawals via crypto were fast—we tested a small Bitcoin cash-out and had confirmation in under 10 minutes. That’s faster than some local ATM queues, and we’re not even exaggerating.
Promotions & Bonuses: A Few Good Hooks
First Deposit Bonus
- 100% up to 1,361 BWP
- Min deposit: 13.62 BWP
- Wagering: 5× accumulators (3+ legs, 1.40+ odds)
Deposit Series Bonuses
- 2nd deposit: 75% up to 1,362 BWP
- 3rd deposit: 50% up to 1,362 BWP
- 4th deposit: 25% up to 1,362 BWP
Cashback & Weekly Reloads
- Weekly cashback: 10% up to 1,362 BWP
- Minimum payout: 11 BWP
- Wagering: 5× in 4-leg accumulator bets
Promo Code Store
Spend earned points on bet credits or spins. It’s a nice gamified touch and adds some flexibility, especially if you’re sick of chasing bonus rollover terms that read like fine print on a mortgage.
While the bonus terms are strict, they’re no worse than what you’d find on BetWinner or 22Bet. And at least here, all the terms are upfront—no bait-and-switch nonsense.
VIP Experience: Hidden but Present
There’s no flashy “VIP Club” tab, but regular users get invited to private promotions through the Promo Code Store and weekly reward emails. Don’t expect red carpets, but expect the occasional free spin and better cashback odds if you stay active.
Customer Support & Contact
Melbet’s support team can be reached through:
- Live Chat (24/7 via website)
- Phone: +442038077601
- General queries: info-en@melbet.com
- Security: security@melbet.com
We tried the live chat late on a Tuesday and connected in under two minutes. The agent was efficient, though not exactly chatty—a fair trade for speed.
Localisation & User Tools
The site supports Botswana Pula (BWP) and defaults to English. No mobile money is a downside, but KYC and responsible gambling tools are well-implemented. You can set limits, view session stats, and request self-exclusion.
If you’re looking for a site that speaks Setswana, this isn’t it. But if you’re fine with English and crypto-savvy, you’ll be right at home.
Final Words
Melbet Botswana is a platform with global reach and local utility. It doesn’t tick every box—missing mobile money and local licensing are the biggest gaps—but it makes up for that with deep sports markets, an energetic casino section, fast crypto withdrawals, and meaningful promotions.
Is it perfect? No. But it gets the job done better than many competitors and doesn’t waste time pretending to be something it’s not. If you’ve got a solid Wi-Fi connection and a bit of patience for bonus terms, it might just be worth a spot in your betting rotation.