In a sector where commercial opportunity and public responsibility must coexist, Moruntshi Kemorwale has helped steer Botswana’s Gambling Authority towards a more ambitious future. This while combining regulatory development, financial sustainability, responsible gambling and growing international recognition.
Kemorwale’s journey with the Authority began in 2016, when the institution was established. Having served in several senior positions, including Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs, he brings considerable institutional knowledge to his role as chief executive. His experience spans regulatory strategy, stakeholder engagement and the challenge of ensuring that a rapidly evolving industry operates within a framework that protects the public.
Under his leadership since taking over in 2025, the Authority has projected revenue of P108 million for 2025/26 while pursuing a strategy to reduce government subvention and achieve financial self-sufficiency by 2028.
The significance of this ambition extends beyond the balance sheet. A regulator with a stronger revenue base has greater scope to invest in its operations, develop its capabilities and respond to the demands of a changing market.
Yet Kemorwale’s approach is not confined to financial performance. The Authority’s Motshameko o Phepha campaign places responsible gambling at the centre of its public mandate. Through community outreach, awareness initiatives and support services, the programme seeks to address gambling-related harm while promoting informed participation.
Early this year, the Authority received the Africa Responsible Gaming Leadership Award at the Africa Gaming Expo and Africa Gaming Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, and the Continental Commitment & Impact Award at the Gaming Tech Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The latter recognised work spanning responsible gambling, regulatory innovation and social impact.
The Authority has reported a decline in problem-gambling prevalence from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025. Its work also encompasses counselling and rehabilitation, self-exclusion mechanisms, public education, a 24-hour toll-free helpline and digital self-help portals. A scholarship initiative supporting advanced study in gambling research and policy further reflects an effort to build Botswana’s expertise in the field. These initiatives have attracted international recognition. Early this year, the Authority received the Africa Responsible Gaming Leadership Award at the Africa Gaming Expo and Africa Gaming Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, and the Continental Commitment & Impact Award at the Gaming Tech Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The latter recognised work spanning responsible gambling, regulatory innovation and social impact.
The Authority also received a Special Recognition Award at the Africa Gaming Expo in 2024. Other international accolades listed in its institutional awards record include the B
ig Africa Summit Leadership Skills and Upliftment Awards and Outstanding Exhibitor at the International Ombud Expo.
Its domestic record is equally varied. The Authority secured first place in the Regulatory Parastatals category at the Botswana Consumer Fair in 2025, following third place in 2024.
Meanwhile, the expansion of licensed online betting has created economic opportunities alongside new regulatory responsibilities. Industry gross gambling revenue was reported at P1.3 billion in 2025/26, with taxes and levies reaching P181 million. The Authority has responded with compliance inspections, forensic audits and efforts to tackle illegal gambling promotion.
The institution has also reported progress in citizen participation in the industry, with aggregate citizen shareholding rising from approximately 49% to 76%. If sustained, such participation can help ensure that the growth of a regulated market creates opportunities for Batswana as well as revenue for the state.
Kemorwale’s leadership is ultimately about balancing competing demands: developing a financially viable regulator, overseeing a growing industry and keeping public protection firmly in view. The breadth of the Authority’s initiatives and recognition demonstrates an institution seeking not merely to keep pace with change, but to shape it.
