Namibia’s gambling strategy reviewed in Swakopmund - nbc

Описание: Role players and stakeholders in Namibia's gambling industry regulation gathered in Swakopmund to review the country's gambling strategy.

The discussions centred on boosting revenue, tightening regulation, and protecting vulnerable communities from the social harms of gambling.

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) Indileni Daniel says it is mandatory for the Gambling Board to contribute to improved living standards and the country's economic growth.

"It must also focus on skill development, job creation, community responsibility, and empowerment of previously disadvantaged groups. Gambling is already out there, so we need to regulate it. We need to educate our communities on how to gamble responsibly. It must also establish a robust system for timely levy collection and transparent reporting on community impact. We must confront the risks of addiction - very, very important - and excessive gambling with equal determination."

A gambling consultant who has worked with other African countries such as Botswana and South Africa warned that Namibia may be losing significant revenue due to gaps in regulation, especially when it comes to online betting.

He says without proper licensing, monitoring systems, and enforcement, illegal operators thrive while the government loses out.

Fortune Sekgaphane is a gambling consultant who emphasises, "If we regulate properly, Honourable Minister, we will have to license these people and know them so that when they misbehave, we can call them out. Those who are operating illegally must be blocked. Those who are operating illegally must be arrested, because it is an offence."

Among the proposals are the introduction of a central electronic monitoring system, tighter compliance standards, and the development of a national gambling policy.

"Job creation, Minister, is non-negotiable. This industry creates jobs - I am a witness. In Botswana, as we speak, they will never allow you to activate or switch on your operation without submitting what we call an employment evolution plan. We should reach a stage, Honourable Minister, where we can say to the government: here is a report on employment created through gambling. Here are the monies contributed from net profit after tax to good causes."

Stakeholders are expected to refine a roadmap aimed at ensuring that the gambling industry contributes meaningfully to economic growth without deepening social harm.