Casinos in Botswana

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Introduction

The largest population of elephants in the world lives here. Almost 40% of the country is protected national parks. One of the largest producers of diamonds in the world... Welcome to Botswana, a fascinating country in South Africa. Botswana is unique in numerous ways; despite the many issues that occurred in the past, this country managed to rise from the ashes more than once. From a long-exploited British colony, it has become an independent, economically stable country, one of the most powerful on the entire African continent.

Being rich in diamonds, Botswana's economy relies heavily on diamond mining. It is one of the most thrilling countries for a safari experience, attractive to tourists, which makes it one of the most visited African countries. In addition to diamond mining and well-developed tourism, Botswana also earns from livestock farming, in which it competes with the neighboring countries of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. A land of breathtaking landscapes, a land of turbulent history, a land where the past and the future meet...

History of Gambling

Although it is approximately the size of France, just over 2.5 million people live in Botswana. Considering that almost half of the country belongs to natural reservoirs, this low population is not so surprising. Speaking of the nation...

Although, in the past, especially during the colonial era, life in Botswana was more often difficult than beautiful and easy, the bad living conditions did not affect the great, positive spirit of the nation. On the contrary...

The people of Botswana were looking for ways to rise above tough situations. One of the activities that helped to overcome difficult everyday life during the British colonization was gambling. Even though betting was present even before the arrival of Europeans on African soil the desire and need for gambling escalated during British rule in Botswana.

Everything started naively and unorganized. Gambling was usually practiced in groups; it was something like a social event for the people of Botswana. The activity took place in the streets, entertaining both gamblers and onlookers. Rules, let alone laws, did not exist until the early 1960s, when Botswana, under British leadership, took the first substantial steps towards formalizing gambling. Laws were designed, the first betting shops were opened at the same time, and sometime later land-based casinos.

After the departure of the British in the late 1960s, and the establishment of official independence, Botswana did not change direction when it comes to gambling. In fact, the state worked on expanding this industry, realizing its economic benefits. The new, independent government created new laws and opened new establishments, mostly on the territory of the capital, the economic and tourist epicenter - Gaborone.

To this day, the goals of Botswana have remained unchanged - to achieve a balance between the economic benefits brought by the gambling industry, and also to prevent potential gambling dangers such as problems with addiction as well as criminal activities related to gambling. Did Botswana manage to keep this balance?

Current Situation

Although gambling-related issues in Africa did pop-up in recent years, Botswana, thanks to a well-organized team of experts, mostly managed to keep all problems under control. The implementation and maintenance of Response Gaming policy is a key segment of Botswana's land-based industry. The body responsible for everything related to land-based gambling in Botswana is called, quite simply, the Gambling Authority, or just the Authority. This government channel is responsible for issuing operating licenses, enforcing the Gambling Act of 2012, and making sure that all land-based establishments actually operate according to those laws.

According to the mentioned, latest Gambling Act, the following are legal in Botswana: lottery, bingo, betting, and casino gambling. These activities are allowed for local residents and tourists over 21 years of age, and exclusively in legal, licensed places intended for betting and gambling.

Top Places to Gamble in Botswana

The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Resort – Gaborone: Just a few minutes walk from the center of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, a luxury resort with one of the most famous casinos in the country. Rest in 3- or 4-star hotels, and indulge in an exciting casino experience! The richly equipped casino contains over 150 slot machines and over 15 tables for Blackjack, Roulette, and Poker. In addition, the casino is supplied with private tables for high rollers who want privacy during the game. Poker tournaments are regularly organized in the Grand Palm Casino, and the most loyal visitors can expect many VIP benefits. The casino's ambiance is elegant, so visitors can enjoy an atmosphere similar to that of the most popular, most luxurious Vegas resorts.

Marang Hotel & Casino – Francistown: A completely different ambiance awaits you in this casino! Marang is an ideal destination for players who want a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere; gamble with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the sounds of the waves of the nearby Tati River. Although it does not have the typical appearance of a land-based casino, but more like a tropical vibe, Marang is very well-equipped with games and is considered a significant brand on the soil of Botswana. Dozens of cashless slot machines from companies such as Aristocrat and Bally, IGT video poker machines, and classic Blackjack and Roulette tables are a weak spot for tourists and locals; this casino is considered one of the best in the charming city of Francistown.

Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino – Gaborone: Another luxury destination for a premium gambling experience. If you are in for a sophisticated gaming session, in a traditional casino environment, this spot is the ideal choice! It is near many tourist attractions of the capital, including the National Museum and Art Gallery and Malekantwa Road Park. Compared to the previous example, this is a slightly more expensive choice, so if you don't mind spending a few more bucks for a superior land-based gambling experience...

Conclusion

The list of reasons why it is worth embarking on a land-based gambling adventure, particularly in Africa, especially in Botswana, is very long. The natural beauty of this country is breathtaking; need we remind you that almost 50% of Botswana is declared a national park? Furthermore, the fact that the people of this country are also called the Peaceful Nation speaks volumes about the people - a warm, friendly welcome awaits you here. Also, unique African cuisine, a turbulent history, and elephants! Hundreds of thousands of them, as well as other wild animals freely roam the prairies. What you usually watch on nature and animal TV channels, in Botswana - is ordinary life. If you are an adventurer who likes new challenges, while looking for a quality land-based casino scene, we definitely recommend Botswana. The legal gambling industry, fantastic tourism opportunities outside the casino... a great fusion worth time and money!