Gambling law equipped to tackle addiction, minister says
While gambling, betting and gaming are legally recognised and regulated in Namibia, increasing access, particularly through mobile betting, has heightened the risk of addiction, especially among young and unemployed Namibians.
Tourism minister Indileni Daniel addressed this concern in parliament recently in response to questions on gambling and sports betting.
Daniel noted that gambling and betting are not only forms of entertainment but also generate revenue.
The minister noted that the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act allows anyone to report or register a family member or any person on whom the applicant is economically dependent or has a duty of care towards if that person displays signs of addictive or compulsive gambling.
Daniel added that the law and its regulations include measures to both prevent and address gambling addiction. The Act also requires the gambling board to allocate funds for the rehabilitation and treatment of addicts.
She emphasised that the ministry is developing a national gaming policy to provide guidelines and strategic interventions to address issues such as illegal gambling, responsible gambling, addiction and rehabilitation.
“Communities are the eyes and ears of any society or nation, and therefore the Act makes provision and gives power to the families and community members to play a role in tackling gambling addiction.”
Communities are also encouraged to report irresponsible gambling activities by operators and businesses in the sector.
Regulated sector
The ministry has implemented the law and appointed the Gambling Board of Namibia, the minister said, to regulate the sector and address illegal gambling activities, including unlicensed gambling and sports betting operators.
The law was enacted in 2021 and, to date, the board has dealt with more than 280 applications from illegal operators, Daniel said.
In addition, the board, with support from the ministry, has launched an industry-wide public education and awareness campaign to improve understanding of the new law.
“This programme is ongoing as the law is still at its infant stage,” the minister explained.
She added that the board is in the process of amending the Act to strengthen compliance.
Strict rules
Daniel stressed that the law and its regulations provide full protection for minors, prohibiting their participation in gambling.
“The Act further provides for the establishment of a central monitoring system and the ministry is currently in the process of acquiring this system, which aims at addressing and curbing irresponsible gambling practices as well as gambling by minors," Daniel said.
Anyone found allowing underage sports betting or violating any provision of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act faces a fine of N$20 000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
The minister further explained that online platforms apply Know Your Client (KYC) procedures, requiring every user to upload a selfie and identification document, which are verified before registration as a player is approved.
Daniel added that gaming operators in Namibia are required to display visible posters and distribute pamphlets informing patrons of regulations such as age restrictions. They are also obliged to inspect and verify the identity of anyone suspected of being underage upon entering their premises.
Tourism minister Indileni Daniel addressed this concern in parliament recently in response to questions on gambling and sports betting.
Daniel noted that gambling and betting are not only forms of entertainment but also generate revenue.
The minister noted that the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act allows anyone to report or register a family member or any person on whom the applicant is economically dependent or has a duty of care towards if that person displays signs of addictive or compulsive gambling.
Daniel added that the law and its regulations include measures to both prevent and address gambling addiction. The Act also requires the gambling board to allocate funds for the rehabilitation and treatment of addicts.
She emphasised that the ministry is developing a national gaming policy to provide guidelines and strategic interventions to address issues such as illegal gambling, responsible gambling, addiction and rehabilitation.
“Communities are the eyes and ears of any society or nation, and therefore the Act makes provision and gives power to the families and community members to play a role in tackling gambling addiction.”
Communities are also encouraged to report irresponsible gambling activities by operators and businesses in the sector.
Regulated sector
The ministry has implemented the law and appointed the Gambling Board of Namibia, the minister said, to regulate the sector and address illegal gambling activities, including unlicensed gambling and sports betting operators.
The law was enacted in 2021 and, to date, the board has dealt with more than 280 applications from illegal operators, Daniel said.
In addition, the board, with support from the ministry, has launched an industry-wide public education and awareness campaign to improve understanding of the new law.
“This programme is ongoing as the law is still at its infant stage,” the minister explained.
She added that the board is in the process of amending the Act to strengthen compliance.
Strict rules
Daniel stressed that the law and its regulations provide full protection for minors, prohibiting their participation in gambling.
“The Act further provides for the establishment of a central monitoring system and the ministry is currently in the process of acquiring this system, which aims at addressing and curbing irresponsible gambling practices as well as gambling by minors," Daniel said.
Anyone found allowing underage sports betting or violating any provision of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act faces a fine of N$20 000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
The minister further explained that online platforms apply Know Your Client (KYC) procedures, requiring every user to upload a selfie and identification document, which are verified before registration as a player is approved.
Daniel added that gaming operators in Namibia are required to display visible posters and distribute pamphlets informing patrons of regulations such as age restrictions. They are also obliged to inspect and verify the identity of anyone suspected of being underage upon entering their premises.
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