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The Best Real Money Online Casinos in Botswana 2024

Written by

Kelvin Jones
clockReading time 14 minread

Gambling has a long and positive history in Botswana. Since the 1970s, offline gambling, lotteries, and casinos have been legal in the country. The government has a very positive attitude towards the gambling industry in general. This is very good news for Botswana gambling enthusiasts.


But online gambling has so far been neglected by the authorities. Even though the country’s gambling laws were updated in 2016, no specific provisions related to online casinos in Botswana exist. This is largely because the internet is relatively new. Only around 40% of the population in the country have internet access.

As a result, Botswana online casinos are not illegal, just unregulated. This is both good and bad for Botswana online casino customers. On the plus side, you can play at many popular online casinos in Botswana without fear. But no laws mean no player protection – if you get scammed by an illegal casino, you are on your own.

With more Botswana players getting online each year, the popularity of online gambling will only increase. We have created this comprehensive guide to the best Botswana online casinos. You ought to know many important things about online casinos before spending your money. And you can learn about them all right here.

You will find a comprehensive guide to online gambling in Botswana right here. We will tell you everything you need to know about the national gambling laws and regulations. We also share a few tips on how to pick safe Botswana online casinos and even give you an updated list of the best online casinos in Botswana.

Get started with your journey into the wonderful world of online gambling here! Masego ke ao!

Best Casinos in Botswana

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How We Rate and Choose Trusted Botswana Casinos

There are many casino websites available online. The business is booming, thanks to increased online and mobile betting demand. But with more casinos, there is increased competition, so they offer attractive gifts and bonuses to get new players.

However, you should never pick an online casino based on the bonus size. The first thing is to ensure that the casino is safe and trustworthy. We at PlayCasino.co.za pick and rate online casinos based on specific factors to ensure that only the safest and most reliable ones feature on our list here. Get more insight into gambling on the African continent by visiting our guide.

You too, can learn how to spot a trustworthy Botswana online casino. These are the features we consider important for any online casino:

Licensed & Regulated by A Gaming Authority

Botswana does not have regulations to control online gambling. But many countries, particularly in Europe, do have these laws. They require casinos to maintain certain standards and follow strict safety and quality measures. Only such casinos are granted a license.

Licensed casinos are very important for Botswana players. One crucial feature of online gambling laws is player protection. If a casino cheats you or refuses to pay money, you can contact certain authorities and lodge complaints. Unfortunately, you don’t have such a system in Botswana.

So, if you play at an unlicensed casino and get scammed, there is nowhere to go – your money is gone. But licensed casinos are required to provide player protection features, including good customer care, a third party for handling disputes, and more.

The best licenses a casino can have to include the following – UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Other good ones include Gibraltar, Alderney, and Swedish gambling authority (Spelinspektionen). Curacao and Kahnawake are two non-European licenses considered acceptable – much better than unlicensed casinos at least!

It is important to understand one thing – licenses do not automatically guarantee that a casino is great. Often, a casino with a Curacao license may be better than one with a UK license, because there are other features to consider as well. But having a good license is usually a sign of a reliable casino.

Player Safety & Security

The gambling business involves a lot of money, both offline and online. On the internet, banks and other payment sites use security features called 128-bit SSL encryption to keep all information safe and secure. The best online casinos use the same advanced security feature on their websites and pages.

SSL Encryption is very important for your safety. When you join a casino, you must provide sensitive information such as your address, email, phone number, banking details, and more. The encryption ensures that any data you share with the casino is converted to code that hackers cannot easily break. Look for an SSL logo on the website to ensure that a casino has this vital feature.

Variety of Games and Quality of Game Software

Casino gaming is all about having fun, and for that, you need many slots and games. These days, it is not uncommon to find online casinos with hundreds or even thousands of games. How is this possible? To understand, you have to learn a bit about software providers.

There are over 50 reputed software providers in the online casino business. These are companies that design games and software for online casinos. The casino operators lease games from these providers and put them on the website.

Many of the best software providers are based in online casino hotspots like Malta, London, and Stockholm. They include big brands like Microgaming, Netent, Playtech, Rival, and Betsoft, as well as smaller ones like iSoftBet, Habanero, Booming, and Quickspin.

They offer many different game types – look for online video slots, table games, and video poker as the bare minimum. The best casinos will offer much more, including exciting live dealer games and big progressive jackpots!

Frequency and Quality of Bonuses & Promotions

We look for casinos that offer a wide variety of bonuses to new players. This includes matching cash deposit bonuses, free spins, and more. The bigger these bonuses, the better. And the best casinos also offer a no deposit bonus in the form of 100% free bonus cash or free spins to new players.

It is also important to check if the casino has regular promotions – recurring bonuses that you can claim and enjoy with each cash deposit at the casino. A well-developed loyalty program or VIP club is also a useful feature. With these programs, you get cool gifts and perks the longer you play at the casino.

Always remember that casino bonus offers and promotions come with certain conditions. These rules often determine your ability to get cash winnings, like wagering requirements, cashout limits, and more. To learn more, you can check out our guide on the important casino bonus terms and conditions. For more information on casino bonuses, scroll down this page to the next section.

Popular and Safe Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Many of our featured casinos here at PlayCasino.co.za have a free play mode where you can play casino games for fun without risking your own money. But a thrilling gaming experience can be felt only if you start wagering real cash.

We look for casinos that offer reputed and secure payment options. You can rest assured that all casinos listed here at playcasino.co.za offer reliable and secure banking methods protected with the latest security technologies.

You can use credit cards or e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill to make your deposits. You can also use them later to clear your winnings from your casino account. Using e-wallets is a convenient way to make your transactions as they are proven to be the fastest paying options and are typically free of charge.

However, keep in mind that most online casinos do not accept Pula for transactions. You will have to convert your cash to major foreign currencies like South African Rands, Euros, Dollars, or Pounds. You might be charged exchange fees at these casinos which don’t accept Botswana Pula.

The casino will usually provide detailed information regarding fees, timeframes and deposit and withdrawal limits for each payment method. It is prudent to read all information in the banking section before picking any of them.

Mobile Casino Gaming Experience

Mobile internet usage is increasing at a fast pace in Botswana. We recognize the importance that mobile casinos can have for Botswana players. The Botswana online casinos we have chosen as our top picks for you are all mobile-friendly. They allow you to use your Android/iOS mobile devices to play online slots and other casino games.

Whether you subscribe to Mascom, Orange, or BTC Mobile networks, you can connect to these online casinos using 3G or 4G. And you can also connect to online casinos on your mobile phones and tablets using faster WiFi wherever available.

You only need to access the casino directly from your mobile browser. There is no need to download any apps or additional content. Along with iOS or Android-powered mobile devices, you can also find a number of trustworthy casinos catering to Windows and Blackberry users.

Reliable & Responsive Customer Support

Customer support is important for a positive online casino experience, especially if you are new to the scene. The best casinos we feature here at PlayCasino.co.za are extremely user-friendly, filled with useful information on pages including FAQs, guides, Terms and Conditions, etc. But that is not enough in our opinion.

An ideal casino should also offer 24×7 customer support. And their agents should be available through multiple methods, like email and live chat at the bare minimum. An international toll-free number would be a bonus, though we cannot expect every online casino to be able to afford that. The casino support should also be prompt, polite, and able to respond within 24 hours max.

Best Casino Bonuses for Botswana Players

Our top recommended Botswana online casinos have many different types of bonus offers. They can be quite confusing for beginners. Here is a quick guide to the best casino bonuses you can enjoy at top Botswana online casinos:

No Deposit Bonuses

These are the most popular types of online casino bonuses among players. The reason is simple – they are 100% free. All you need to do is register a casino account as a new player. All other bonuses require a cash deposit of some kind. They are not required for no-deposit bonuses.

But not all casinos offer no-deposit bonuses. Plus, you get to claim them only once at every casino. So they are quite special indeed. There are two types of no-deposit bonuses: free cash or free spins.

Free cash is called a bonus-free chip. It is usually a small amount, between 60 and 120 Pula (or $5-$10). The advantage of bonus cash is that you can use them on slots and other card and table games.

Free spins are only usable on video slots. Each spin is worth a single real money bet on a slot game. Usually, free spin bonuses are tied to specific video slots – you cannot use the spins on other slots at the casino. Casinos often offer between 10 and 30 free spins as no deposit bonuses to new players.

All no deposit bonuses come with strict conditions. For one, you cannot withdraw the free bonus cash – you have to use it to play games at the casino. If you win any money, you can only withdraw them after completing a wagering requirement.

Free Spins (with Cash Deposit)

As the title explains, these free spins require a cash deposit. Plus, you get way more free spins with such offers. It is not unusual to see casino offers above 100 free spins with deposits. You can claim a free spin offer as a new or regular player. All free spins are usually linked to specific video slot games.

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are only available once at a casino to newly registered players. These offers require a cash deposit to unlock. The minimum required is usually around 100 – 200 Pula ($10 – $20).

Some welcome packages are available on just your first deposit. Others may have offers for your second, third, and even fourth deposits at the casino. A welcome package will always have a match bonus –something like a 100% match bonus or a 250% match bonus.

The meaning is quite simple – if you deposit 100 Pula, the casino will add bonus cash that equals the mentioned percentage. If it is a 100% bonus, you will get another 100 Pula in your account. You will then have 200 Pula to bet with! As always, you have to use the bonus money to place bets. You cannot try to withdraw it right away.

Many casino welcome packages also contain a free spin component. The number of spins you get can vary. We have seen anywhere from 20 to 100+ free spins offered at the best online casinos!

Vip Bonuses

Online casinos are very serious about regular players who deposit and play online regularly. To encourage and reward these loyal players, casinos have special VIP bonuses. If you stick with a single online casino and play continuously, VIP bonuses will greatly enhance your gaming experience.

When you join a casino, you are granted membership of the casino’s VIP club. You start at the bottom level and must play regularly to work your way up to the higher levels for the best bonuses and gifts. To gain access to these levels, you need loyalty points or comp points. You can collect them by playing real money games.

At higher VIP levels, there are loads of exciting bonuses. This includes exclusive free spins and match bonus offers, special weekly cashback, higher withdrawal limits, access to special tournaments, special casino assistants/hosts, and more.

Online Casino Games Available for Free and For Real Money

Slots

Slots are the most common type of online casino game out there. You can easily find more than a thousand unique video slots Botswana online casinos. Because they are so popular, casino software providers release new videos frequently.

There are mainly two types of slots based on the number of reels. Online video slots are the most common – they have 5 or more reels, advanced features, and rich stories or themes. They are incredibly popular among players.

Classic slots are simpler and more beginner-friendly. They have just 3 reels with simple gameplay elements. These slots are preferred by players who want a more relaxing or nostalgic experience. They follow the same design as slot machines from the 1950s and 60s.

The most popular online video slots you include:

  • Starburst
  • Book of Dead
  • Wolf Gold
  • Big Buffalo
  • Great Rhino
  • Wild Safari

Table Games

Table games are the next popular category at online casinos. These are classic card games and roulette games. You get many variants of blackjack, poker, and other exotic casino card games in this category. Table games are popular among players because they often have the highest win chances of all online casino games. The following are some of the popular table games available to Botswana players:

  • American Roulette
  • Baccarat
  • Pai Gow Poker
  • American Blackjack
  • Dragon Tiger

Live Casino Games

With all other casino games, you play against the computer. This is not the case with live casino games. They are also called live dealer games because you get to play against a human dealer/host.

These modern marvels use live video streaming – the games are shot in real-time in a studio, with real cards, roulette tables, and dice. Companies like Netent, Ezugi, and Evolution operate and manage these live games. You can find them active at online casinos 24×7. Popular live dealer games include:

  • VIP Blackjack
  • VIP Roulette
  • French Roulette
  • American Blackjack
  • Dragon Tiger

Video Poker

Video poker is a two-player game where you play against the dealer/computer. They have been popular since the 1980s, when machines were designed to host these games. Now you can also play them online in Botswana. There are many different types of video poker, including:

  • Aces and Faces Poker
  • Joker Poker
  • Jacks or Better
  • Deuces Wild

Bingo, Lotto, Scratchcards

Lottery and scratchcard games are in the minority at most online casinos. Since only a few of these games are grouped under names like “Other Games” or “Arcade Games.” Some common examples include:

  • Rainforest Magic Bingo
  • Keno
  • Candy Prize
  • Hot Safari
  • Foxin Wins Scratch

Play Your Favourite Casino Games on Mobile & Tablet!

If you enjoy playing games on your mobile, you are in luck! Online casinos are extremely mobile-friendly and work on various devices using advanced HTML5 technologies. What you experience is seamless mobile gaming and you can play the best Botswana online casinos with any modern smartphone or tablet. Compatible devices include the following:

Ios

Any iPhone or iPad launched in the last 5 years is compatible with mobile casinos. You can run the slots and games directly on a Safari browser. If you own any of these devices, you can play without any hassles at online casinos – the iPhone 6, 7, SE, 8 and the latest models like the XR, XS, and 11. All iPads generations like the 2, 3, and beyond are also supported.

Android

Likewise, all modern Android smartphones and tablets released since 2015 are compatible with online casinos. All you need is a modern browser like Chrome or Firefox. They are HTML5-based and run slots and table games smoothly. Compatible phones in Botswana include Samsung Galaxy series (A2, J4, A20, A10, Grand, and more) as well as other brands like Hisense (U and F series), Huawei (Y6, Y5, etc), and many, many more.

Beyond Online Casinos: Sports Betting in Botswana

Offline sports betting is legal and licensed in Botswana. But there are several reasons why online betting is becoming more popular each day. It is more convenient as you can bet from anywhere, home, office, or in the streets. You also get access to more betting markets – you can bet on Botswana Premier League and other football leagues from around the world. Other popular betting sports include athletics, horse racing, basketball, American football, racing, and cricket. Check out our guide to online sportsbooks in Botswana to learn more

Why Play and Bet Online in Botswana?

Online betting is far superior to offline in Botswana because of these reasons:

  • Accessibility: The main casinos are all in major centers like Gaborone and Francistown. And they all have a relatively high entry fee. With top Botswana online casinos, you can start betting with just a few hundred Pulas or less. You can also play at any time – day or night.
  • Choice of games: Online casinos give you access to thousands of slots and hundreds of table games, video poker, and more. Offline casinos are no match in this aspect.
  • Health safety: COVID-19 is a dangerous disease – it is unsafe to go outside and play at land casino resorts. Online casinos offer 100% safety, as you can stay at home and play.
  • Bonuses: Offline casinos only give good bonuses to rich players. Anyone can get exciting bonuses at online casinos, sometimes even 100% free!

There is no doubt that online casino betting is the way forward for Botswana players.

Most Popular and Reliable Casino Payment Methods in Botswana

The following are some of the most popular casino payment methods available to Botswana players at the top Botswana online casinos:

  • Paysafecard Prepaid Cards
  • Payeer Botswana
  • Neteller e-Wallet
  • Skrill e-Wallet
  • Paypal Botswana
  • Webmoney Botswana
  • Astropay
  • Bitcoin
  • VISA/Mastercard
  • Online Wire Transfer

Gambling Legality in Botswana: What Is the Legal Status for Gambling in Botswana?

Unlike many other countries, Botswana law is not hostile to gambling. In fact, all forms of offline gambling are legal and regulated. But unfortunately, there is no clarity regarding online gambling – it is unregulated. There have been some recent developments between 2013 and 2016 which has not solved this issue. Let’s explore that in detail:

Land-Based Gambling

Historically, Botswana legalized land-based gambling in the 1960s. There were two main laws – the Lotteries and Betting Act 1966 and the Casino Act 1971. Together, they regulated all betting and gambling in Botswana, under the Casino Control Board. It permitted the following activities – land casinos, non-profit/charity lotteries, and bingo.

In 2011, lawmakers decided these laws needed to be updated to adapt to the changing technologies. A new law was drafted and passed in 2012 – the Gambling Act, which came into effect in June 2013. It had the following main points. A new agency called the Botswana Gambling Authority was created to regulate all forms of the gambling industry in the country.

New measures were introduced to enforce licensing, fight money laundering, and improve monitoring of the gambling business. A system of taxation was also introduced. All land-based casino gaming, sports betting, and bingo games are legal. There are even plans for national lotteries under the new system.

Online Gambling

Despite changing outdated laws in 2012, the authorities have failed to include online gambling anywhere. There is no mention of online casinos or sportsbooks anywhere in Botswana gambling laws.

As a result, online gambling is unregulated. This is why no online casino is based in Botswanan soil – businesses do not like grey areas and lack of clarity. But there is no risk for Botswana players, as online gambling is NOT illegal. There are no restrictions on Botswana players accessing foreign online casinos or sportsbooks. Many offshore casinos welcome players from Botswana.

Botswana Gambling Laws

The following are the main laws related to gambling and betting in Botswana:

  • Lotteries and Betting Act, 1966
  • Casino Act, 1971
  • Gambling Act, 2012

Land-Based Casinos in Botswana

Botswana is one of the richest and most developed economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is well ahead of the region in terms of prosperity and economic growth. There are around nine land-based casinos, located mainly in the bigger cities of Gaborone and Francistown, as well as smaller towns like Lobatse, Palapye, and Jwaneng.

You will find up to 150 slots at the bigger casino resorts. Poker and card tables are also available in these places. Games available include blackjack and roulette. Some of the famous casino resorts in Botswana are:

  • Peermont Grand Palm Casino, Gaborone
  • Avani Hotel & Casino (formerly Sun Casino), Gaborone
  • Moonlite Casino at Gaborone Hotel, Gaborone
  • Cresta Marang Gardens & Casino, Francistown
  • Peermont Sedibeng Casino, Francistown

New to Gambling?

If you are new to online gambling, remember this – it is perfectly alright if you feel overwhelmed. Online gambling involves real money, so you have to learn some things to ensure your money is safely used. But don’t worry – most of it is easy to learn. And we have helpful guides to make things easier for you! Just check out these beginner guides at PlayCasino.co.za to learn the following basics:

  • How to pick safe and reliable casinos?
  • All about casino bonus types
  • Important bonus terms and rules
  • Best payment methods for Botswana casinos
  • Casino game terms like RTP, volatility etc

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What casino games are the most popular in Botswana?

Online video slots are universally popular at casinos across the world. And it is no different in Botswana. Slots are popular because they are easy to learn. You can just start playing immediately, as there are no complex rules or tricks to learn. And they are also very attractive and fun to look at and play, with hundreds of different options available.

Are online casinos in Botswana safe?

Botswana does not have any online casinos based inside the country. There are no laws on regulating this type of gambling. Therefore, all Botswana online casinos are based outside the country, in offshore gambling centres like Malta and Curacao. Generally, online casinos are safe, but there are some bad apples. So you have to be careful when you pick a casino. It is prudent to follow some basic safety precautions. Read our in-depth guide to find out how to identify safe online casinos. We also have a list of the safest Botswana online casinos right here.

Which casino banking methods are popular in Botswana?

Online wallets are the best option for Botswana online casino players. They are fast, safe, and easy to use. Popular options include Paypal, Payeer, Neteller, and Skrill. Credit cards are another option, but they take time, and some do not support casino withdrawals.

Is it legal to play at an online casino in Botswana?

There is no law prohibiting Botswana from playing online casinos. It is not illegal. From a legal point of view, playing at Botswana online casinos is 100% safe.

Are there any land-based casinos in Botswana?

Yes, there are many licensed land-based casinos in Botswana. Out of around 9, half of them are located in Gaborone and Francistown. They are all located in luxury hotel resorts. Available gambling options include slot machines, poker, and other card tables.

Can I bet on sports in Botswana?

Yes, offline sports betting is fully legal and licensed in Botswana. You can bet on football and other popular sports at betting shops. And since there is no law against online sports betting, it is also a great option for Botswana players. Several Botswana online casinos have an attached online sportsbook. They accept bets on a wide range of sports like football, athletics, horse racing, rugby, boxing, and even e-sports.

What online casino games pay real money?

You can win real money on video slots, table games, video poker, lotto, scratchcards, and live dealer games. For big wins worth millions of Pula, there is the option of progressive jackpots. Virtually all games at online casinos payout real money. You need a registered player account and a cash deposit to enjoy this feature though.

Can you play slots online in Botswana?

Yes, of course, you can play online slots in Botswana. The best online casinos for Botswana players feature thousands of slots from big providers like Netent, Microgaming, Quickspin, Betsoft, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. There are many smaller brands as well.

Kelvin Jones

Kelvin Jones

Senior Online Casino Expert

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Kelvin Jones is a seasoned professional in South Africa's online casino scene, boasting over a decade of expertise. He's your ultimate guide in selecting the finest online casinos, providing insights into local sites that offer both excitement and security. Kelvin's comprehensive reviews and strategies stem from a deep understanding of the industry's dynamics, ensuring players have access to top-notch gaming experiences.

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