Botswana Gambling Authority Inaugurates Gambling Levy Fund Committee

The Botswana Gambling Authority has recently marked a significant achievement by initiating the Gambling Levy Fund Committee. This notable event, which took place over two days from Monday, 11th to Tuesday, 12th December 2023, signified a pivotal step towards responsible fund management and the enhancement of community welfare.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mme Seipati Olweny, and Gambling Authority Board Chairman, Mr. Marvin T. Torto. Their attendance underscored the Gambling Authority’s commitment to ensuring diligent oversight of the Gambling Fund levies, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to its duties.

Committee's Key Objectives and Roles

The newly established Gambling Levy Fund Committee is set to accomplish several critical goals. These include accounting for all Gambling Fund levies, ensuring that disbursements align with the Fund's objectives, monitoring funded projects and activities, and preparing annual budgets for approval by the Accounting Officer (Permanent Secretary). This framework is designed to foster transparency, efficiency, and a positive community impact.

Induction Session: Equipping the Committee

During the induction session, Committee members gained a thorough understanding of their responsibilities. They were informed about the legal and regulatory aspects of the Gambling Levy Fund and trained in fund management. Interactive workshops further enhanced their skills for effective oversight of the fund.

Linking with South African Practices

In alignment with South African approaches to fund management and community development, the Gambling Authority aspires to emulate similar standards of transparency and accountability. This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of South Africa's successful models of gambling fund management and community support.