To diversify Namibia’s economy and explore new revenue streams, the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Tourism and Forestry (METF), Indileni Daniel, has announced plans to revive the country’s dormant gambling and lotteries sector.
Speaking at her first official meeting with ministry officials in April 2025, Minister Daniel outlined a strategic vision to capitalise on and fully operationalise Namibia’s gambling infrastructure. She explained that the initiative will improve regulatory oversight and contribute to economic growth within the tourism sector.
Merging Conservation and Gambling Regulations
While METF traditionally oversees wildlife conservation and national parks, it also holds regulatory authority over the Gambling Board and Lottery Board, due to the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 2018 and the Lotteries Act 2017. These bodies have remained inactive, leaving the sector dominated by illegal activity.
Currently, Namibia lacks a state-run lottery, and widespread reports suggest a proliferation of unlicensed slot machines across towns and rural settlements. By bringing the Lottery Board and Gambling Board fully online, Daniel intends to bring transparency and accountability to the sector.
Gambling as a Strategic Economic Lever
Minister Indileni Daniel’s revitalisation plan hinges on the potential of gambling as an economic catalyst. She highlighted three key areas of impact in her remarks:
- Revenue Generation: By establishing a regulated framework for casinos and lotteries, the government can collect taxes and licensing fees from legitimate operators. This will contribute significantly to national revenue, if the grey market is targeted with efficient enforcement mechanisms.
- Crackdown on Illegal Operators: The minister emphasised the importance of curbing the unregulated gambling market. Illegal operators evade taxes and pose risks to player safety. A clampdown would level the playing field and restore integrity to the system.
- Tourism Diversification: Namibia’s tourism sector is largely dependent on wildlife safaris and ecotourism. Daniel believes that a thriving, regulated casino and lottery industry could extend tourists’ average stays and create new entertainment opportunities attracting a broader audience.
The Lottery Trust Fund, once operational, is also expected to fund educational and social development projects. This way, the initiative will also impact the social life of citizens.
Namibia Aligning with Continental Trends
Namibia’s efforts come at a time when several African countries are taking strategic steps to harness the power of gambling as a revenue source. Benin recently introduced a two-tier gambling tax in January 2025, while Botswana is exploring a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax model.
Analysts suggest that Namibia’s political stability, well-established tourism infrastructure, and premium wildlife offering position it favorably to become a regional leader in land-based casino tourism.
Implementation Challenges Loom
Minister Indileni Daniel’s vision faces notable obstacles. The METF will require specialised personnel to monitor, regulate, and enforce gambling laws. However, given the current budget constraints, these resources might be difficult to obtain.
Illegal gambling continues to thrive due to the absence of enforcement and public skepticism around legalised gambling options. Analysts warn that without significant regulatory investments and public awareness campaigns, illegal operators may continue to dominate the market.
A New Chapter for Namibian Tourism and Economy
Despite the hurdles, these plans mark a significant turning point in Namibia’s approach to gambling. By linking tourism development with gambling reform, the government can tap into a lucrative global industry and reimagine tourism in a region better known for its sand dunes and safaris.
As Namibia prepares to relaunch its gambling infrastructure, all eyes will be on how the country balances economic ambition with responsible regulation.
