5 Mariachis

What is 5 Mariachis?

Consumers reiterated that being informed is an ongoing process, and that fast-paced and immersive gambling formats can rapidly erode awareness.

On the question of who should be responsible for maintaining this understanding, participants favoured a shared model rather than placing the burden solely on one party. 

Before betting, they accepted personal responsibility provided that information was clear. 

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Kemorwale said Botswana needed to modernise oversight as the sector developed, including through a central electronic monitoring system and stronger enforcement capability. “Truth be told, this industry is evolving as the sun rises. You snooze, you lose,” Kemorwale said. He added that the Authority still relies on outside specialists for some technical regulatory work because domestic expertise is limited.

Illegal betting remained a central enforcement concern. In December 2025, the Gambling Authority and Financial Intelligence Agency were reported to be investigating eight foreign-based betting websites allegedly using local proxies to operate in Botswana.

Authorities were also reported to be working with communications and financial-sector bodies to restrict access to illegal platforms and disrupt associated payment channels.

About 5 Mariachis

“This is a non-partisan initiative. It stems from society’s current understanding of the extent of the damage caused by so-called betting,” the rapporteur stated.

On Tuesday, the CCT held a public hearing to discuss the project. Government and betting sector representatives participated in the debate and presented divergent positions on the proposed measures.

The approved text includes a series of restrictions on advertising for online betting and gambling: