Stakeholders in the ||Kharas Region have validated proposed amendments of the Lotteries Regulations and Gambling and Gambling Activities Regulations. 

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism conducted a validation workshop in Keetmanshoop. 

The validation workshop follows public consultation on the proposed amendments held in March this year. 

The draft reviewed amendments seek to introduce new application and registration fees for both lottery and gambling licence fees, as well as standard application forms, to improve efficiency and consistency. 

Additionally, it will introduce a mandatory 4% monitoring fee on gross monthly income and a 1% maintenance fee on gross income for operators. 

Chairperson of the Gambling Board of Namibia Ben Shikongo said the monitoring and maintenance fees aim to strengthen oversight through a Central Electronic Monitoring System. 

"We don't just need to always do informal business. We need to be licensed so that we can have a genuine business. That is the purpose why we are here, so that at least you comply. Compliance is very important. I think you have been given ample time to do your business being unformalised. But the police were so reluctant to you that, with the view or understanding, at least the ministry will come to put things in perspective."

The ministry's Deputy Executive Director, Seimy Shidute, explained the aim of the workshop.

"The core objective is really for us to update these legal instruments, for us to effectively regulate this industry. And also adapt to the global developments, such as the digital innovation and emerging technological trends, as well as top-strengthen enforcement mechanisms."

Once gazetted, the proposed regulatory amendments would require gambling operators to pay 10% on gross income to the gambling board. 

The reviewed amendments will become law once gazetted by the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.