CEO, staff shortages cripple gambling board's work
Namibia's gambling board struggles to fulfill its mandate due to a lack of staff and a vacant CEO position.Summary
Namibia's gambling regulator is struggling to fulfill its mandate due to a lack of staff and a vacant chief executive post. Tourism minister Indileni Daniel disclosed these capacity constraints in the National Assembly, noting that the board is not yet fully operational. The shortages have hampered the registration of operators, collection of fees and levies, public education, and programs addressing gambling addiction. Daniel did not provide details on the current staff complement, the number of vacancies, or when a CEO would be appointed. She also did not specify how long the board has operated without a CEO or if an acting official is in place. The minister acknowledged that some gambling houses remain unregistered. The board's inability to identify illegal operators and conduct regular inspections could affect compliance and revenue collection. These weaknesses come as the government struggles to control online gambling, with betting websites and mobile apps allowing Namibians to gamble through platforms without local offices, complicating licensing and enforcement. The board was established under the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018, which came into operation in December 2021, but it lacks the institutional capacity to implement the law fully. The board is responsible for considering license applications, registering businesses, inspecting premises, monitoring compliance, advising the minister on policy, and supporting responsible gambling and public awareness programs.
(Source：Namibian Sun)