The Lotteries Board of Namibia plans to charge a 5% levy on the value of prizes for all competitions run in the country, alongside a N$2,000 processing fee for companies and individuals seeking approval to operate.
The proposed measures form part of a broader regulatory overhaul aimed at tightening oversight of promotional competitions and strengthening compliance across the gaming and lottery sector.
The levy and processing fee are expected to be formalised through a gazetting process in line with the Lotteries Act, 2017 and the Lotteries Regulations, 2021.
Chairperson of the Lotteries Board, Wycliff Shililifa, said the reforms are designed to improve monitoring and accountability, particularly in a segment that has grown rapidly with limited regulatory control.
He said the amendments will introduce mandatory pre-competition registration requirements, ensuring that all competitions are vetted before launch.
The changes also include a revised fee and levy structure to support the Board’s regulatory functions, as well as the introduction of standardised application forms to improve efficiency and consistency.
Stronger oversight measures are also being proposed for entertainment and private lotteries, which regulators say require closer scrutiny.
In addition, the Board is considering the introduction of electronic software lottery licensing to regulate digital and online gaming platforms, reflecting the sector’s shift towards technology-driven operations.
Deputy Director in the Ministry of Environment, Fisheries and Tourism, Saimy Shidute, said the proposed amendments are intended to address gaps in the current legal framework while promoting transparency, accountability and responsible gambling.
She said the government is also seeking to ensure that revenue generated from gaming activities contributes to national development programmes.
“The gaming and lottery sectors continue to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and increased participation. While this creates economic opportunities, it also presents regulatory challenges that require a proactive and responsive approach,” Shidute said.
The proposed changes signal a more assertive stance by regulators as Namibia moves to formalise and better control a sector that has expanded quickly, particularly in the digital space.
