Oshikoto: Governor Sacky Kathindi has urged the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to adopt a collaborative approach to regulating gaming, entertainment, and lotteries, emphasizing their potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and generate revenue while safeguarding communities. Speaking at stakeholder consultations in Omuthiya on Wednesday, Kathindi described the regulation of these sectors as far more than a technical exercise.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kathindi stated, "The regulation of gaming, entertainment, and lotteries is not merely a technical or administrative matter. It is a critical component of our socio-economic framework. These sectors have the potential to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation, and revenue generation." Kathindi stressed that effective regulation must balance opportunity with protection. At the same time, these activities must be carefully managed to safeguard communities from potential social risks, including addiction, exploitation, and other unintended consequences, he added.
"As custodians of regional development and community welfare, we stand ready to support initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic activities within our region," the governor stated. The consultations focused on proposed amendments to regulations under the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018.
The ministry's Deputy Director of Gaming, Simeon Lingwapha, said the engagements aim to strengthen public understanding, gather input on the amendments, and improve compliance across the sector. "Our objectives are to increase public understanding of our respective roles, engage stakeholders on the proposed amendments, improve operations, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks," Lingwapha explained.
He highlighted the need to curb illegal operators, promote responsible gambling, and address emerging trends affecting regulators, operators, players, and the public-particularly minors. "The main goal is to ensure the law addresses all developmental issues in the sector while supervising gaming establishments and protecting members of the public from the adverse effects of gaming. Responsible gambling remains at the heart of our approach," he said.
The amendments seek to modernize Namibia's gaming regulations to create a stable, transparent, and responsible industry that contributes to national development while minimizing social harm.