Rundu:The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) is currently reviewing proposed regulations concerning lotteries and promotional competitions to ensure businesses and organizers comprehend the necessary rules.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Lotteries Board of Namibia, represented by James Einbeck, initiated a stakeholder consultation in Rundu to discuss potential improvements to the proposed regulations before their finalization.

The proposed changes aim to clarify distinctions between lotteries, gambling activities, and promotional competitions, focusing on the requirements for conducting such activities. Einbeck emphasized that promotional competitions are often used by businesses to draw customers by offering prizes like cars or cash.

The regulations propose a reduction in the processing fee for promotional competitions from N$3,000 to N$1,000, responding to public concerns. Additionally, a fee equivalent to five percent of the total prize value is suggested, meaning a competition with prizes worth N$100,000 would incur a N$5,000 fee.

The regulations would also require organizers to provide detailed information about their competitions, including duration, location, and prize value. Discussions will further address lottery rules, ticket sales, prize awarding, and the utilization of funds raised for approved purposes like sports and community development.

Retired General Ben Shikongo, chairperson of the Gambling Board of Namibia, noted that the review offers stakeholders a chance to evaluate the practicality of the proposed regulations and suggest necessary changes. Feedback from the consultation will contribute to finalizing the regulations and establishing clearer guidelines for businesses conducting lotteries and promotional competitions.