The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has called for fair, transparent and efficient regulation of Namibia's gambling industry.

MEFT Minister Indileni Daniel warned that no betting operator should receive preferential treatment.

Exchanging their views at the consultation workshop on the licensing of bookmakers and totalisators, representatives from the SADC Region are present.

Speaking there, Daniel is of the opinion that applicants must undergo a fair and rigorous assessment and that the Gambling Board should apply the law consistently and remain accountable for its performance.

"They said in the betting industry, every wager carries a risk. Every payout rests on trust, and every licence...and every licence carries irresponsibilities. But there is one thing on which the government of Namibia is not prepared to gamble: the well-being of our people and the integrity of our economy. We are not ready to gamble with that."

The Acting CEO of the Gambling Board of Namibia, Johannes Erastus, said the industry has the potential to contribute to investment, employment, innovation and government revenue if properly regulated.

"Our responsibility is therefore to ensure that its economic opportunities are balanced with the risk they pose to our communities through strong regulatory oversight, consumer protection, integrity and social responsibility."

The Chairperson of the Gambling Board of Namibia, Ben Shikongo, said the workshop comes at a time when the board is under strict directives to regulate gambling and draw on best practices from the SADC region.

"I think the honeymoon is over now. The honeymoon is over. We have been reluctant to you people, to the industry, to the operators, but we are being crucified even by politicians of this Republic and also the public at large."

The Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA) also spoke about the importance of taxation.

Discussions further focused on industry standards, fairness, consumer protection, market integrity and the responsible use of technology.

The consultation is expected to contribute to a more accountable and sustainable betting industry, balancing economic opportunities with the need to protect consumers and communities.