Why are Batswana prone to gambling and scams

Academic studies findings and research

Author

Boago Sephutho
September 17, 2025

Good morning, let’s get into it!

I have, for a while, been concerned that maybe the reason Batswana have been interested in stocks maybe the same reason they are into Betway and Aviator. And that is, they have a gambling problem. So I set out to understand why it’s like this and conduct some research about it, and I found interesting information about all of it:

“Why the Quick Win Seems More Attractive: Insights from Botswana & Beyond”

Executive Summary

Recent data from Botswana reveals that gambling is not just common — it’s becoming a serious social issue. Over a third (~36.6%) of Batswana participate in gambling (legal & illegal), and about 6.7% show signs of excessive or problem gambling. (APAnews - Agence de Presse Africaine) Among younger adults (ages 21-35), particularly those facing financial stress and unemployment, the risk is substantially higher. (Your Botswana)

Meanwhile, research shows gaps in financial literacy, limited formal education in personal finance, and few accessible, trustworthy paths for investment for ordinary citizens. These help explain why many might prefer schemes that promise fast returns.

Key Academic Findings

Here are what the relevant studies show, especially those that are most directly applicable to Botswana or similar contexts:

Study

What it Investigated / Found

Relevance for Gambling vs Quick-Speculation Behaviour

“The Case for the Need for Personal Financial Literacy Education in Botswana Secondary Schools” (Solomon, Nhete & Sithole, 2018)

Analyzed the secondary school curriculum in Botswana; found that while business subjects exist, there is no dedicated or sufficient subject for personal financial literacy (PFL). Many learners lack knowledge and skills on budgeting, saving, investment, risk, etc. (SAGE Journals)

Without this foundational understanding, it’s hard for people to evaluate gambling or speculative schemes vs safer or long-term investments. Many of the decisions (e.g. betting, Forex, high-risk ventures) happen without full awareness of risk or expected return.

“Financial Literacy and Economic Attitudes as Protective Factors Against Pathological Gambling? A Systematic Review” (2025)

Covers multiple studies in different countries; suggests that higher financial literacy has a protective effect against problematic gambling, though the effect size varies and is moderated by context (culture, access to gambling, socioeconomic status). (Springer Link)

Speaks to the idea that improving financial literacy might help reduce the attraction of gambling or speculative behaviour. It also suggests that making people aware of risk/probability doesn’t always work the same way across all groups.

“Financial stress and gambling motivation: the importance of financial literacy” (Amonhaemanon, etc.)

Studied informal workers (low-income), finding that lower financial literacy + higher financial stress are associated with stronger motivation to gamble, especially lottery tickets. Economic, psychological, and social motives all interplay. (OUCI)

Mirrors the Botswana findings: when people are under financial pressure, with few safety nets, gambling can be seen as one of the few accessible “chance” paths. Financial literacy helps, but alone it may not be enough if stress and lack of alternatives remain.

Data from Botswana’s National Prevalence of Excessive and Problem Gambling Study (2025)

Found ~36.6% participation in gambling among Batswana; 6.7% are problem gamblers; higher rates among unregulated / illegal platforms (~12%); youth (21-35) are most vulnerable; large share begin under legal age; unemployment & financial stress are key drivers. (SigmaPlay)

This gives localized empirical evidence that aligns with the more general academic findings: gambling is widespread; risky behaviour is associated with vulnerability (youth, financial stress); regulation and protective measures are weaker in illegal / unregulated settings.

Studies outside Botswana (for comparison)

For example, lottery gambling in Korea linked with lower financial literacy; many studies that link gambling behaviour with low savings, high impulsivity, or limited understanding of risk.

These help show that Botswana is not unique; many of the same psychological, economic, and educational factors are shared globally. But cultural, regulatory, and social contexts matter a lot.

Interpreting the Mixed Picture: What We Don’t Yet Know

While the data and studies give strong indication, there are some gaps:

  • Longitudinal data: How people’s gambling or speculative behaviour changes over time; whether early gambling leads to long-term harm, or whether interventions (like literacy training) have lasting effects.

  • Comparative studies of investment vs gambling behaviour in Botswana specifically: How many people invest in stocks, bonds, savings vs those who gamble? What are the barriers to investment? (Capital, trust, knowledge, access)

  • Causal links: While associations are strong (e.g. financial stress ↔ gambling), proving what causes what is harder. For instance: does financial stress push people into gambling, or do gambling losses worsen financial stress (likely both)?

  • Cultural, social, psychological subtleties: What role do narratives, peer influence, social media, or local beliefs play in shaping risk perception and attitudes toward fast returns?

What the Evidence Suggests Should Be Done

Based on what studies in Botswana and elsewhere indicate, here are policy-oriented or societal measures that seem promising:

  1. Integrate financial literacy early and broadly

    • Make personal financial literacy (PFL) a required subject at secondary school. Botswana’s research shows current curricula are insufficient. (SAGE Journals)

    • Include topics like risk, probability, inflation, compounding, and the difference between speculation and investment.

  2. Regulation and oversight of gambling and speculative platforms

    • Stronger regulation of online and illegal gambling, age verification, and limits on promotions/bonuses that encourage risky behaviour. Botswana’s national report suggests illegal platforms have higher incidences of problem gambling. (SigmaPlay)

    • Require gambling operators to have “responsible gambling” features.

  3. Support for economic opportunity and reducing financial stress

    • Youth employment programmes, entrepreneurship support, and improving income stability so that gambling is less appealing as a “last resort” or “one-shot chance”.

  4. Public awareness & social norms

    • Campaigns to promote realistic expectations about gambling vs investing.

    • Highlight stories of harm (with care), as well as examples of disciplined investing, saving, etc.

    • Engage communities, families, and schools.

  5. Research investment

    • Fund academic and applied research locally. Botswana already has initiatives (scholarships, master’s/PhD) to study gambling and the gaming/gambling industry. (Africa Press Arabic)

    • Collect more data on investment behaviour, financial inclusion, and barriers to entry.

Conclusion

The “quick-win” or “get rich fast” mindset isn’t just about greed or laziness; it often arises where there are:

  • real financial pressures (unemployment, low income, uncertainty),

  • limited education about risk and financial tools,

  • lack of alternative pathways (few investment options, few reliable income sources),

  • and easily accessible gambling or speculative platforms that promise outsized returns.

In Botswana, the recent prevalence data confirms these drivers are present: young people, under financial stress, participating heavily in gambling; many lacking financial literacy; many exposed to illegal/unregulated platforms where risk is higher.

Turning this around will require both top-down and bottom-up approaches: policy, regulation, education, but also shifting social narratives, providing alternatives, giving people hope in more sustainable ways.

Sources

Key Sources

Title

Author(s) / Institution

What It Covers

Relevance

Risk Factors of Problem Gambling in Botswana

Botswana Gambling Authority, “Prevalence of Excessive and Problem Gambling in Botswana Study” (2024)

Uses secondary data to identify correlates/risk factors for problem gambling in Botswana. (gamblingauthority.co.bw)

Directly provides empirical data for Botswana: who is more at risk, what conditions are associated with problem gambling.

Regulation of gambling in Sub-Saharan Africa: findings …

J. M. Sichali et al. (2023)

Systematic review / assessment of how gambling is regulated in sub-Saharan Africa, including gaps in research about prevalence among youth. (ScienceDirect)

Useful for understanding the regulatory environment, which influences how gambling spreads and what protections exist.

Problem Gambling among Young People in Sub-Saharan Africa

Derrick Ssewanyana & Byron Bitanihirwe (2018)

Survey of ~3,879 youth aged ~17–35 in SSA; examines gambling behaviours, public health and socioeconomic impact; also addresses policy responses. (PMC)

Helps see similarities with Botswana’s youth patterns, and what has been observed elsewhere in SSA.

Financial Literacy and Economic Attitudes as Protective Factors Against Pathological Gambling? A Systematic Review

C. Barone et al. (2025)

Reviews many studies globally about the relationship between financial literacy and gambling; finds financial literacy is associated with lower rates of pathological gambling, though context matters. (PMC)

Speaks to the question of whether building financial literacy might reduce gambling / speculative risk behaviour.

Financial Literacy around the World: An Overview of the Evidence with Practical Suggestions for the Way Forward

Bilal Zia (2012, World Bank)

Broad global survey of financial literacy levels, the impact of financial education, and policy suggestions. (Academia)

Useful background: gives context for how financial literacy is conceptually tied to financial decision-making, risk, investment vs speculation.

Problem gambling worldwide: An update and systematic review

F. Calado et al. (2016)

Reviews recent (since 2000) research on adult gambling and problem gambling. (PMC)

Helps understand how global trends compare with what’s happening in Botswana.