Trade Minister urges change of perception over gambling
The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela says Batswana need to have a change of mindset about the gambling industry. Speaking at the official opening of the revamped Moonlight Casino in Gaborone recently, Kgafela said there is a whole value chain in the gambling industry which is unknown and Batswana need to be told about it.
He expressed his appreciation towards Casino owner Bipin Awasthi, saying through the casino, they have created employment opportunities for many Batswana.“I hear 82 direct jobs have been created and 79 of those are Batswana. Only three are foreigners,” Kgafela said. In addition to the above, there is an additional 13 outsourced staff members utilized daily for cleaning and Security services. There are about 8 indirect jobs created for maintenance and running of the business. “Job creation is a top priority for His Excellency the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi; so well done for creating jobs during this trying times of Covid-19,” the Minister said. The Minister went on to say that he was pleased that Moonlight Casino is 100percent citizen owned and abiding by all regulations laid down by the Gambling Authority.
“This industry has potential to sustain itself and flourish and I believe if done properly, gambling as an enterprise, can be done by husbands and wives in the most responsible manner,” he said. For his part, Moonlight Casino owner, Awasthi said he got the license in 2006. However, business was not so good at his first location of Gaborone Hotel and he has now relocated to Airport Junction Mall. He too stressed that casino business is not about the owners pocketing large profits and customers going home broke. In fact, their records show for the last two years they have paid millions to government in the form of taxes. “Casino business’s margin is only 4-5percent and the remaining 95percent goes to players or winners. It is a very capital intensive industry. “It is also a very risky business and Botswana has witnessed 8 casino changing hands or closing down due to frustrating returns on investments,” Awasthi said.
Perception, he said is that gambling is a sin, just takes money from everybody and they go home empty handed. But like any other thing in life, gambling is a risk. He pleaded with the Gambling Authority and the Ministry to help them diversify the gambling business.
Awasthi further pleaded with government to at least once a year have a meeting with industry key players and share ideas. As appreciation to their clients, Moonlite is running a reward in a form of competition that will run in the next 6 months. Prize money of over P2 million will be split up in cash and cars.