The search for the operator of the envisaged National Lottery has begun as the Gambling Authority opens bidding process. The search process is expected to be concluded by November 17 when the chosen operator will be announced. Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Gambling Authority Chief Executive Officer Thuli Johnson said the National Lottery is expected to be up and running by 2018. Johnson said the lottery is expected to among others help advance government’s economic diversification drive and the socio-economic development of the citizens of Botswana. He said through the lottery there will be improved tax revenue for government, employment creation as well as availability of funds for good causes. “The lottery is mainly for benefits of Batswana and to raise money for the good causes. Through the National Lottery Distribution money will be disbursed for good causes mainly sports, charities, arts and disaster relieves,” he said. Johnson said it is the Authority’s vision to see the lottery run by Batswana as the years go by. He, therefore, revealed that the operator that will be awarded the tender will be required to educate locals on the running of the lottery. He acknowledged that even though the lottery is also…