Gambling and online casinos in Angola

Angola is one of Africa's largest economies, rich in oil and natural resources,

where gambling is legalized and controlled by the state.

After the end of the civil war, the country is actively developing the entertainment sector,

including casinos, lotteries, bookmakers and online gambling,

which is becoming more and more popular among the young population.

Historical context

Gambling appeared in Angola in the colonial period,

when, in the 1950s and 1960s, Portuguese businessmen

opened the first casinos in Luanda and Namibe.

After independence in 1975, gambling activities were actually suspended,

but since the beginning of the 2000s, the country has again begun to legalize

commercial gambling to attract investment and tourists.

In 2016, Law No. 5/16 "On the Regulation of Gambling" was adopted,

created a modern licensing and control system.

Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by the following acts:

Закон № 5/16 (Regime Jurídico dos Jogos de Fortuna ou Azar) —
establishes the legal basis for licensing and taxation;
Resolution No. 93/17 - defines the functions of the regulator and the rules for holding lotteries;
Decree No. 18/19 - regulates online gambling and electronic rates.

Regulator: Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ)

under the Ministry of Finance of Angola.

Main provisions:

the license is mandatory for all operators;
license term - 5 years;
Gross Revenue Tax (GGR) - 25% for casinos, 30% for online gambling;
the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
casinos, bookmakers, lotteries and online games are allowed.

ISJ maintains a register of operators, conducts audits and monitors responsible gambling.

Legal forms of gambling

The following gambling activities are permitted in Angola:

casinos and gaming halls;
bookmakers (online and offline);
national and private lotteries;
virtual and mobile games;
online casinos.

Major operators:

Casino de Luanda is the oldest casino in the country, founded in 1995;
Casino Olímpia (Talatona) - the largest gaming complex with a hotel;
BetWay Angola and PremierBet are the main online bookmakers;
AngoLotto is a national lottery that has been operating since 2018.

Casinos and gaming parlors are located mainly in Luanda,

where they target both local players and business tourists.

Online gambling

Online gambling in Angola officially allowed since 2019

and is actively developing due to the growth of Internet coverage and mobile payments.

Players can bet on sports, participate in lotteries and play online casinos

through licensed sites under ISJ control.

Main directions:

sports betting and esports;
online slots and roulette;
live games and board entertainment;
virtual races and simulations.

Popular platforms:

BetWay, 22Bet, Premier Bet, BC. Game, Melbet Angola.

Payment systems:

Multicaixa, e-Kwanza, Banco BAI Pay, Standard Bank Mobile;
cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT) are used on international platforms.

According to Southern Africa iGaming Report 2024,

Angola has over 250,000 active online players,

and the market volume is estimated at $80-100 million per year.

Economic role

Gambling has become one of the sources of non-oil income in the country.

Income from licenses and taxes goes to the Social Development Fund (FAS)

and on tourism infrastructure.

Key indicators (2024):

contribution to GDP - 1.1%;
tax revenues - $20 million per year;
employment - more than 3,500 people;
annual growth of the online segment - + 25%.

Angolan government sees gambling as a tool

diversification of the economy and increasing investment attractiveness.

Social and cultural context

Angola is a country with a young population and a rapidly growing interest in technology.

Gambling here is perceived primarily as entertainment,

rather than as a social threat.

ISJ runs responsible gambling programs:

Dependency warnings
limits on deposits and rates;
a ban on minors;
mandatory notices on all licensed sites.

💡 Regulator motto:
"Jogue com responsabilidade - Play responsibly."

Prospects

Angola aims to become a regional hub for legal gambling,

focused on international investment and digitalization.

Key areas of development until 2030:

launch of the national eGaming license;
integration of crypto payments and blockchain auditing;
the establishment of recreational tourist areas in Luanda and Benguela;
participation in the African regulatory program SADC eGaming Framework.

Forecast: Angola's gambling market will exceed by 2030