Gambling and online casinos in Cameroon

Cameroon is one of those African countries where gambling is an officially permitted type of business and an important element of the economy.

With a stable legal system, developed tourism and growing internet access, Cameroon has become a key market for casinos, betting companies and online gambling in Central Africa.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in Cameroon during the French and British colonial rule.

After independence in 1960, the government did not ban gambling, and in 1989 the first law was passed regulating casinos and lotteries.

A reform followed in 2005 that legalized private operators and established a licensing system, paving the way for investment and international cooperation.

Since that time, Cameroon has become one of the most liberal gambling markets in Africa.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by Loi n ° 89/027 du 29 décembre 1989, as well as Décret n ° 2005/012 du 25 avril 2005, which establishes licensing and supervision rules.

The main regulator is the Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale (MINAT), which through Direction des Jeux de Hasard et des Loteries (DJHL)

controls licensing, auditing and taxation.

The main provisions of the law:

• gambling is allowed if licensed;
• the age of the players is from 18 years;
• licenses are issued for a period of 5 years;
• taxation varies from 10% to 25% depending on the type of business;
• online gambling is allowed when registering a representative office in the country.

Operators are required to ensure transparency of payments, as well as fund programs to combat gambling addiction.

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Legal forms of gambling

The following forms of gambling are officially permitted in Cameroon:

• casinos and gaming parlors;
• national and private lotteries;
• bookmakers (online and offline);
• poker, keno, bingo;
• online casinos and virtual gaming.

The largest state operator remains

Loterie Nationale du Cameroun (LONACAM), which also licenses private companies.

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Casino and offline gambling

Cameroon's land-based casinos are aimed primarily at tourists and wealthy citizens.

Most of the establishments are concentrated in Yaounde and Doire, where business and tourist flows are concentrated.

The largest casinos in the country:

• Casino du Hilton Yaoundé - the legendary casino at the Hilton Hotel, has been operating since the 1990s, offers roulette, blackjack, poker and slots;
• Casino Playa Limbe is a popular casino on the Atlantic coast;
• Casino Douala Palace is one of Central Africa's most modern casinos;
• Safari Club Yaoundé is an elite private room with board games.

The total income of offline casinos is estimated at more than $30 million per year, and about 15% goes to the state budget through taxes and licensing fees.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Cameroon is developing rapidly, especially with the growth of mobile internet and the popularity of sports betting.

Although the legislation does not explicitly single out online casinos, in 2016 MINAT officially recognized their activities as legal with a license.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet Cameroun, Premier Bet CM, BetWinner CM - localized international sites;
• BetMoov, Betika, SportyBet Cameroon - African brands;
• BC. Game, Stake. com - crypto platforms that work with Cameroonian users.

Payment methods:

• MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, Nexttel Money are the most popular ways;
• Visa/MasterCard and transfers via UBA, Ecobank;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Tron, Tether) - on international sites.

According to Central Africa Gaming Review 2024, more than 800,000 active users participate in online gambling, and the annual market turnover exceeds $70 million.

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Economic importance

Gambling occupies an important place in Cameroon's economy.

The sector provides about 1.3% of the country's GDP and more than 3,500 jobs.

The main advantages for the state:

• tax revenues to the budget (about $10 million per year);
• tourism and hospitality development;
• stimulating fintech payments;
• investments in sports and culture.

LONACAM and the largest betting companies are sponsors of football clubs and the Cameroon national team, and part of the profits goes to social programs.

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Cultural and religious context

Cameroon is a country with a multi-confessional society:

• here Christians, Muslims and followers of traditional beliefs coexist peacefully, so attitudes towards gambling are generally neutral.

In Muslim regions in the north, gambling is limited, but in the central and southern parts (especially in Yaounde and Douala)

it is perceived as a form of entertainment and social status.

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Prospects

The Government of Cameroon plans to 2030:

• fully digitalize the licensing system;
• create an online register of operators;
• integrate blockchain for transactional transparency;
• attract international investors to tourist areas.

Gaming Africa Index 2030 forecast:

• Cameroon's gambling market will reach $200 million, of which about 65% will be online gambling.

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Cameroon is a regional leader in Central Africa in terms of regulation and gambling development.

Legal casinos, bookmakers and digital platforms operate here, and the state supports transparency and accountability in the industry.