Gambling and online casinos in Eritrea

Eritrea is one of the most closed and highly regulated states in Africa,

where gambling in the classical sense is prohibited.

However, there are limited forms of draws and lotteries in the country,

which are conducted under government control.

Online gambling has no legal status,

but access to international platforms is possible through VPNs and cryptocurrencies.

---

Historical context

After gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993,

Eritrea has chosen the path of a rigid centralized governance model.

The authorities have concentrated control over the economy, media and financial flows,

including any gambling-related activity.

In the 1990s, private gaming clubs existed in Asmara and Massawa,

aimed at foreign specialists and tourists.

However, in 2002, the government closed all such establishments,

stating that gambling is contrary to national morality and economic priorities.

---

Legislation and regulation

To date, gambling in Eritrea is regulated through

• Civil and Criminal Codes,

in which gambling is expressly prohibited.

There is no specific law on gambling licensing.

Control over the implementation of the ban is carried out by:

• Ministry of Justice of Eritrea - oversight of violations;
• Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs - blocking Internet sites;
• National Bank of Eritrea - control over transfers and foreign exchange transactions.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• all forms of casino, betting, online gambling and betting are prohibited;
• the organization of games for money entails criminal liability (fines and imprisonment);
• advertising and promoting gambling is punishable by law;
• only state lotteries are allowed to raise funds for social needs.

Thus, Eritrea adheres to the model of a complete ban

with elements of controlled raffles for charitable purposes.

---

Legal forms of gambling

Despite the general ban,

• there is a state lottery in the country run by
• National Lottery of Eritrea,

which organizes draws for national holidays and government projects.

Social or charitable games are also allowed,

• where participation does not imply monetary profit,

and funds go to education, sports or health care.

Any private form of betting - including poker, sports predictions or casinos -

are officially considered illegal.

---

Online gambling

Online gambling in Eritrea is unregulated and formally prohibited,

but the Internet gives citizens the opportunity to bypass restrictions.

Although access to international sites is often blocked,

some users use VPNs and cryptocurrencies to play on foreign platforms.

Popular destinations:

• 1xBet, Stake. com, BC. Game, BetWinner, SportyBet - via VPN;
• crypto-casino with payment in Bitcoin and USDT;
• Telegram bots and anonymous platforms with P2P payments.

However, participation in such games is fraught with risks:

• lack of legal protection for players;
• probability of account blocking or prize confiscation;
• punishment for violation of currency control.

Horn of Africa Digital Trends 2024,

Eritrea has no more than 50,000 active online players,

most of which use offshore sites through cryptocurrency wallets.

---

Economic and social context

Due to government control of the economy

gambling in Eritrea does not contribute to GDP.

The government is focused on agricultural development,

• mining and infrastructure,

rather than on the entertainment side.

However, there is a shadow gambling market -

private homes and cafes host unofficial card games and bets.

They do not bring significant income to the state,

but form an underground segment of entertainment among the urban population.

---

Cultural and religious context

Eritrea is a multi-ethnic and multi-denominational country:

• about 50% of the population are Christians, 48% are Muslims.
• Both religious groups have traditionally condemned gambling.

Opinion prevails in society,

• that gambling is contrary to cultural values,

promotes a thirst for easy money and distracts from labor.

---

Prospects

The prospects for legalizing gambling in Eritrea are extremely limited.

The government retains strict control over the economy

and shows no interest in liberalizing the entertainment sector.

However, experts note

• what with the development of digital technologies and cryptoeconomics
• possible transition to partial regulation of online gambling
• for foreigners or in special economic zones -

for example, in Massawa or Assab, where ports and hotels are being developed.

The market potential is estimated modestly - about $10-12 million per year,

in case of partial legalization.

---

Eritrea remains one of the most closed and conservative countries in Africa

in matters of gambling.

Casinos, bookmakers and online gambling are banned here,

and public policy aims to completely eliminate private influence on the sector.