Gambling and online casinos in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa's oldest and most influential states and combines deep religious traditions with modern economic development.

Despite the conservative way of life, gambling is allowed and regulated in the country, and the government sees the gambling industry as a tool to attract investment and support tourism.

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Historical context

Gambling in Ethiopia appeared in the middle of the 20th century, when the first clubs and sweepstakes opened in Addis Ababa and Dir Dawa.

After the 1974 revolution, all casinos were nationalized and then closed in the 1980s under the military regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam.

The situation changed in the 1990s:

• the new government of Abiy Ahmed proclaimed a course for economic reforms, and in 1998 the Gambling Licensing Act was passed, allowing private operators to open casinos and bookmakers.

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Legislation and regulation

The main regulation is Gambling Regulation Proclamation No. 741/2012, which regulates all types of gambling in Ethiopia.

Control over the industry is carried out by

• National Lottery Administration (NLA) —

a national body subordinate to the Ministry of Finance.

The main provisions of the law:

• casinos, lotteries, bets and slot machines are allowed;
• the minimum age of a player is 21;
• the license is issued for a period of 5 years;
• operators are required to pay gross income tax (15-20% GGR);
• gambling advertising is limited and requires regulator approval;
• online gambling is not prohibited, but requires separate permission.

Ethiopia's National Lottery also administers a portion of private licenses, and gambling revenue is partly used to fund sports and education.

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Legal forms of gambling

Ethiopia officially allows:

• casinos (mainly in Addis Ababa);
• bookmakers;
• national and regional lotteries;
• slot machines and bingo;
• sweepstakes for sporting events.

The most famous establishments of the country:

• Casino Addis is the oldest and largest casino in the country, popular with tourists and businessmen;
• Lion International Casino - a venue with roulette, poker and slots;
• Jupiter Lounge & Casino - a modern complex at the Jupiter International Hotel;
• Hilton Addis Casino Club is an elite casino in the capital.

According to the East Africa Gaming Review 2024, there are more than 30 licensed casinos and about 200 betting points in Ethiopia.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Ethiopia does not have a separate law, but is not directly prohibited - which has created a "gray area" for operators.

Local players actively use both domestic and offshore platforms.

Popular destinations:

• Betika Ethiopia, Premier Bet, SportPesa, 1xBet - legal local platforms;
• Stake, BC. Game, 22Bet, BetWinner - international sites;
• crypto casinos via USDT, Bitcoin and Ethereum are a rapidly growing segment.

Payment methods include TeleBirr, HelloCash, Amole, bank cards and transfers through the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

According to the Africa iGaming Index 2024, the number of active online players in Ethiopia has exceeded 500,000, and the online market is estimated at $80 million.

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Economic role

Gambling brings significant income to the state.

According to official figures, income from licenses and taxes in 2023 exceeded $15 million, and the total market turnover amounted to $250 million.

Contribution to the economy:

• support of the state budget;
• job creation (about 5,000 employees);
• development of the hotel and tourism business;
• expanding the scope of digital payments.

Ethiopia is also considering the creation of a special gambling zone in Addis Ababa, where exemptions for international operators will be in effect.

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Social and cultural context

Ethiopia is a country with strong religious traditions:

• about 60% of the population are Christians, about 35% are Muslims.

Religious leaders condemn gambling, but the state takes a pragmatic approach:

• gambling is allowed as an economic activity, but is accompanied by measures to combat addiction.

The National Lottery is heavily promoting the campaign

"Play Responsibly" - "Play responsibly," urging citizens to perceive excitement as a form of entertainment, and not a way to earn money.

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Prospects

Ethiopia has high potential for online gambling growth:

• a growing young population (over 60% under 30);
• fast digitalization and mobile payments;
• foreign operators' interest in the African market.

By 2030, the government plans to introduce a national licensing system for online casinos, as well as legalize international platforms with a 15% tax.

Forecast:

• Ethiopia's gambling market could reach $500 million by 2030, of which 60% will be in the online sector.

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Ethiopia is one of the few countries in East Africa where gambling is legal and regulated by the state.

Casinos, lotteries and bookmakers are officially operating, and online gambling is developing as a new economic driver.