Gambling and online casinos in Chad

Chad is a country with a booming economy and a growing interest in digital technology, where gambling is a legal and regulated activity.

Despite the fact that the industry is in the process of formation, the state sees gambling as a promising source of income and a tool for the development of tourism.

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Historical context

The history of gambling in Chad goes back to the 1980s and 1990s, when the first private gaming clubs and lottery draws began to appear in the capital of N'Djamena.

Since the 2000s, gambling activities began to be regulated by the state, and the national lottery received official status.

Since 2015, Chad has been making moves towards digitalizing gambling, allowing foreign online operators and local bookmakers to work.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by law Loi n ° 06/PR/2005 relative à l'organisation des jeux de hasard et des paris au Tchad, as well as by ordinances of the Ministère des Finances et du Budget.

Chief Regulatory Officer -

Autorité Nationale de Régulation des Jeux et Loteries (ANRJL), created in 2012 to oversee, license and combat illegal operators.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is allowed if licensed;
• the age of the players is from 18 years;
• the license is issued for a period of 5 years;
• tax rate - 10-25% of gross income (GGR);
• online gambling is allowed with local registration or partnership with a Chadian company;
• gambling in religious and educational institutions is prohibited.

In 2021, the Chadian government included gambling in the National Digital Economy Strategy, recognizing it as an important element of the country's modernization.

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Legal forms of gambling

Chad allows:

• lotteries (national and regional);
• sports betting (including online);
• casinos and gaming clubs;
• poker, roulette, blackjack, machines;
• virtual games and eSports-betting.

The National Lottery is managed by Loterie Nationale du Tchad (LONAT), which partners with private operators and supports social programs.

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Casino and offline gambling

Offline gambling in Chad is limited, but essential for the tourist industry of the capital and major cities.

The main establishments are:

• Casino de N'Djamena - the country's first licensed casino, offers board games, slot machines and a VIP lounge;
• Palace Games Club is a modern gaming hall at the Hôtel La Tchadienne;
• Golden Star Lounge - a private casino for business guests;
• The Tchad Poker Room is a small club popular with local players.

According to Central Africa Gaming Report 2024, offline gambling turnover is about $15 million per year, of which the state receives up to $2.5 million in taxes.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Chad has been developing since 2018, after ANRJL approved the issuance of licenses for digital operators.

The country does not have a separate law on internet games, but they are governed by general licensing provisions.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet Tchad, Premier Bet Tchad, BetWinner Africa;
• SportyBet, Betika, Bet9ja Africa;
• Stake. com, BC. Game - crypto operators with local users.

Payment methods:

• Airtel Money, Moov Money, Tigo Cash - mobile wallets;
• Ecobank, BGFI Bank, UBA - bank transfers;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Tron) - through international platforms.

According to Africa Digital Gaming Review 2024, the number of online players in Chad has exceeded 300,000, and the market is estimated at $25-30 million per year.

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Economic importance

Gambling is becoming a new source of income and employment in Chad.

The gambling industry supports hotels, services and fintech payments.

Key indicators (2024):

• market volume - $45 million;
• tax revenues - $5 million;
• contribution to GDP - 0.8%;
• employment - about 1,200 people.

The state directs part of the funds to social and educational projects through the Jeux pour le Développement Foundation.

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Cultural and religious context

Chad is a predominantly Muslim country, so the attitude towards gambling is contradictory.

In the northern provinces, gambling is practically absent, while in the southern and central regions it is perceived as entertainment and an element of urban culture.

The government takes a compromise approach:

• games are allowed, but under strict supervision and with a focus on responsible gambling.

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Prospects

By 2030, Chad plans to:

• adopt a separate law on online gambling;
• introduce an electronic license accounting system;
• develop tourist gambling zones in N'Djamena and Abesha;
• encourage the use of blockchain and cryptocurrency payments.

According to the Gaming Africa Index 2030 forecast, the gambling market in Chad could reach $90-100 million, of which up to 70% will be in the online sector.

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Chad is well on its way to creating a transparent and sustainable gambling market.

Legal regulation, fintech development and a growing young audience create the potential for offline and online gambling growth.