Gambling and online casinos in Gabon

Gabon is an oil-rich Central African country with a stable economy and a stable political system, which makes it an attractive market for gambling and online gambling.

Gambling is officially allowed here, and the government supports the development of the industry as a source of tax revenue and tourism investment.

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Historical context

Gambling in Gabon began to develop in the 1970s, when the first hotel casino for foreign guests appeared in the capital Libreville.

In the 1990s, the sector received an impetus of development after the liberalization of the economy, and private operators of lotteries and bookmakers began to work in the country.

In 2005, the first licensing rules were introduced, and since 2012, gambling has been officially regulated at the state level, including online platforms.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling in Gabon is regulated by Loi n ° 20/2012 relative aux jeux de hasard, and control is exercised by the Ministère de l'Économie et des Finances through the Direction Générale des Jeux et Paris (DGJP) division.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is allowed with a state license;
• a license is issued for 5 years;
• the age of the players is from 18 years;
• taxation varies from 10% to 25% of gross income (GGR);
• online gambling is allowed when registering a legal entity in Gabon;
• the operator must comply with Responsible Gaming standards.

All companies are required to transfer 5% of profits to the National Social Fund, which supports sports and cultural initiatives.

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Legal forms of gambling

The following types of gambling are permitted in Gabon:

• casinos and gaming clubs;
• lotteries and instant draws;
• bookmakers (including online);
• poker, roulette, blackjack, machines;
• virtual and online games.

The main state operator remains

Loterie Nationale du Gabon (LONAGIS), which manages national lotteries and oversees the issuance of sub-licenses to private companies.

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Casino and offline gambling

Offline gambling in Gabon is limited, but actively supported by the tourism sector.

Casinos are located in the capital Libreville and in the port city of Port Gentil.

The largest casinos in the country:

• Casino Croisette Libreville - the central casino of the country, at the Laico Okoume Palace Hotel, offers roulette, poker, blackjack and machines;
• Casino du Tropicana is a popular destination for business tourists;
• Casino Port-Gentil - casino on the coast, aimed at foreign guests;
• Club Élite Libreville is a private gaming venue with a VIP lounge.

The total income of offline gambling is estimated at $20-25 million per year, of which about 20% goes to the budget in the form of taxes and fees.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Gabon is developing rapidly.

With the spread of mobile Internet and the growing number of smartphones, more and more residents of the country are betting online and playing virtual casinos.

The legislation does not contain a separate act regulating internet gambling, but since 2018 the government has allowed online activities under an offline license.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet Gabon, Premier Bet GA, BetWinner Africa, SportyBet;
• Betano, Betway Africa - international brands with local support;
• BC. Game, Stake. com - crypto casinos hosting gamblers from Gabon.

Payment methods:

• Airtel Money, Moov Money, BICIG Mobile;
• Visa / MasterCard, Ecobank, BGFI Bank;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, TRX) on international sites.

According to Africa Gaming Review 2024, there are about 250,000 active online players in Gabon, and the total turnover of digital gambling exceeds $40 million per year.

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Economic importance

Gambling has become a prominent source of income for the Gabonese economy.

The sector provides thousands of jobs and supports tourism.

Key indicators (2024):

• market volume - about $60 million;
• tax revenues - $8 million;
• contribution to GDP - 1.2%;
• about 2,000 people are employed in the industry.

The gambling business also actively invests in social projects, in particular, in sports (football, basketball) and education.

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Cultural and religious context

Gabon is a secular state with a moderate Catholic majority, so the attitude towards gambling is acceptable and neutral.

Gambling is perceived as a form of leisure and a way to earn money, especially among young people and office workers.

In the north of the country, where there is a Muslim minority, gambling is less developed, but there are no official bans at the provincial level.

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Prospects

Gabon aims to become Central Africa's new gambling hub and is actively reforming legislation.

By 2030, the government plans to:

• adopt a law regulating online gambling;
• establish a national register of operators;
• implement an electronic licensing system;
• develop gambling tourism in Libreville and Port Gentil.

According to the forecast of Gaming Africa Index 2030, the gambling market in Gabon may exceed $100 million, of which more than 65% will be in the online segment.

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Gabon is a stable and promising platform for the development of gambling in Africa.

The country offers favorable tax conditions, transparent regulation and a growing online gambling market.