Gambling and online casinos in the Seychelles

Seychelles is not only a tourist paradise,

but also one of the most respected gambling licensing centers in the world.

Gambling is legal here, regulated by the state

and are actively supported as part of a strategy to develop financial and tourism services.

The country successfully combines two areas:

• licensing of international online casinos,
• development of tourist casinos for vacationers.

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Historical context

The development of gambling in the Seychelles began in the 1970,

when, with the growth of tourist flow, the first hotel casinos opened.

In 1994, the Licensing Act was passed,

and in 2010, the Interactive Gambling Act was updated,

which officially legalized online gambling.

These steps turned the Seychelles into one of the first countries in Africa,

created the modern eGaming regulatory system.

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Legislation and regulation

The main regulatory body is the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA),

and general control is exercised by the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is permitted and licensed by the state;
• licenses are issued for 5 years with the possibility of renewal;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• gross income tax (GGR) - 15% for online and 20% for offline;
• online gambling licensing is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2010;
• operator servers shall be located in the territory of Seychelles.

Country provides transparent legal environment

and is a popular jurisdiction for international casino operators and bookmakers.

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Legal forms of gambling

In the Seychelles, the following are allowed and actively developing:

• casinos and gaming clubs;
• online casinos and sports betting;
• national and private lotteries;
• bingo and slot machines;
• virtual games and esports.

Major operators:

• Gran Kaz Entertainment Center (Victoria, Mahe Island) - the flagship of the land-based casino business;
• Amusement Centre Seychelles and Bel Ombre Casino are prominent gaming clubs;
• Lucky Seychelles Lottery - National Lottery;
• Betway Seychelles, 1xBet, Melbet - international online platforms with local licenses.

Tourists actively visit casinos at hotels -

especially on the islands of Mahé and Praslin, where gambling becomes part of elite recreation.

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Online gambling

Seychelles is one of the first African jurisdictions,

which officially legalized online gambling and introduced licenses for operators.

SLA licenses are recognized in international ratings and are considered reliable.

Main directions:

• online casinos and live games;
• sports and esports betting;
• virtual games and lotteries;
• crypto-gambling (allowed with AML/KYC compliance).

Popular payment methods:

• Airtel Money, Intelvision Pay, Seychelles Commercial Bank;
• international Visa, MasterCard cards;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT) for licensed eGaming companies.

According to Indian Ocean eGaming Report 2024,

more than 80 licensed online operators are registered in the Seychelles,

and the market volume is estimated at $200 million per year.

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Economic role

Gambling plays a strategic role in the country's economy,

particularly in the financial services and tourism sectors.

Key indicators (2024):

• tax revenues - $20 million;
• contribution to GDP - 1.2%;
• more than 1,000 jobs in licensing, IT and hotel business;
• annual growth of the online segment - up to 15%.

Seychelles consider gambling

• as part of its digital development and investment strategy,

with a focus on safe and responsible gambling.

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Social and cultural context

Seychelles is a secular and multicultural country,

where gambling is perceived as a legal form of leisure and tourism.

The government is actively implementing responsible gambling standards.

The regulator requires operators to:

• availability of self-control tools;
• limiting betting and playing time;
• transparent identity verification (KYC) and age limits.

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Prospects

Seychelles retain 'African Malta' status -

leading online gambling licensing and regulatory jurisdiction.

Until 2030, it is planned:

• creation of the National eGaming Compliance Center;
• implementation of blockchain technologies to monitor transactions;
• development of luxury tourist casinos;
• engaging Asian and European operators in the digital sector.

Forecast: by 2030, the gambling market in the Seychelles will exceed $400 million,

of which 80% will fall on the online segment.

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Seychelles is one of the most respected and stable gambling jurisdictions in the world.

It combines transparent regulation, safety,

developed financial sector and a growing online market.