Gambling and online casinos in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is one of the more liberal countries in West Africa regarding gambling.

Gambling is officially allowed here, and the activities of operators are controlled by the state through a license system.

In recent years, gambling has become a prominent part of the urban economy, especially in the capital, Freetown, where land-based casinos, bookmakers and online operators operate.

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Historical context

Gambling in Sierra Leone dates back to British colonial rule.

After independence in 1961, the country inherited the Anglo-Saxon model of regulation, which allows private business under state control.

The first casino was opened in the 1970s at a tourist hotel on the Atlantic.

Despite political crises and civil war in the 1990s, the industry revived in the 2000s and today shows steady growth.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by the Gaming and Lotteries Act 2006, which governs licensing, taxation and supervision.

Main provisions:

• licenses are issued for a period of 5 years;
• minimum authorized capital for operators - USD 100,000;
• taxation accounts for 10-15% of gross income;
• mandatory compliance with the rules of responsible play.

Control is carried out by the National Gaming and Lotteries Commission (NGLC), subordinate to the Ministry of Finance.

She is responsible for auditing, issuing licenses and checking operators.

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Legal forms of gambling

The country allows:

• casinos and gaming parlors;
• sports betting (land and online);
• lotteries and instant draws;
• bingo and keno;
• virtual games and live betting.

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Casino and land gambling

Sierra Leone has several officially licensed casinos targeting both tourists and locals.

Largest establishments:

• Sierra Leone Casino (Freetown) - the flagship of the industry, located in the prestigious Aberdeen area;
• Atlantic Casino - at the Radisson Blu Hotel, popular with foreigners;
• Lumley Beach Club & Casino is a new entertainment space by the ocean.

According to the West Africa Gambling Report 2024, the total turnover of land gambling in Sierra Leone exceeds $100 million per year, and tax revenues are about $12 million.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in the country has been officially allowed since 2019, after amendments to the Gaming and Lotteries Act.

Licenses are issued to operators registered in Sierra Leone or cooperating with local companies.

Popular platforms:

• BetLion SL, Premier Bet, Bet9ja Sierra Leone - local brands;
• 1xBet, BetWinner, Betway, BC. Game - international operators.

Online betting and casinos are supported through mobile applications, as well as SMS betting - a popular format among users without constant access to the Internet.

Ways to pay:

• Orange Money, Africell Money, QCell Cash;
• bank cards and transfers through UBA and Ecobank;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Tron) for offshore platforms.

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Economic importance

Gambling has become a notable source of income for Sierra Leone's economy:

• more than 3,000 jobs are created annually;
• the state receives taxes from operators and tourism;
• part of the profits goes to social and sports programs;
• digital infrastructure and mobile finance are developing.

According to Africa Economic Outlook 2025, the gambling sector brings the country up to 1.5% of GDP, and the annual market growth is estimated at 10-12%.

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Cultural and religious context

Sierra Leone is a country where Islam and Christianity coexist peacefully, and the attitude towards gambling here is moderately tolerant.

Religious leaders urge avoiding addiction, but do not demand a complete ban.

Gambling is perceived as a form of leisure, and the state encourages responsible play and the fight against ludomania through educational programs.

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Prospects

Sierra Leone is actively moving towards a regional online gambling hub for English-speaking West African countries.

The main goals for 2025-2030 are:

• development of an electronic license for online operators;
• implementation of blockchain technologies in transaction control;
• development of casino tourism infrastructure in Freetown and the coast.

According to forecasts of the Gaming Africa Index 2030, the gambling market in the country could reach $250 million per year, and the online sector will become a leading growth area.

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Sierra Leone is an example of an African country where gambling is legalised and regulated competently.

The state sees gambling not as a threat, but as an instrument for the development of the economy and tourism.

Today, Sierra Leone can be called one of the most advanced gambling markets in West Africa, where stability, innovation and openness create the basis for long-term growth.