Gambling and online casinos in South Sudan

South Sudan is one of the youngest countries in the world, having gained independence in 2011, and has already managed to form its own gambling regulatory system.

Despite the difficult economic situation, the government sees the gambling industry as a source of income and investment, as well as an important part of tourism and digital development.

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Historical context

After seceding from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan was given the opportunity to create its own economic and legal institutions.

Unlike its northern neighbor, where gambling is completely banned, South Sudan has opted for a secular governance model that allows for the development of legal gambling.

The first private bookmakers appeared in 2013, and already in 2017 the first casinos were opened in the capital of Juba.

By the 2020s, online platforms and a state lottery appeared.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by the Gaming and Lotteries Act 2019, approved by the Parliament of South Sudan.

It defines the rules for licensing, taxation and supervision of gambling operators.

Regulator -

South Sudan Gaming Board (SSGB), subordinate to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is allowed if licensed;
• the minimum age of players is 18 years;
• the license is issued for a period of 5 years;
• gross gaming income tax (GGR) - 15-20%;
• online gambling is allowed when registering in South Sudan;
• Software certification and player data protection are mandatory.

The 2019 law was one of the first in East Africa to provide for a separate regime for online gambling and crypto payment.

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Legal forms of gambling

South Sudan officially allows:

• casinos and gaming clubs;
• sports and esports betting;
• lotteries and instant draws;
• online casinos and virtual games;
• poker, roulette, blackjack, slot machines.

The National Lottery is run by the South Sudan National Lottery Corporation, which also controls social contributions from private operators.

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Casino and offline gambling

Despite the relatively small market, South Sudan is actively developing offline gambling, focusing on business tourism, the oil sector and foreign specialists.

The main casinos in the country are:

• Casino Juba Grand - the largest casino in the country, located in the center of the capital, offers board games, poker and machines;
• Freedom Casino - a private playroom with VIP areas and a bar;
• Nile Star Lounge - casino at the Royal Palace Juba Hotel;
• Safari Gaming Club is a new institution popular with local players.

According to the East Africa Gaming Report 2024, offline gambling revenue in South Sudan is about $25 million per year, and about 20% of profits go to the state budget.

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Online gambling

Online gambling is the fastest growing segment of South Sudan's gambling industry.

Since 2020, several operators have received licenses for online activities, including regional and international brands.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet South Sudan, Premier Bet SS, BetWinner Africa;
• SportyBet, Betika, Bet9ja Africa;
• BC. Game, Stake. com - crypto operators with a local audience.

Payment methods:

• MTN Mobile Money, Zain Cash, EdenPay - mobile payments;
• Ecobank, KCB, Equity Bank South Sudan - bank transfers;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Tron) - through licensed wallets.

According to Africa Digital Gaming 2024, the number of online players in South Sudan exceeds 200,000, and the market size is estimated at $35-40 million per year.

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Economic importance

Gambling in South Sudan is becoming a prominent element of the economy, especially in services, tourism and digital payments.

Key indicators (2024):

• market volume - $60 million;
• tax revenues - $7 million;
• contribution to GDP - 1%;
• employment - about 1,500 people.

The government directs part of the profits to the Youth and Sports Support Fund, as well as to educational and infrastructure programs.

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Cultural and religious context

South Sudan is a multinational state where Christianity, traditional African beliefs and Islam coexist.

Attitudes towards gambling are generally tolerant, especially in cities where gambling is perceived as entertainment and a form of leisure.

At the same time, the state is actively promoting the concept of a responsible game, using the slogan:

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Prospects

By 2030, South Sudan plans to:

• create a National Licensing Center for Online Gambling;
• implement a digital transaction control system;
• develop gambling tourism along the Nile River;
• encourage the use of blockchain platforms for financial monitoring.

Gaming Africa Index 2030 predicts that the South Sudan gambling market could reach $120 million, of which 70% will be in the online segment.

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South Sudan is an example of a new wave of legal gambling in East Africa.

Unlike neighboring Sudan, where gambling is prohibited, a transparent, modern and regulated system is being formed here.