The Impact of Sports Gambling on Sports in Ethiopia

Officials said the companies failed to pay taxes on funds processed through multiple digital payment systems. NISS said the suspects were involved in a large-scale criminal network engaged in tax evasion, money laundering, and unlicensed betting activities. The agency said the measure was taken in the public interest and applies equally to all betting companies, including those currently operating and those previously banned.

• These tactics allowed companies to divert funds that should have been taxed.
• If yes, then there isn’t any better platform to settle at other than Score Bet.
• It is a current-status and safety list.
• The platform understands the importance of responsible gambling casino practices and structures its bonuses with clear terms and transparent wagering requirements.
• Loyalty rewards are also available, offering ongoing perks the more you play.
• The authority will then issue a license to operators who fulfill these requirements.
• Compare Ethiopia online casinos for real money play, fast withdrawals and secure ETB cashouts.
• This way you are protected to ensure that if you do have winnings, and you are not paid out, you are able to report the betting company to the ET Lottery Board.
• In summary, obtaining the necessary licenses and adhering to regulations ensures a legitimate operation while promoting a safe environment for all participants.
• The regulator stated that the decision was taken under federal government instructions and within its existing regulatory powers.
• A ban does not make the urge to bet disappear, and people betting through offshore sites during the shutdown are more exposed than ever.
• For anyone curious about this space — whether considering participating for the first time or looking to make more informed choices about where and how to play — understanding the landscape clearly is the most useful starting point.
• The agency claimed the funds moved abroad through cryptocurrency exchanges and hawala-style transfer networks.
• Choosing platforms that hold verifiable offshore licenses, use SSL encryption for data security, and have established track records with Ethiopian players is the most reliable way to navigate this landscape safely.
• We provide limited data here, you can get full granularity and analytics in Blask app
• Gambling harm increases as gambling markets expand, challenging the health and well-being of populations.

With over 41% of the population under the age of 15 and 28% aged between 15 and 29, the market shows immense potential for expansion, especially in the gaming sector. Smaller and mid-sized businesses in the industry are particularly vulnerable to the combined burden of turnover taxes, withholding requirements, and compliance costs. Licensed operators will still be responsible for a turnover tax of arond 15% based on their total sales or stakes, while also adhering to existing compliance and reporting obligations.

• Abyssinia Law is a legal resource portal providing open access to primary and secondary legal materials for Ethiopia, such as laws, court decisions, articles, contact guidance, and Lawyers Directory – with texts supplemented by online videos, a discussion forum, and a user blog.
• The Federal High Court recently overturned the National Lottery Administration’s suspension of Hulu Sport, reportedly finding procedural flaws in the regulator’s decision.
• In 2021, Ethiopia issued new regulations about this rapidly growing market.
• Several local and international operators now serve the market, though the legal scaffolding around them remains thin.
• In addition to halting activity, licence holders have been placed under strict data preservation requirements.
• The platform prioritizes user convenience while maintaining robust security measures to protect your personal information and funds.
• Regulation changes; confirm the current position with local counsel before launch.
• At Chatki, bonuses are designed to give Ethiopian players extra value.
• Below you will find a comprehensive list of all the betting sites in Ethiopia, plus links to their individual review pages.
• These unregulated sites often promise higher payouts and fewer restrictions, creating a tempting alternative for bettors dissatisfied with the domestic market’s offerings.
• These experts warn that the increased tax rates could lead to lower net payouts and fewer promotional offers, potentially pushing away casual players, especially those from low and middle-income backgrounds.

We provide limited data here, you can get full granularity and analytics in Blask app Regarding taxation in the gaming sector, Dejene stated that the NLA only implements taxation policies set by the Ministry of Revenue. The authority will then issue a license to operators who fulfill these requirements. This has led to the suspension of several illegal gambling activities in major cities across the country. Dejene also expressed concerns about responsible gambling in Ethiopia, particularly given the country’s large youth population. “Having the license for sports betting is restricted to local people only.”

• Technically, Ethiopia has no specific laws that regulate or prohibit online gambling.
• Bet only for entertainment, set limits, do not borrow money to gamble, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
• The online casino landscape in Ethiopia is at an interesting crossroads in 2025.
• All forms of sports betting are affected — retail shops, online platforms and agent-based networks — and companies have been ordered to halt operations immediately, preserve customer and financial data, and cease offering any betting services.
• With access to top-tier international platforms, world-class games, and fast, secure payments—including crypto—players have more opportunities than ever before.
• The variations in the prevalence of gambling activities may also be related to the differences in cultural backgrounds, age, legal and other social aspects of the adolescent gamblers.
• The platforms cater not only to the domestic market but also attract international users, reflecting the potential for growth in this sector.
• This is especially relevant for enthusiasts looking to engage in various forms of wagering while adhering to the established legal guidelines.
• The National Lottery and Gaming Administration (NLGA) announced tighter licensing requirements and new tax brackets following steady industry growth in recent years.
• This guide delves into the current regulations and licensing requirements for launching a sportsbook in Ethiopia, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate this dynamic frontier.
• The ELS made clear that the revocation did not erase operators’ obligations to their customers — existing liabilities, including customer balances and unsettled wagers, remained the operators’ legal responsibility.
• Ethiopian online casinos offer a variety of bonuses, each designed to cater to different types of players.

Which Payment Methods Make Sense for Ethiopian Players?

On one hand, the shutdown could reduce the excesses of unregulated betting, helping to protect vulnerable populations and increase fiscal accountability. While there are richer markets out there, Ethiopia has plenty to offer new operators and established brands looking for a new horizon. Chatki is more than just a casino; it’s a complete entertainment hub designed specifically for Ethiopian players. Internet access remains a challenge in Ethiopia, with only about 17% of the population having reliable access.

Mpesa’s Influence, Opportunities, and Challenges in Ethiopia

Games load quickly, the interface is easy to use, and payments can be managed directly from your phone. Loyalty rewards are also available, offering ongoing perks the more you play. New members often receive a welcome bonus that boosts their first deposit, giving them extra funds or free spins to explore the site. This ensures every game is random and fair, giving you confidence that the outcomes are genuine.

How to Start Betting on Sports at Easybet Ethiopia

This ensures that only responsible individuals are allowed to engage in these activities, promoting safety and accountability among bettors. Telebirr and CBE Birr withdrawals settle in 10 to 30 minutes after KYC approval, faster than the 1 to 3 business days required for international card methods. 6Wresearch actively monitors the Ethiopia Gambling Market and publishes its comprehensive annual report, highlighting emerging trends, growth drivers, revenue analysis, and forecast outlook. Understanding the benefits of betting through licensed providers can help players make informed decisions and avoid potential scams. Jurisdictions with established licensing frameworks enforce fair play standards and responsible gambling measures designed to protect consumers.

The concerns about financial crime and money laundering are legitimate and must be addressed through strict licensing conditions, AML requirements, and enforcement mechanisms. Game developer SmartSoft launched Habesha Fortune 5 — a slot game built specifically for the Ethiopian market, with symbols representing Ethiopian coffee culture, traditional pottery, and local transport, designed in Amharic. There are no mandatory deposit limits tied to Ethiopian financial regulations, no self-exclusion registers, no requirements for operators to refer problem gamblers to local support services — because no such services have been mandated under the current vacuum.

Early Roots Of Gambling Culture In Ethiopia

• Consumer protection efforts also extend to advertising, where guidelines are set to prevent targeting vulnerable populations and to avoid misleading claims about winnings potential.
• Ethiopia stated that the freeze will remain in place until it completes its criminal investigations, with regulators indicating that the removal of operators that fail to meet reporting and compliance obligations is intended to strengthen the legal betting market.
• The Slotegrator team consists of over 350 iGaming specialists in various fields, including law, finance, IT, marketing, and compliance.
• Outside of iGaming, life is a mix of family time, growing his own vegetables and getting outdoors for a bit of hunting.
• The country has a population of around 130 million, with a median age of just 19 and approximately 58% of the population between 15 and 64 — the prime demographic for betting engagement.
• Cloudbet stands out in Ethiopia for its support of cryptocurrency payments such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, enabling fast and highly secure transactions.
• One of the factors that has most directly enabled the growth of online betting in Ethiopia is the expansion of accessible, localised payment infrastructure.
• Among the many options they can choose to settle at is the highly impressive Ahadu Birr.
• The NLA oversees legal betting activities, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and tax obligations.
• Addis Insight is Ethiopia’s fastest growing digital news platform, providing consumers with the latest news from Ethiopia and its diaspora.
• Users can easily deposit and withdraw funds in Ethiopian Birr, the country's official currency, making it a convenient option for local gamers.
• Continued urban growth, improved tourism infrastructure, and rising consumer interest in modern entertainment formats suggest that casinos will remain part of the country’s evolving leisure landscape.
• Bet251 is one of the most developed betting sites and they focus mainly on football betting.

Treatment for gambling disorder has a low rate of uptake, with an estimated 0.14% of the population seeking formal and informal help for current problems. Under the Gambling Control Act, online gambling operators are subject to specific obligations concerning players’ funds and winnings. Instead, it was rebuilt through a new network centred partly in Spain and operating under brands including PlayLogicIQ. With its wide range of betting markets, high-quality casino games, and outstanding customer service, Easybet Ethiopia remains the go-to destination for players across the country. The Easybet mobile app offers many features tailored for Ethiopian bettors, including Amharic language support, local payment options, a fast Easybet mobile login, and a smooth, responsive interface. New and returning customers alike find that installing the app and setting up an account is quick, so you can start placing bets without delay.

Can I deposit with Telebirr at betting sites?

However, others express concern that such rapid changes could stifle the market’s potential, driving both players and revenue abroad. Companies will need to rethink their business models and strategic approaches to remain competitive. Africa’s gaming market, valued at $2.16 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $10.81 billion by 2033, with Ethiopia poised to play a crucial role in this growth trajectory. The country, home to over 134 million people with a rapidly expanding mobile user base, is one of Africa’s most dynamic betting markets. These unregulated sites often promise higher payouts and fewer restrictions, creating a tempting alternative for bettors dissatisfied with the domestic market’s offerings.

Betting Sites in Africa: Best Bookmakers

It also contains online casino games for an added fun. It brings new players some bonuses and has some special offers for the current players on the site. Consumers should look forward to safe and secure payment procedures as well as superlative customer assistance. Rather famous for the number of sports that are available and an easy-to-navigate website. These fees and contributions are meant to make sure that gambling operators help in the growth of the nation’s economy and society.

Legalization Progress of Gambling in Ethiopia

The online casino landscape in Ethiopia is at an interesting crossroads in 2025. With internet access expanding and smartphone usage growing, mobile gambling is becoming increasingly popular in Ethiopia. These rare bonuses give you a small amount of bonus money just for creating an account – no deposit required. These services allow you to fund your casino account directly from your mobile phone, often without needing a bank account. Ethiopian players enjoy a diverse range of online casino games, though preferences vary based on personal taste and cultural factors.

Ethiopia’s burgeoning iGaming sector is a product of growing interest from African governments and an increasingly youthful population with increased access to mobile internet services (for example, through the introduction of online casinos). These are the brands that shaped Ethiopian betting before the shutdown, ranked by our editors. Consumer protection efforts also extend to advertising, where guidelines are set to prevent targeting vulnerable populations and to avoid misleading claims about winnings potential. These rules and regulations are put in place to govern the gambling activities and ensure that whoever is involved in it is within the right side of the law. It also incorporates advanced security features to ensure secure user data on all transactions.

Whether players have actually been able to claim those funds is another matter entirely. Operators were required to preserve all server data, financial records, and user information, with authorities warning that tampering with evidence would be prosecuted as a criminal offence. Investigators said they had uncovered a web of tax evasion, illegal financial transfers, and unlicensed operations — with funds allegedly funnelled through cryptocurrency and hawala services, and links claimed to terrorism financing and contraband networks. One sentence ended a legal betting market that had been growing rapidly for more than a decade. There is currently no licensing process to apply for, no consultation under way and no timeline for a return to a regulated market.

We’re diving into the world of Ethiopia online casinos, exploring what makes them tick and why they’re gaining such traction. Abyssinia Law is a legal resource portal providing open access to primary and secondary legal materials for Ethiopia, such as laws, court decisions, articles, contact guidance, and Lawyers Directory – with texts supplemented by online videos, a discussion forum, and a user blog. Nevertheless, the existing sport betting companies are doing their business. Most sport betting companies in Ethiopia are established as a joint company.

That is a sevenfold collapse in a single month, directly traceable to the mid-December shutdown. Its statement focused entirely on immediate risk containment — stopping bets, freezing payments, locking down data. The concealment of an estimated 100 billion birr in government revenue — if the allegations are proven — would represent a catastrophic failure of oversight that had been compounding for years. The market was not enormous by global standards — analytics firm Blask estimated the competitive earning baseline at around $46.5 million over the 12 months preceding the shutdown, ranking Ethiopia 87th of 112 markets tracked.

Ethiopia strengthens gambling regulation amid industry growth new

• City officials justified the decision by highlighting concerns over social harm.
• There have been discussions about introducing a new regulatory framework to permit and license online gambling activities in Ethiopia while ensuring proper oversight and player protection.
• Gambling in Ethiopia is overseen by the National Lottery Administration, which operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
• The regulator warned that destroying, concealing, or altering records would be treated as a criminal offence under Ethiopian law.
• Jurisdictions with established licensing frameworks enforce fair play standards and responsible gambling measures designed to protect consumers.
• Emergency notices outline potential identity theft and loss of funds for consumers who choose to gamble with offshore operators.
• Before the full shutdown, the regulator had already suspended 22 betting operators as part of a wider investigation.
• Currently, most online casinos available to Ethiopian players are international platforms rather than locally-based ones.
• (1) Players are generally younger than 25 years old, accounting for over 60% of the population that plays actively;

These sites, often operating outside Ethiopia’s regulatory oversight, advertise higher rewards and lower tax deductions, making them attractive to players seeking better returns. However, industry stakeholders argue the higher rates could make compliance harder for betting firms and less rewarding for players. Ethiopia’s fast-expanding betting industry is entering a new era of regulation and taxation, one that experts warn could reshape the market’s dynamics and drive some activities underground. With robust security measures, comprehensive game selections, and dedicated customer support available around the clock, the platform provides everything Ethiopian players need for a premium online casino experience. Ethiopian players should ensure all information provided matches their official identification documents, as this streamlines the verification process required for withdrawals later. The registration form requires basic information including your full name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and preferred currency for your account.

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The digital lottery features high-stakes draws, including a 60 million birr jackpot, representing a push for innovation and inclusivity in the sector. Earlier in 2025, Ethiopia launched its first-ever digital lottery on April 12, represented as a significant step toward modernizing the country’s gambling offerings. Amid this betting shutdown, the National Lottery managed by the EL seems to be taking a different path. Banks and payment services have been instructed to block transactions, impacting every licensed operator as criminal probes and arrests continue.

Ranking 6 reputable best betting sites in Ethiopia

• These rules and regulations are put in place to govern the gambling activities and ensure that whoever is involved in it is within the right side of the law.
• To facilitate strategic entry into this space, operators must ensure that their business models align with the changing tax law landscape and take advantage of the mobile gaming market to reach a larger player community.
• The iGaming market in Ethiopia is a mix of local and international operators, with a significant focus on sports betting and lotteries.
• The platform has also incorporated mobile payment structures for its users, making it easy for the ordinary bettor to access services easily.
• Ethiopia’s rules changed more in one month than most markets change in a decade.
• Although, Bet 251 offers a massive 5,000,000 ETB/147,059 USD payout, and focuses only on football, they still have yet to take a strong foothold in the Ethiopian sports bets market.
• Officials said the companies failed to pay taxes on funds processed through multiple digital payment systems.
• Designed with Ethiopian players in mind, the application delivers lightning-fast performance, intuitive navigation, and access to hundreds of premium casino games at your fingertips.
• If there is a problem with deposits, withdrawals, blocked accounts, or unpaid winnings, Ethiopian authorities may not be able to help you recover your money.
• As the government considers potential regulatory changes and with the increasing penetration of internet and mobile devices in the country, there is potential for growth in the Ethiopia online gambling and betting market.
• Gavin Lucas – iGaming Expert and Chief Editor, Gamblerspro.com Gavin has spent over a decade writing about online casinos across major operators and markets.
• The absence of comprehensive regulation means player protection frameworks are minimal.

The top review sites now include dedicated sections for crypto-friendly platforms, offering comparisons and step-by-step guides for beginners. More players are using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins like USDT to make secure, anonymous transactions. Thanks to mobile optimization and instant-play formats, it’s now easier than ever to enjoy world-class slot machines, table games, and live dealer rooms from any device. Beyond sports betting, many Ethiopian users are also exploring online casino games. Alongside sports, Ethiopian players can explore virtual sports, number games, and casino-style betting features like roulette or blackjack with live dealers.

Current Legal Framework Governing Sports Wagering in Ethiopia

• Harifsport focus almost entirely on football betting.Harifport review
• The concerns about financial crime and money laundering are legitimate and must be addressed through strict licensing conditions, AML requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure, though improving, remains uneven outside major urban centers like Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.
• Only betting shops and lottery organisers can obtain permits, as other forms of gambling remain illegal.
• The platform presents itself as a sportsbook-first brand, but it also goes beyond standard pre-match betting and offers live betting, virtual games, poker, special games and promotions.
• Games load quickly, the interface is easy to use, and payments can be managed directly from your phone.
• Established local brands including DashBet, Hulusport, betX, and AradaBet competed alongside international platforms targeting the country’s untapped potential.
• QwickBirr’s site is wittingly structured to make navigation super easy.
• Treat any bookmaker claiming to operate legally in Ethiopia with caution unless it can show current local authorisation.
• Our insights help businesses to make data-backed strategic decisions with ongoing market dynamics.
• This facilitates the participation of fans and businesses with the explanation of the playing field rules.
• Among other things, monetary prizes won through online gambling are supposed to be credited to a player’s account within two days.
• At UcasinoOnlineET, David focuses on slot games and player behavior.
• The variety of options ensures that whether you prefer traditional banking methods or modern digital solutions, you’ll find a payment method that suits your needs perfectly.
• Overall, the market has significant potential for growth, but operators need to navigate regulatory uncertainties and cultural considerations to succeed in this evolving landscape.

The current prohibition of all licensed gambling means no bonuses are permitted. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page. What the rules mean for bonus offers you see in Ethiopia.

Even though it has been legal in Ethiopia since 2012, sports betting is still a relatively new phenomenon, and there remains a significant market gap. Regulation initially focused on maintaining oversight and ensuring that gaming activity operated within legally approved frameworks. The February 2026 parliamentary remarks and the ELS chief's comments about divided oversight suggest a future framework is possible, but any change would require new legislation and a rebuilt licensing regime; monitor ELS notices and the draft sports proclamation for developments. The 22 companies suspended on 4 December 2025, including regional brand Betika, lost their permits along with all other former licensees on 15 December 2025; a court decision in favor of one operator was stayed on appeal. No reliable public estimate; before the ban, more than 20 licensed sportsbooks served a population of about 130 million, and iGB described a potential base of roughly 30 million consumers. There have been discussions about introducing a new regulatory framework to permit and license online gambling activities in Ethiopia while ensuring proper oversight and player protection.

It helps players find safe, well-designed platforms with generous bonuses, a wide selection of games, and strong customer support. While there are still no specific regulations that govern this sector, thousands of local players are already enjoying sports betting and casino games on international platforms. The absence of comprehensive regulation means player protection frameworks are minimal.

Scored against the Ethiopian market

• The government has established regulations that allow for certain forms of betting, but it remains largely restricted.
• Dash Bet Ethiopia distinguishes itself through a comprehensive suite of betting features designed to enhance the overall wagering experience and provide players with greater control over their betting activities.
• Regulations must focus not only on market control but also on consumer education and support for those at risk of addiction.”
• This page is now a current-status guide for Ethiopia betting sites.
• In the words of Betrush, “The new tax regime is not just a fiscal change — it’s a stress test for Ethiopia’s betting industry, and only those who evolve will remain in play.”
• Ethiopian players should ensure all information provided matches their official identification documents, as this streamlines the verification process required for withdrawals later.
• The legacy of bingo turned into an intricate of user-friendly accountants on the net.
• Most sport betting companies in Ethiopia are established as a joint company.
• Additionally, the growing disposable income and changing consumer preferences towards digital entertainment have contributed to the market`s growth.
• In this study we surveyed the personal, social, and environmental risk factors of problematic gambling in Ethiopia with a specific focus on adolescents as these are most vulnerable to getting involved in gambling due to the high unemployment rates.
• Operators have been warned that any destruction of server data or financial records to conceal evidence will be met with severe criminal prosecution.

(1) Players are generally younger than 25 years old, accounting for over 60% of the population that plays actively; The African gaming industry is estimated to grow from $2.16 billion in 2024 to $10.81 billion by 2033 (almost 20% CAGR), and Ethiopia is poised to be a key contributor to this growth, based on its youthful and sizeable population. A ban does not make the urge to bet disappear, and people betting through offshore sites during the shutdown are more exposed than ever.

The good thing about Dash Bet Ethiopia is that it’s fully licensed by the National Lottery Administration of Ethiopia This is necessitated by the fact that safety and security for the punter are the most important attributes when settling at any online betting site. It operates predominantly as a sports book and thanks to this, it has mastered the art of offering highly competitive odds on all sports services offered. Accessible via desktop and mobile browsers, Betgr8 caters to users seeking a comprehensive betting experience. Betgr8 Ethiopia is an online betting platform offering diverse gambling services, including sports betting, virtual sports, and casino games.

A February 2026 parliamentary discussion of a draft sports proclamation included ministerial remarks that a future legal framework may be needed, but nothing had been tabled by September 2026. There was never a licence class for casinos, online casino games or poker. Operator tax Not applicable while the ban is in force; licensed sportsbooks previously paid corporate income zoran bet tax and betting-specific charges under Ministry of Revenue directives.

List of Betting sites in Ethiopia

Banks and payment providers were ordered to block betting transactions, and the authorities warned that anyone continuing to operate or facilitate betting would be held legally accountable. It ordered the December 2025 revocations, directed banks and payment providers to block betting transactions, and has warned that it will strictly monitor compliance. Today the Administration’s role has flipped from licensing to enforcement. During the boom years it licensed dozens of betting companies, and the sector grew at remarkable speed on the back of mobile money and a young, football-mad population. A 4.5 in Ethiopia means one of the strongest options the market offered before the shutdown — not that the site matches a betting site operating under a different licence, in a different currency, somewhere else.

Current State of Gambling in Ethiopia

You have read it, it changed nothing, and it is written by people who have never watched somebody go through this. I am not going to give you the standard paragraph about setting limits and playing for fun. Find the lowest minimums, fastest withdrawals, and biggest bonuses for ETB players. These appeal to users who seek fast results and engaging visual formats. Ethiopian players are mobile-first, frequency-focused, and highly responsive to sports events.

However, that only applies to B2C licensees; foreign software suppliers can freely offer their services to local brands. While there is a land-based casino in the country, Ethiopian gambling regulations do not account for online casinos, so licenses simply aren’t available. Chatki Casino is fully available to Ethiopian players, offering local payment methods and customer support designed for the region. These partnerships ensure Chatki Casino stays ahead of the curve with top-tier online casino games.

The crackdown involved freezing the bank accounts of all 38 companies and detaining their owners, illustrating the government’s commitment to eradicating corrupt practices within the industry. Initial efforts include leading the development of new diagnostic instruments for gambling disorder to better reflect populations outside North America and facilitating an expert consensus on diagnostic boundaries. This should include reducing stigma and shame related to gambling, ending advertising and promotion, and a focus on other upstream efforts to prevent and reduce gambling harm. Multisectoral action to reduce gambling harm is required to reduce the potential for gambling to impede progress on SDGs.

One study found that more than 75% of young people in sub-Saharan Africa have participated in online sports betting, with soccer being the top sport to bet on in Ethiopia. International bookmakers provide not only diverse sports betting services but also ensure the safety and security of players. Online betting is becoming increasingly popular in Ethiopia, a country with a strong passion for sports and a growing betting community. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Until then, Ethiopian players should avoid betting sites that claim to be locally legal without clear, current proof from the regulator. Payment access can also be unstable because enforcement has extended beyond operators to the wider betting ecosystem, including payment channels.

The current policy, implemented by the Ministry of Revenue, imposes a 15% tax on operators’ turnover. Instead, international firms can participate as service providers, offering technology and gaming solutions to local operators. However, Ethiopia prohibits foreign companies from directly engaging in gambling activities. Only betting shops and lottery organisers can obtain permits, as other forms of gambling remain illegal. Licensed operators contribute significant funds to state coffers, with monthly tax payments reaching tens of millions of ETB.

Technically, Ethiopia has no specific laws that regulate or prohibit online gambling. Rather than offering games or taking bets directly, these websites guide players to the best and most reliable international casinos and bookmakers that accept users from Ethiopia. The authorities might consider adopting new technologies for monitoring and compliance, alongside fostering partnerships with legitimate, licensed operators. Legally, the decision to protect the details of the firms involved underscores the sensitivity and complexity of ongoing investigations. The Ethiopian authorities must balance strict law enforcement with creating favorable conditions for legal operators and investors to return. Such activities created a destabilizing effect on Ethiopia’s economy, driving the decision to impose stringent measures.