Angola gaming regulator tightens oversight amid compliance concerns
The ISJ says it will intensify inspections as it briefs operators on authorisation procedures for promotions, prize competitions and gaming equipment imports.
Key takeaways:
- Angola’s Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) has pledged to intensify inspections of gaming businesses amid concerns about suspected money laundering, underage gambling and rule violations.
- Director general Nerethz Tati said inspections would enforce existing requirements and prevent gaming establishments from being used for illicit financial transactions.
- Instruction No. 2/26 of April 15 governs authorisation applications for promotional draws, raffles, prize competitions and gaming equipment imports.
- Applications should generally be filed at least 20 days before the planned activity, with the ISJ having up to eight days to decide on a complete application.
- Promotional campaigns are generally limited to 90 days, although the ISJ may approve extensions of up to 180 days in specified circumstances.
Angola.- Angola’s Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) has pledged to strengthen oversight of the gaming sector following concerns about suspected money laundering, underage gambling and violations of rules governing gaming establishments. Director general Nerethz Tati said the regulator would intensify inspections of gaming businesses to enforce existing requirements and prevent gambling establishments from being used for illicit financial transactions.
She raised the concerns during a workshop held in Luanda on October 8, where the regulator met gaming operators, promotional companies and other economic stakeholders to discuss compliance with the country’s gaming rules. The session, which took place at the University Extension of the Catholic University of Angola (UCAN), examined Instruction No. 2/26 of April 15, which governs authorisation applications for promotional draws, raffles, prize competitions and gaming equipment imports.
Tati stressed that operators and promoters must understand the procedures applicable to their activities and submit complete applications within the prescribed deadlines. Under the instruction, applications should generally be filed at least 20 days before the planned activity. The ISJ has up to eight days to decide on a complete application after verifying the required documentation and payment of the relevant fee, although complex cases may qualify for a justified extension.
The instruction also sets requirements for promotional campaigns, including disclosure of participation conditions, campaign duration, winner-selection methods and prizes. Campaigns are generally limited to 90 days, although the ISJ may approve extensions of up to 180 days in specified circumstances.
Businesses must also obtain authorisation before importing gaming materials into Angola. Applications must include equipment specifications, serial numbers and certificates confirming technical conformity. The instruction also establishes minimum distance requirements for physical social-game sales outlets near schools, hospitals, churches and certain public institutions.
The initiative supports the ISJ’s efforts to improve operators’ understanding of regulatory requirements and promote compliance with authorisation procedures. The regulator said its approach combines information and prevention with compliance measures to support a legal, transparent and responsible gaming sector.
