Angola opens temporary licensing window for gambling operators
The temporary framework is expected to maintain market stability until the permanent licensing regime becomes fully operational.
Angola.- Angola has opened a temporary 30-working-day licensing window for eligible gambling operators as it moves to implement its new gambling regulatory framework.
The transitional arrangement, introduced by the Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ), is now in effect and allows qualifying operators to obtain provisional licences while the remaining elements of the country’s updated licensing system are finalised. The regulator said the measure follows consultations with industry stakeholders and is intended to ensure business continuity during the transition.
Applications must be submitted through Angola’s Gaming Supervision System ass part of the country’s move towards a more digital licensing process. The temporary framework is expected to maintain market stability until the permanent licensing regime becomes fully operational.
Under the updated Gaming Activity Law, licences can now remain valid for up to 10 years, replacing the one-year licences that required annual renewals. The longer licence period is expected to reduce the administrative burden on operators while providing greater certainty for long-term investment.
The reforms follow a temporary suspension of new licence approvals after changes in the ISJ’s leadership. During that period, the regulator reviewed the gambling sector and drafted the regulations needed to implement the new legal framework. Operators whose licences expired during the transition were allowed to continue operating under temporary extensions.
Companies that do not qualify for the transitional licensing programme will be required to participate in a public tender expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Interested applicants must first purchase the tender documents before submitting licence applications.
Industry estimates suggest online gambling licences could cost between US$7,000 (€6,135) and US$14,000 (€12,272), while licences for land-based gambling operations are expected to cost about US$20,000 (€17,531). Applicants will also be required to provide bank guarantees ranging from US$50,000 (€43,828) to US$400,000 (€350,616), depending on the type of gambling activity covered.
Angola’s Gaming Activity Law, enacted in late 2024, introduced broader reforms covering licensing, compliance and enforcement. The legislation strengthens anti-money laundering controls, expands player protection measures, increases the use of digital regulatory systems and aims to improve oversight while tackling illegal gambling.
