Ethiopia strengthens gambling industry integrity with crackdown on 22 non-compliant betting operators
Suspension of 22 betting licences clears the way for legitimate operators, boosts transparency and builds consumer and investor confidence in Ethiopia’s sports-betting sector.
Ethiopia.- The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has suspended the operating licences of 22 sports-betting companies as part of an investigation into alleged revenue concealment exceeding Br100bn (€1.59bn). The move is set to bolster transparency, protect players and support the growth of a legitimate, thriving gambling market in the country.
The ELS said in a press release: “The Ethiopian Lottery Service announces that the sports betting licences of 22 sports betting organisations have been suspended effective November 25, pursuant to Article 14/2/C/ of Proclamation No. 535/1999 and Sports Betting Lottery Licensing Directive No. 172/2013.”
The ELS added: “It is known that the owners and accomplices of sports betting organisations suspected of hiding more than 100 billion birr which should have been government revenue, have been apprehended through the collaboration of the National Intelligence and Security Service, the Financial Security Service, the Ethiopian Federal Police, security bodies of the Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations and the public.”
Based on the information sent from the National Intelligence and Security Service, the sports betting organisations listed have their sports betting work licenses suspended until the criminal investigation is completed, according to the ELS.
Non-compliant operators removed
Removing operators that fail to meet reporting and compliance obligations paves the way for legitimate, tax-compliant companies to operate in a more secure and regulated environment. The crackdown is expected to boost consumer confidence and encourage players to engage with licensed, transparent operators.
A Birr Metrics report said: “The service affirmed that the enforcement is aimed at protecting government revenue, ensuring public trust and promoting transparency in the country’s sports betting industry.”
This follows the arrest of 24 individuals, including executives and associates of betting operators, suspected of under-reporting revenue. Some funds may have been routed through informal or offshore channels, though these claims remain under investigation.
Ethiopia’s betting market has expanded rapidly, driven by mobile internet adoption and a young, tech-savvy population. Streamlined oversight and rigorous auditing are key to sustaining this growth.
The country has a number of fully licensed betting operators regulated by the ELS, all of which comply with reporting, taxation and operational standards. Yet, the rapid growth of the market and limited enforcement in the past allowed unlicensed operators to flourish.
By suspending these 22 non-compliant licences, the ELS is sending a clear signal that stricter oversight is coming, protecting consumers, safeguarding government revenue and supporting a legal, transparent and accountable betting market.
