Ethiopian Lottery Service issues public notice warning of illegal betting promotions
The regulator says no sports betting companies are legally licensed in Ethiopia and has urged the public to avoid unauthorised platforms promoted through social media and other communication channels.
Ethiopia.- The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has issued an official public notice after becoming aware of sports betting services being promoted through social media and other communication channels, reminding the public that no sports betting companies are currently legally licensed to operate in Ethiopia.
The notice follows Ethiopia’s December 2025 decision to revoke the licences of all sports betting operators over financial irregularities, regulatory violations and national security concerns. More than seven months later, the regulator has reaffirmed its position through the latest public notice.
“There are currently no sports betting companies legally licensed to operate in Ethiopia,” the ELS said in the notice, urging the public to avoid unauthorised betting platforms.
According to the ELS, any sports betting operators claiming to offer services in Ethiopia are operating without authorisation.
The regulator warned the public not to deposit money or share personal information with betting platforms, websites, agents or social media pages claiming to provide sports betting services. It said consumers could be exposed to financial losses, fraud and the misuse of personal information when dealing with illegal operators.
The ELS also urged the public to report unauthorised sports betting activities through its official communication channels or by calling its hotline.
The authority said it would continue working with relevant government institutions to strengthen enforcement, protect consumers and uphold the country’s gambling laws.
