Online casinos are not explicitly legal in Ethiopia. The country's gambling regulatory framework is overseen by the National Lottery Administration (NLA), which has been managing gambling regulations since 1981 (1). Currently, the NLA only issues licenses for sports betting and lottery games, while other forms of gambling including online casinos are prohibited. The regulatory authority strictly limits gambling business ownership to Ethiopian nationals only.
Online gambling operates in a legal gray area in Ethiopia due to the absence of specific regulations governing digital gaming platforms. While land-based casinos exist in major cities like Addis Ababa, the online gambling sector remains unregulated, creating potential risks for consumers (2). This lack of clear legal framework leaves online casino activities in an uncertain position under Ethiopian law.
"We only issue licenses for sports betting and lottery games. By law, these businesses are strictly restricted to Ethiopians. Having the license for sports betting is restricted to local people only."
The Ethiopian government recognizes the need to address online gambling regulation, particularly given that over 70% of the country's 125 million population consists of young people. The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs has expressed concerns about protecting youth from gambling-related problems and potential addiction issues. While traditional gambling activities are regulated under established proclamations, the digital gambling space requires comprehensive legislative attention to ensure consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
Source:
https://igamingafrika.com/ethiopia-gaming-regulatory-framework-overview-with-desse-dejene-national-lottery-authority-director/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-ethiopia/
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
