Online casinos are not legally regulated in Gambia and operate in a legal gray area. The Gambia Gaming Board technically regulates gambling activities, but Gambian citizens are prohibited by law from gambling in casinos according to the Betting and Gaming Act (1). In 2015, President Yahya A.J. Jammeh declared all forms of gambling illegal throughout Gambia, including lotteries, casinos, and betting activities, though the legal basis for this declaration remains unclear.
The country's gambling regulatory framework is particularly complex due to cultural and religious factors, as approximately 95% of the population is Muslim, and Islam traditionally opposes gambling activities. Currently, there is only one functioning land-based casino in the country, which is accessible exclusively to tourists and foreign visitors (2). The government maintains a strict stance against gambling for its residents while permitting limited tourist-oriented gaming operations.
"The Gambia has no licensing process for both online gambling and land-based establishments. Players are not protected by the government when it comes to online gambling. They can play at their own risk."
Despite the absence of specific online gambling legislation, Gambian residents can technically access offshore gambling platforms, though they do so without government protection or regulatory oversight. The government has recently increased taxes on gambling winnings from 30% to 40% in 2025, indicating continued efforts to discourage gambling activities. Online gambling remains unregulated with no licensed operators, leaving players vulnerable to potential fraud and with no legal recourse if disputes arise with international gambling platforms.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gaming-regulation-in-gambia/
https://nannews.ng/gambling-legislative-changes-in-the-gambia-important-information-for-players/
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
