Online casinos exist in a legal grey area in Lesotho as there are currently no specific laws or regulations governing online gambling activities. The Kingdom of Lesotho has a well-established land-based gambling industry with multiple licensed casinos operating in the capital city Maseru and other regions, but the country has not yet developed comprehensive legislation addressing the digital gambling sector (1).
While Lesotho permits various forms of traditional gambling including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries under existing regulations, online gambling remains unregulated within the current legal framework. This regulatory gap means that online casino operators cannot obtain official licenses from Lesotho authorities, and there are no government protections or oversight mechanisms in place for online gambling activities (2).
"Online gambling is not regulated in Lesotho and there are no laws and regulations referring online gambling under Lesotho's gambling regulation act."
The absence of specific online gambling laws creates an uncertain environment for both operators and players. While the government does not actively prosecute individuals who participate in online gambling, there are also no consumer protections, dispute resolution mechanisms, or regulatory safeguards available. Players from Lesotho who wish to engage in online casino activities typically access offshore platforms that accept Lesotho residents, operating entirely outside the country's regulatory jurisdiction and without local government oversight or protection.
Source:
https://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/publication-Gambling_SA.pdf
https://e-playafrica.com/legislation/gaming-in-lesotho/
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
