Online casinos operate in a complex legal framework in Namibia. The country's gambling industry is primarily governed by two key pieces of legislation: the older Casinos and Gambling Houses Act of 1994 and the more recent Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018 (1). The Gaming and Entertainment Control Act specifically defines "online games" as gambling games played through communication technology, requiring proper licensing to operate legally within Namibian jurisdiction.
The Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018 establishes the Gambling Board as the primary regulatory authority overseeing all gambling activities in Namibia (2). This legislation requires all gambling operators, including online providers, to obtain appropriate licenses from the Gambling Board before offering their services to Namibian residents. The Act also sets strict age restrictions, prohibiting gambling for anyone under 21 years of age, and mandates various consumer protection measures.
"Online game means a gambling game prescribed as an online game under section 73 of this Act which is played or made available to be played through the use of communication technology"
While Namibian law technically permits online gambling through licensed operators, the practical reality is that most online casinos serving Namibian players operate from international jurisdictions without local licenses. The Gaming and Entertainment Control Act makes it clear that unauthorized online gaming is prohibited, though enforcement primarily targets operators rather than individual players. Namibians can generally access international casino sites without legal repercussions, but they lack the consumer protections and regulatory oversight that would come with domestically licensed operators.
Source:
https://www.meft.gov.na/services/casinos-gambling-houses/240/
https://namiblii.org/akn/na/act/2018/13/eng@2021-12-01
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
