The legal status of online casinos in Sierra Leone remains largely unregulated and unclear. While traditional gambling activities are governed by established laws, including the Control of Betting and Lotteries Act 1969 and subsequent amendments in the Finance Act 2017 (1), there is no specific regulatory framework for online casino operations. The existing laws primarily focus on taxation of gambling revenues and land-based gaming establishments, leaving online casinos in a legal gray area.
Sierra Leone's gambling regulatory framework is built upon the Common Law, Contract Law, and two key statutes: the Lotteries Act and the Gaming Act of 1845. While gambling is legally permissible for individuals aged 18 and older, the jurisdiction lacks comprehensive online casino licensing or regulatory oversight (2). The recent imposition of a 10% tax on betting companies in the 2024 Finance Act demonstrates government recognition of the gambling sector's economic impact, but this primarily applies to sports betting rather than online casinos.
"In Sierra Leone, gambling is legally permissible for individuals who have attained the age of majority, set at 18 years or older."
The absence of specific online casino regulations means that international casino operators can offer services to Sierra Leonean players without local licensing requirements. However, this regulatory gap also means players have limited legal protection and recourse. The government has shown interest in regulating the gambling sector through taxation measures, but comprehensive online casino legislation has yet to be implemented. Until specific online gambling laws are enacted, the legal status of online casinos remains ambiguous, operating in an unregulated environment without explicit prohibition or authorization.
Source:
https://www.parliament.gov.sl/uploads/acts/The%20Finance%20Act,%202017.pdf
https://www.ilraj.org/publications/the-legal-impediments-to-enforce-gambling-contracts-in-sierra-leone-a-comprehensive-analysis/
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
