The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has warned the public that no sports betting operator is currently licensed to operate in Ethiopia, urging citizens not to deposit money or place bets through websites, mobile applications, agents, or social media pages advertising betting services.
In a statement issued this week, the regulator said the warning follows the circulation of advertisements by organizations claiming to offer betting services despite having no legal authorization. The ELS cautioned that users who engage with such platforms risk losing their money and personal data, while having little legal recourse in the event of fraud or disputes.
The Service called on the public to report any website, agent, or individual offering betting services through its 9695 hotline or official communication channels. It added that it will continue working with relevant government institutions to combat illegal betting activities and safeguard the public, the financial system, and the rule of law.
Sector Shut Down Since December 2025
The latest announcement comes more than seven months after Ethiopia shut down its licensed sports betting industry.
On December 4, 2025, the Ethiopian Lottery Service suspended the licenses of 22 sports betting companies following information provided by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). The action, which took effect retroactively from November 25, formed part of a broader investigation into alleged tax evasion, illegal online betting operations, and the concealment of more than ETB 100 billion in government revenue.
Authorities also alleged that several licensed operators had abandoned their registered business premises while continuing to facilitate betting activities.
Less than two weeks later, on December 15, 2025, the regulator revoked the licenses of all sports betting operators in the country after what it described as a nationwide assessment that uncovered licensing violations, illegal financial transactions, and risks to national security.
The revocation applied to online betting platforms, retail betting shops, and agents, including operators that had not previously been suspended.
At the same time, banks, payment institutions, and payment system operators were instructed to block all betting-related transactions. Former license holders were also ordered to preserve customer records, financial statements, and server data, with any destruction or alteration of records subject to criminal penalties. The regulator further clarified that revoked operators remained responsible for settling outstanding customer balances and bets.
Illegal Market Persists
Although the licensed industry has remained closed since December 2025, no new regulatory framework or licensing process has been announced for operators seeking to re-enter the market.
Industry observers say betting activity has largely shifted to unlicensed platforms operating outside Ethiopia’s regulated payment system. These operators continue to offer account registration, deposits, wagering, and withdrawals through informal channels, making enforcement, taxation, and consumer protection significantly more difficult.
Before the shutdown, industry estimates suggested Ethiopia’s sports betting market processed between ETB 800 million and ETB 1 billion in transactions each day, though regulators have never released official figures.
With its latest statement, the Ethiopian Lottery Service reiterated that no platform currently has legal authorization to provide sports betting services in Ethiopia, and urged the public to avoid transferring money to any operator claiming otherwise.
