Online gambling regulation in Ethiopia is managed by the National Lottery Administration (NLA), which oversees all gaming activities in the country. The primary legislation governing gambling includes the National Lottery Administration Re-establishment Proclamation No. 535/2007 and the National Lottery Services Re-establishment Councils of Ministers Regulation No. 160/2009 (1). Currently, the NLA only issues licenses for sports betting and lottery games, while other forms of online gambling remain prohibited under Ethiopian law.
The regulatory framework for gambling in Ethiopia does not specifically address online gambling as a separate regulated activity (2). Although the government has established clear licensing criteria for sports betting through the Sports Betting Lottery Directive No. 172/2021, there is no dedicated legal provision for online bingo or other online gaming formats. The absence of specific online gambling regulations means that while some gaming activities may be permitted on land, their online counterparts operate in a legal grey area.
"There is no specific regulation of online gambling or gaming in Ethiopia. NLS is empowered to issue permits to undertake lottery activities, supervision and to revoke permits."
For individuals and operators seeking to engage in gambling activities in Ethiopia, understanding the distinction between permitted and prohibited activities is crucial. The NLA's licensing framework applies primarily to sports betting and traditional lottery games conducted through authorized channels. Operators interested in gaming activities must obtain proper licensing from the NLA and comply with all regulatory requirements, including substantial bank guarantees and revenue sharing obligations with the government authorities.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/ethiopia
https://slotegrator.pro/analytical_articles/online-gambling-in-ethiopia/
Last updated: 31-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
