Online bingo exists in a legal gray area in São Tomé and Príncipe, as there is no specific legislation governing internet-based gambling activities (1). The country's primary gambling law, passed in 2005, exclusively governs land-based casino gaming and does not address online gambling (1). While the government does not explicitly prohibit online bingo, neither does it license or regulate any offshore or domestic online gambling operators, leaving players without government protections or oversight (2). This legal ambiguity means online bingo is neither legalized nor formally criminalized in São Tomé and Príncipe (1).
The government of São Tomé and Príncipe has made no effort to develop a regulatory framework for online gambling, despite the growth in tourism and increasing internet accessibility (1). The Gaming Act from 2005 permits only land-based casinos to operate with government oversight, with Pestana São Tomé Resort being the country's sole licensed casino (2). Although the law does not restrict access to offshore gambling websites, the government provides no licensing system for domestic online bingo operators and exercises no authority over international platforms serving residents (1). Players must proceed with caution, as the lack of regulation creates risks for fraud and scams (1).
"The lack of regulation does bring along some risks. Since the government does not license or regulate online casinos, a player should exercise equal precaution when selecting an online casino to join."
Residents of São Tomé and Príncipe can access online bingo through offshore platforms without legal consequences, as the government does not prosecute individuals for participating in foreign online gambling (1). However, players operate entirely at their own risk, with no state protections in disputes with operators or cases of financial loss (2). The country's domestic currency, the dobra, is not accepted by international online bingo platforms, requiring players to use euros, dollars, or other major currencies (1). As tourism increases and internet infrastructure develops, the government may eventually establish a regulatory framework for online gambling; until then, players should carefully select licensed offshore operators and utilize responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion features (2).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-sao-tome-and-principe/
https://legalpilot.com/country/sao-tome-and-principe/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
