Online bingo has been legal in Western Sahara since 2017, when the territory implemented a formal regulatory framework for online gambling activities. The Western Sahara Management and Advisory Corporation (WSMAC) serves as the primary licensing authority responsible for issuing gambling licenses and overseeing the sector (1). Despite the legal status, the legitimacy and enforceability of Western Sahara licenses remain disputed internationally, as the territory holds contested status as a United Nations non-self-governing territory (1).
Online bingo operators in Western Sahara must obtain licenses from WSMAC to legally conduct gambling operations within the territory (1). The licensing process typically requires 8-12 weeks to complete and involves company registration and verification procedures (1). Operators offering online bingo must comply with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer policies, player fund management protocols, and responsible gaming measures, though regulatory enforcement mechanisms remain minimal compared to established gambling jurisdictions (1).
"Online gambling has been regulated by a legal regime in Western Sahara since 2017, which would allow interested operators to operate in this market under the relevant license. Although online gambling is supposedly legalized and sites are freely allowed to operate, many consider these licenses far from having real effect or legitimacy."
Taxation and operational benefits make Western Sahara attractive to online bingo operators, as gaming companies face no gambling taxes and benefit from low annual licensing fees (2). Online bingo players in Western Sahara must be at least 18 years old, with age verification requirements mandatory for all operators (2). The regulatory framework permits online gambling activities while prohibiting betting on political outcomes and unregulated high-stake gambling (2). However, international recognition challenges and the territory's contested political status create ongoing uncertainty regarding the enforceability of Western Sahara gaming licenses beyond regional boundaries (1).
Source:
https://www.tetraconsultants.com/jurisdictions/western-sahara-gaming-license/
https://bookiessite.com/africa/betting-sites-in-western-sahara/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
