Angola’s ISJ Engages Northern Municipalities on Illegal Gambling
The Angola Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) is strengthening cooperation with municipal administrations across the Northern Region as part of efforts to combat illegal gambling and prevent minors under 18 from accessing betting activities.
During September and October, the ISJ held meetings with municipal administrations across the provinces of Zaire, Cabinda, and Malanje. The engagements focused on presenting the institute’s programme to combat illegal gambling, particularly coin-operated slot machines and informal lotteries practised in local markets.
The delegation was led by Sebastião Tomagua, Head of the ISJ’s Provincial Service of the Northern Region. During the meetings, the institute outlined its current awareness campaign, which encourages the public to voluntarily abandon these illegal gambling practices.
The ISJ also highlighted three key regulatory requirements, the minimum distance restrictions for game advertising and social game mediators from educational institutions, hospitals, churches, charitable institutions, cemeteries and ministerial departments, the prohibition of access to and participation in gambling activities by persons under 18, and the prohibition of street vending of betting tickets.
Municipal administrations expressed support for the initiative, identifying illegal gambling, particularly the widespread operation of slot machines in some municipalities, as a major concern.
Read Also: Angola’s Secretary of State for Tax Affairs Visits Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ).
Local officials also raised concerns about minors accessing betting terminals, which they said had contributed to a considerable decline in school attendance across the region. The situation has also affected some education and health professionals.
In Zaire Province, the meetings took place in Nzeto, Tomboco, Noqui, Lufico, and Cuimba. In Cabinda, the ISJ delegation visited Cacongo, Necuto, and Massabi, while Cálandula was among the municipalities engaged in Malanje Province.
The ISJ said the awareness and cooperation initiative will be extended to all municipal administrations across the Northern Region as the institute continues its efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation and address illegal gambling activities.
