Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has issued an executive decree to ban 1XBET services in Puntland State of Somalia.
Garowe – The Presidency of Puntland State, Somalia, has enacted an executive decree prohibiting the use of the 1XBET application, which has gained popularity for online betting and gambling within the region.
The decree explicitly states, “1XBET betting and gambling services have been banned throughout Puntland State of Somalia. Telecommunications companies are duly obliged not to open private telephone number accounts for 1XBET services.
“They are also required to close existing private telephone number accounts for betting and gambling services.” This directive has been disseminated to various ministries in Puntland State along with three telecommunications providers—Golis, Somtel, and Amtel. However, as of now, these telecommunications companies have not demonstrated a willingness to adhere to the decreed ban.
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Earlier this month, Abdiqani Farah Dhaashane, a Member of Parliament in Puntland, voiced concerns over the unregulated online betting and gambling activities linked to 1XBET. “It has come to our attention that many young people are betting using the 1XBET app.
This contributes to capital flight from Somalia and is also causing family breakdowns. Have telecommunications companies been asked what they could do about this issue?” Dhaashane stated.
While many see the executive decree as a necessary step, some, like an anonymous MP in Garowe, express concerns regarding its appropriateness. “The executive decree from the Puntland State Presidency is welcome but is seen as unprecedented. It was a matter for the Telecommunications Ministry of Puntland to issue a decree banning illegal online betting and gambling services in Puntland State. The presidency is usurping the power of the line ministry,” the MP conveyed to Puntland Post.
