Revocation of Licenses for All Sports Betting Organizations
December 15, 2025 – We hereby announce that the operating licenses of all sports betting organizations that had been granted permission by the Ethiopian Lottery Service to operate have been revoked.
Based on directives given by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and pursuant to the regulatory authority vested in the Ethiopian Lottery Service, we notify that the operating licenses of all sports betting organizations are revoked effective from Tahsass 06, 2018 E.C. (December 15, 2025).
This measure was taken following a comprehensive nationwide investigation into the betting sector, aimed at protecting the public interest. This decision is applicable to all betting organizations operating online, via agents, physically, or in any other manner; their liabilities remain in effect.
Furthermore, beyond the findings of the investigation, the sector has been linked to illegal activities, including breaches of licensing agreements, threats to national security, and money laundering activities.
Directives passed to relevant entities:
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- To Sports Betting Organizations and System Operators/Suppliers:
- Starting from Tahsass 06, 2018 E.C., carrying out any betting activity via digital, manual, or any other method is strictly prohibited.
- They must cease providing Money Deposit Gateway services.
- Accepting new bets is prohibited.
- They have a strict obligation to carefully preserve all customer data, financial statements, and related information. (Destroying, hiding, or altering evidence will result in criminal prosecution under the law).
2. To Financial Institutions (Banks, Payment Instrument Issuers, and Payment System Operators):
Since the operating licenses of all betting organizations are revoked effective Tahsass 06, 2018 E.C., strict instruction is given to block/suspend the financial movements/transactions of these betting organizations on your end.
The Ethiopian Lottery Service, as the regulatory and executive body, will strictly monitor the implementation of this decision in collaboration with other relevant institutions. Any entity found violating this directive will be held legally accountable.
Source: Ethiopian Lottery Service
