Ethiopia’s sports betting market was brought to an abrupt halt on December 15, after the country’s Lottery Service revoked the operating licences of all licensed sports betting operators and ordered an immediate nationwide suspension of betting activity.
The Ethiopian Lottery Service said in a statement: “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 licences of all sports betting organisations are revoked effective from December 15.”
Authorities cited persistent regulatory violations, financial irregularities and threats to national security as the driving reasons for the unprecedented crackdown.
The move marks the most significant intervention into the gambling sector in Ethiopia’s history and has left operators, employees and punters in shock.
The revocation covers physical, online and digital betting platforms. Financial institutions have been instructed to block all betting-related transactions and operators are required to preserve server data and financial records. Authorities warned that anyone attempting to circumvent the ban would face strict legal consequences.
This decisive action follows earlier measures in the sector. On December 4, the Ethiopian Lottery Service suspended the licences of 22 betting companies after receiving intelligence from regulatory and security authorities. The suspensions were linked to allegations of revenue concealment and a broader fraud investigation.
These earlier actions foreshadowed the full-scale licence revocation announced on December 15 and shocked both operators and punters alike. Now, every licensed sports betting operator in Ethiopia, including those previously suspended or under investigation, is affected by the revocation.
The move is set to cause widespread disruption for the industry, which employed thousands and generated millions in betting revenue. Officials emphasised that the measure is designed to protect the public, ensure compliance and safeguard national security.
As Ethiopia’s sports betting landscape comes to a sudden stop, the broader implications for the country’s gaming, finance and entertainment sectors are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
