Ethiopian Lottery Service orders immediate shutdown of betting operations, citing security, money laundering and regulatory breaches
The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has announced the revocation of operating licences for all sports betting organisations in the country, bringing Ethiopia’s regulated betting market to an abrupt halt. The decision takes effect from 15 December 2025 (Tahsass 06, 2018 E.C.) and follows what authorities described as a comprehensive nationwide investigation into betting activities.
In an official notice, ELS confirmed that the revocation applies to all forms of sports betting, including online platforms, physical betting outlets and agent-based operations. The regulator cited multiple violations uncovered during its review, including breaches of licensing agreements, alleged links to illegal activities, potential threats to national security and concerns related to money laundering.
“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),” the notice stated.
Under the directive, affected operators are required to immediately cease all betting-related activities. ELS has instructed companies to preserve all customer records, financial data and transaction histories to facilitate potential audits or further investigations. Operators have also been ordered to stop providing or facilitating payment services linked to betting activities.
The measures extend beyond operators themselves. Financial institutions and payment service providers have been formally instructed to block all transactions associated with sports betting organisations, effectively cutting off access to banking and digital payment channels. ELS warned that any continued processing of betting-related payments would be treated as a regulatory violation.
The regulator emphasised that enforcement will be strict and comprehensive. Any organisation or individual found to be operating in defiance of the revocation will face legal consequences under Ethiopian law. ELS also signalled that additional actions could follow if evidence of criminal activity emerges from preserved records.
The decision represents one of the most sweeping interventions in Ethiopia’s gambling sector to date and reflects growing government concern over the social, financial and security implications of sports betting. While ELS did not indicate whether a new regulatory framework may be introduced in the future, the move signals a decisive reset of the market.
Stakeholders are now awaiting further guidance from the authorities on whether licensed betting could return under tighter controls or whether Ethiopia intends to maintain a long-term prohibition on the sector.
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