Ethiopia Shuts Down All Bookmakers

Ethiopian authorities have ordered the complete shutdown of all betting companies operating in the country. All existing operator licenses have been revoked, and the acceptance of bets — both online and at land-based outlets — must cease immediately, according to an official notice issued by the Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS), the state gambling regulator.

The decision took effect on December 15, 2025, and applies to all licensed operators, including bookmakers, agents, and related payment service providers. The regulator also ordered the blocking of all financial transactions connected to betting activities.

Industry outlet World Casino Directory, which first reported the decision citing ELS, said the move followed a comprehensive review of Ethiopia’s gambling sector.

The investigation uncovered violations of licensing requirements, illegal financial transactions, and operations deemed to pose a threat to national security.

ELS clarified that the revocation of licenses does not release operators from their obligations to customers. Companies are required to settle all unsettled bets and safeguard player funds. The regulator also ordered the preservation of server data and financial records, warning that their destruction could result in criminal liability.

Banks and payment institutions have been instructed to cease providing services to organizations linked to sports betting. Enforcement of the decision will be carried out in coordination with other state authorities.

Gambling Park notes that earlier the Ethiopian Lottery Service suspended the licenses of 22 betting companies as part of an investigation into the concealment of more than 100 billion birr (around $640 000 000) in potential state revenues. The latest measures extend those actions to a full shutdown of the country’s sports betting market. Ethiopian authorities have not indicated when the decision may be reviewed.