The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has issued a public warning confirming that no sports betting operator is currently licensed to operate in Ethiopia, as authorities move to counter misleading claims circulating across digital platforms.
The clarification follows reports that several betting companies had claimed legal authorisation to continue operations after recent court proceedings. However, the regulator has dismissed these claims, stating that no operator has been granted official approval under Ethiopia’s current gambling framework.
According to the ELS, while it respects the judicial process, the relevant court decision has been suspended in line with legal procedures and remains under active review. As such, any assertion that operators are legally permitted to offer sports betting services in Ethiopia is inaccurate.
The regulator stressed that engaging with unlicensed gambling platforms exposes consumers to significant financial and cybersecurity risks. Without regulatory oversight, users have limited protection against fraud, data breaches, or loss of funds when dealing with illegal betting operators.
As part of its enforcement strategy, the ELS has urged the public to avoid all unauthorised betting websites, mobile applications, agents, and payment channels offering gambling services. It also encouraged citizens to report suspected illegal activities through its official hotline.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening gambling regulation, protecting consumers, and working with government stakeholders to ensure a secure and compliant gaming environment.
The development underscores Ethiopia’s cautious approach to regulating sports betting, as the country continues to evaluate its legal and licensing framework for the sector. Both operators and consumers are advised to rely solely on official communications from the regulator as the situation evolves.
