MAURITANIA– The Mauritanian government is reviewing proposed legislation that could ban gambling games, online betting and related activities conducted through digital platforms, as authorities seek to strengthen oversight and protect children and young people from gambling-related risks.
The draft legislation remains under development, with officials examining its legal scope, enforcement mechanisms and potential implications before preparing a final version.
On 1 October, Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay led an initial review of the proposal, which considered measures to address gambling and betting activities and the coordination required among relevant ministries and public institutions.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister directed government bodies to conduct further assessments of the draft, including its legal, technical and religious implications.
A subsequent meeting, supervised by Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports and Civil Service Minister Mohamed Abdallah Ould Louli, brought together representatives from various government sectors to review the proposal and provide recommendations.
Discussions focused on gambling activities facilitated through digital platforms and media channels, alongside potential monitoring procedures, enforcement responsibilities and cooperation among authorities.
Minister Ould Louli called for further consultations and examination of the feedback received, indicating that additional work is required before the government determines its next steps.
The proposed restrictions follow growing government concerns about the accessibility of online gambling and its potential impact on minors. In September, Ould Louli confirmed that legislation was being prepared to prohibit gambling games and online betting, citing the need to protect children and young people from the risks associated with internet-based gambling.
The initiative places youth protection at the centre of Mauritania’s efforts to address gambling accessibility, the influence of digital platforms and the role of public authorities in preventing underage participation.
