Ethiopia's sports betting ban remains active, as confirmed by the Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) in a public notice issued last week. This statement comes seven months after regulators rescinded all operating licenses in the sector, amid rising fraudulent activities exploiting the resulting confusion.
The ELS clarified that no legal sports betting organizations are currently operating in the country. They strongly advised citizens against engaging with or depositing money into any illegal betting services, including websites and social media platforms. "At present, there is no sports betting organisation operating in Ethiopia with a legal licence," the regulator stated.
The warning from ELS was prompted by social media communications from various sports betting entities, which have been misleading Ethiopian consumers. The regulator emphasized the risks associated with dealing with unlicensed operators, highlighting that consumers might find it challenging to recoup any losses incurred, as these companies are not authorized to operate legally.
ELS encouraged the public to report any illegal activities through the short code 9695. The organization has committed to collaborating with government institutions to ensure the protection of public interest, uphold financial integrity, and maintain adherence to the rule of law.
The backdrop to this warning includes a crackdown initiated in November 2025, when Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) arrested 24 individuals linked to illegal sports betting operations. These arrests were purportedly tied to allegations of concealing over ETB100 billion (approximately $620.5 million) in government revenues, which were reportedly funneled abroad via cryptocurrency exchanges and informal transfer systems.
The ELS moved swiftly following these investigations. On December 4, 2025, it suspended the licenses of 22 sports betting companies based on information from NISS, leading to the complete revocation of all betting licenses just 11 days later. While the official directive did not reference the arrests directly, it cited a nationwide assessment of the betting industry and concerns over illegal financial transfers posing risks to national security.
Interestingly, all 24 individuals arrested had been released from custody by January 2026, though authorities have not clarified whether charges were dismissed, transferred, or remain unresolved.
Additionally, there are legal challenges to the regulatory actions. The Federal High Court recently ruled against the National Lottery Administration's suspension of Hulu Sport, citing procedural errors, although Hulu Sport cannot resume operations due to a stay of execution obtained by the regulator during the appeal process.
This legal battle has prompted confusion, but ELS's recent statement aims to clarify that the licensing situation for sports betting remains unchanged—no operator possesses a valid license to provide betting services in Ethiopia.
While the current ban persists, some government officials are contemplating a future regulatory framework for the industry. In a February 2026 parliamentary meeting regarding a draft sports proclamation, state minister of culture and sports, Mekiyu Mohammed, expressed that completely blocking betting is impractical and suggested the establishment of a legal framework to harness the potential benefits of the industry.
Beza Girma, CEO of ELS, pointed out that the division of regulatory oversight between two ministries has complicated effective control and policy enforcement in the sector. These remarks indicate a shift in the discussion from whether to regulate betting to how it should be governed.
For international operators and investors looking at Ethiopia's large consumer base of roughly 130 million, the current situation is clear: there remains no licensing process available, no consultations taking place, and no timeline for the reinstatement of a regulated betting market.
