Ethiopia Suspends Licences of 22 Betting Operators
Ethiopia’s regulator, the Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS), announced on December 4 the suspension of licences for 22 betting operators based on information provided by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
Revenue Concealment Probe and Law Enforcement Involvement
The inspections were carried out by the Ethiopian Lottery Service in cooperation with the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), financial security authorities, the Federal Police, and the municipal administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.
According to the investigation, the operators are suspected of concealing approximately $1.6 billion in revenue (more than 100 billion birr) through the use of cryptocurrencies, the hawala system, and falsified payment records. In late November, 24 individuals were arrested as part of the case, including owners and managers of betting companies.
Identified Violations in Operators’ Activities
NISS found that some operators had vacated their officially registered offices and continued operations via overseas servers, allowing them to hide actual betting and deposit volumes. It is also alleged that local payment aggregators assisted in distorting reports submitted to the regulator.
According to Addis Standard, authorities suspect that laundered funds may have been used to finance terrorism and smuggling operations.
Licence Status and Duration of Restrictions
The Ethiopian Lottery Service stated that the licence suspensions will remain in force until the completion of criminal investigations into the owners and related parties. The decision was taken to protect government revenue and maintain oversight of financial flows in the betting segment.
List of Operators with Suspended Licences
- Dash Bet
- Walya Sports
- Xnet / Exnet Solution
- HDM Afro Trading
- Black Pearl Trading
- Iconic / iKinetic Sports Entertainment
- Jumbo / Jambo Bet
- Daabaak Trading
- ETL / ETEL (QWK / KWIK)
- BetArada Sports and Entertainment
- Vamos Entertainment
- Flash / Super Flash Sports Betting
- Universal / Hulegeb Online Solution
- Zemen Sports Betting
- All Gaming / Hulu Gaming
- Addis Telco Services (Betika)
- Unique / Mella Sports Betting
- Toto Sports Solution
- Kukulu Sports
- Merke Betting
- Champion / Champion Harif Sport
- Bet Nine Ninety-Aar
Regulator’s Position
ELS stressed that the measures taken are aimed at protecting state revenues, controlling financial flows, and strengthening oversight of betting operators. The regulator also stated that inspections in the sports betting segment across the country will continue.