Egyptian authorities have announced plans to block online betting sites as part of a comprehensive crackdown on unlicensed gambling operations. This move, which will also target illegal sports betting apps, marks a significant escalation in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to regulate gambling activity and protect consumers from unregulated platforms.
The crackdown is a response to growing concerns over gambling addiction, financial losses, and insufficient consumer protections, as unlicensed foreign operators dominate Egypt’s online gambling market. The Ministry of Finance and Egyptian regulators have outlined plans to shut down these sites permanently, with penalties for users and operators who continue to engage with these platforms. The legislative framework currently under development will ensure that any foreign operator found violating local laws will be held accountable.
Primary Legislation Governing Gambling in Egypt
The legal landscape for gambling in Egypt is shaped by both Islamic principles and secular law. The main legislative instruments are as follows:
- Egyptian Civil Code No. 131 of 1948: Articles 739 and 740 nullify any agreement related to gambling or betting, with exceptions for sporting bets and authorised lotteries.
- Egyptian Penal Code (Articles 271 & 352): Criminalises gambling activities that involve wagering money on uncertain outcomes, such as most casino games and sports betting. The law also prohibits organising gambling in physical venues like casinos and betting establishments.
- Law No. 8 of 2022 Regarding Hotel and Tourism Entities: Article 24 permits gambling activities only in specific facilities catering to non-Egyptians, with strict ministerial oversight.
- Law No. 93 of 1973: Regulates state lotteries, providing the legal framework for the operation of government-approved lottery schemes.
Online gambling remains largely unregulated in Egypt, operating in a legal grey area. While gambling in physical venues is tightly controlled, online operators have been able to exploit gaps in regulation, allowing them to serve Egyptian players without meeting local licensing requirements. As a result, there are growing calls for clear legislation that addresses online gambling explicitly and provides comprehensive consumer protection.
Authorities Taking Action
In a recent speech, Ahmed Badawy, head of the Communications and Information Technology Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives, announced that the government is set to begin blocking online betting apps, including popular platforms like 1XBET. He confirmed that under new legislation currently being drafted, once an online gambling platform is blocked, it will not be allowed to resume operations.
Badawy emphasised that while Egypt is fully supportive of technological development and digital transformation, this progress must not come at the cost of social stability. He pointed out that gambling addiction, financial losses, and weak consumer protection were major concerns driving the government’s actions. He explained, “We must ensure that technological advancements do not undermine social welfare,” and stated that clear laws and decisive action are required to address the negative effects of unregulated online gambling.
As part of this new regulatory framework, every electronic platform operating within Egypt will be required to appoint an accredited legal representative who can be consulted and held accountable in case of violations. This move is designed to eliminate legal loopholes that allowed illegal gambling platforms to proliferate in the past.
Global Gambling Crackdowns: Egypt Joins the Effort
Egypt’s move aligns with broader regional trends where countries are tightening laws to regulate or ban online gambling. In India, a recent push for an online gaming ban has led to many players turning to offshore platforms as local options remain limited. This has sparked concerns over the potential growth of unregulated gambling in the region.
In Nepal, a sharp increase in online gambling has been reported, despite the country not having a clear regulatory framework. This trend signals that while some countries crack down, others face the challenge of monitoring and controlling online gambling activity that persists illegally or outside the framework.
Further, the Philippines has passed the Anti-POGO Act, which bans offshore gambling platforms targeting local players, illustrating the increasing focus on controlling cross-border gambling operations.
The Egyptian government’s decision to block unlicensed gambling platforms signals a shift towards more comprehensive regulation of online gambling. While the country has a strict legal framework in place for land-based gambling, online gambling remains a challenge that Egypt is now actively addressing. As global gambling regulations continue to evolve, Egypt’s actions may serve as a model for other MENA nations looking to curb the growth of unregulated online gambling markets.