The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has restated its firm stance on maintaining the country’s sports betting ban, as confusion lingers seven months after all operating licenses were revoked. In a message shared via the ELS’ official Telegram channel last week, the regulator warned against engaging with any betting outfits claiming legality. “At present, There’s no sports betting organization operating in Ethiopia with a legal license,” stated the ELS. The notice comes amidst a wave of deceptive activities targeting consumers in the void of formal operations.
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Risks and Warnings
ELS highlighted the dangers involving unlicensed entities—individuals lured into these schemes risk both their finances and personal data. But they emphasize that reclaiming losses from these operators is virtually impossible due to their illicit nature. The regulator has urged the public to report any illegal betting activities using the hotline 9695 and emphasized ongoing cooperation with government bodies to safeguard public interest and uphold financial integrity. The alert follows reports circulating on social media that have muddied public understanding.
Market Collapse and Arrests
November 2025 marked the start of a sweeping crackdown. The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) detained 24 individuals linked to sports betting outfits, accusing them of masking over ETB100 billion ($620.5 million) in government revenue. These sums allegedly moved out of the country via cryptocurrency exchanges and hawala networks—a massive financial concern for Ethiopia’s economy. Resultantly, ELS swiftly suspended licenses of 22 firms on December 4, 2025, and abolished all remaining licenses 11 days later. Interestingly, the license revocations didn’t explicitly associate with the initial arrests or the allegations, instead citing a broader review of the financial sector.
Legal Challenges and Sector Uncertainty
In a surprising twist, legal battles have surfaced challenging the crackdown. Still, the Federal High Court recently overturned the suspension of Hulu Sport by the National Lottery Administration, pointing to procedural errors. Yet, Hulu Sport’s operations remain halted as an appeal stayed the court’s decision. These legal proceedings have questioned the regulatory approach but haven’t reinstated any licenses. ELS’ latest directive seems to reaffirm that no legal changes have occurred for sports betting in Ethiopia.
Possibility of Regulatory Reform
Despite the ban, conversations hint at possible regulatory shifts. During a February 2026 parliamentary meeting, Mekiyu Mohammed, state minister of culture and sports, indicated that blocking betting entirely is impractical in today’s global environment, suggesting potential future legal frameworks. ELS CEO Beza Girma noted that divided oversight has hindered regulatory effectiveness. These comments reflect a changing dialogue from the existence of betting to managing it properly.
International Interest on Hold
For global operators eyeing Ethiopia’s market of roughly 130 million potential consumers, the government’s position remains unchanged—no licenses, no ongoing consultations, and no set timeline for regulatory resurgence. The focus for now continues on ensuring compliance and safeguarding public interests while future policies remain under deliberation.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
