Egypt moves to block online betting sites amid tougher gambling law plans
Lawmakers cite addiction, financial losses, and foreign dominance as authorities target unlicensed platforms and close regulatory loopholes
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egyptian authorities have begun blocking access to online sports betting websites as part of a broader campaign to curb unlicensed gambling and tighten regulation of digital platforms.
According to Yogo Net, the move was announced by Ahmed Badawy, head of Parliament’s Communications and Information Technology Committee, who said the crackdown is aimed at major offshore betting operators.
He added that lawmakers are preparing new legislation to permanently shut down electronic betting applications that fail to comply with domestic regulations.
Officials said rising concerns over gambling addiction, financial losses, and weak consumer protections have driven the proposed measures. Foreign companies currently dominate Egypt’s online betting market, exploiting gaps in existing regulations, according to lawmakers.
Under the draft framework, penalties would be introduced for users who access banned platforms, while legal loopholes that previously allowed offshore operators to function with limited oversight would be closed.
New platforms would be required to obtain accreditation through locally registered legal representatives to ensure accountability and regulatory compliance.
Gambling is heavily restricted in Egypt under both Islamic principles and secular law. Articles 271 and 352 of the Penal Code criminalize most forms of wagering based on uncertain outcomes.
Land-based casinos are permitted only for non-Egyptians and must operate exclusively in foreign currency. Online gambling for residents is generally considered prohibited, though it has long existed in a legal grey area. Horse racing and lotteries also occupy ambiguous regulatory territory, with the state-run National Lottery operating legally.
Regionally, Egypt’s move contrasts with shifting policies elsewhere. The United Arab Emirates, which historically prohibited gambling, has begun establishing oversight through its General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority covering lotteries, online gaming, and sports wagering, although full implementation remains underway.
Saudi Arabia continues to strictly outlaw gambling under Sharia law, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and asset confiscation, and shows no sign of imminent reform.
Morocco allows casinos, lotteries, and sports betting but leaves online gambling largely unregulated, enabling offshore platforms to operate, though authorities have recently imposed taxes on foreign winnings.
Economically, Egypt is estimated to be losing significant potential tax and licensing revenue to foreign operators.
Market research firm 6Wresearch projects the country’s overall gambling sector, including betting, casinos, and lotteries, could grow to $1.1 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of about 4 percent.
Sports betting is the largest segment, valued at $1.53 billion in 2024 and forecast to rise to $2.93 billion by 2032, according to Data Bridge Market Research, with growth approaching 12 percent annually.
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