Sports betting has long been popular in The Gambia, with numerous shops and online platforms offering odds on football, horse racing, and other events. Although a 2015 presidential decree initially banned all forms of gambling, this was reversed in 2017 through a new regulation that reintroduced and regulated sports betting under national law (2).
Under the Betting and Gaming Act, the Ministry of Finance, overseen by the Gambia Gaming Board, is responsible for licensing and regulating sports betting operators. Prospective licensees must submit detailed applications, pay prescribed fees, and adhere to annual renewal and reporting requirements designed to protect minors and vulnerable populations (1).
"The regulatory body for gambling in Gambia is the Ministry of Finance, with oversight provided by the Gambia Gaming Board. Gambling is legal in the country, but the regulatory framework is still developing. Operators looking to launch casinos or sports betting platforms must first apply for a licence, which involves a detailed application process and a range of fees."
Today, sports betting in the Gambia is legal and regulated, with clear penalties for unlicensed activities including fines and license revocations. Age restrictions are strictly enforced—participants must be at least 18 years old—and operators must implement safeguards against problem gambling as part of their compliance obligations (1)(2).
Source:
https://www.xdafrica.com/article/gambling-licensing-in-gambia
https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/275630/6/275630Suppl.pdf
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
