In an effort to fight against illegal gambling and regulate digital activity, Egypt has moved to block access to online sports betting apps. The head of the Parliament’s Communications and Information Technology Committee, Ahmed Badawy, announced the news to target offshore operators such as 1xBet and added that lawmakers are proposing new rules to fully
In an effort to fight against illegal gambling and regulate digital activity, Egypt has moved to block access to online sports betting apps.
The head of the Parliament’s Communications and Information Technology Committee, Ahmed Badawy, announced the news to target offshore operators such as 1xBet and added that lawmakers are proposing new rules to fully shut down online betting apps that don’t comply with Egypt’s requirements.
The changes are the result of authorities being concerned about the rise of gambling addiction and financial losses, as well as the lack of consumer protections.
The new legislation will introduce fines for players who use banned apps and will require new platforms to be licensed through legal representatives to make sure that they are accountable and compliant.
Currently, foreign operators are the most active in the Egyptian gambling market and exploit the regulatory gaps, with reports showing that the country loses potential tax and licensing revenue to offshore platforms.
Islamic principles and state law restrict betting in Egypt, as articles 271 and 352 of the Penal Code criminalize most types of gambling. Land-based casinos are legal strictly for non-Egyptians, online gambling and horse racing are mostly grey areas, and only the state-run National Lottery operates legally.