Egypt combines a large, increasingly digital consumer market with a restrictive gambling regime. Online gambling is banned, so the country has no domestic licensing framework for online casino or sports betting operators, although research indicates strong adoption of mobile and online entertainment.
Land-based casino gambling is permitted only within a tightly controlled framework: under Law No. 8 of 2022 on Hotels and Tourist Establishments, qualifying establishments may be authorised to offer gambling to non-Egyptians only, subject to a decision by the Minister responsible for tourism.
There is no regulated online market. Egyptians who gamble online rely on offshore websites, often using VPNs or alternative payment methods to play. The authorities sometimes block sites or target illegal betting rings, but controls are uneven.
Explore SOFTSWISS Solutions for Regulated Markets
SOFTSWISS products are not currently certified for Egypt. Certification updates will be provided as they become available.
- 1. Are lotteries legal in Egypt?
-
Lotteries are restricted rather than subject to an open commercial licensing market. Egypt regulates lotteries under Law No. 93 of 1973, which requires authorisation for organising lotteries and generally for offering, selling, or distributing lottery tickets. Unauthorised lottery activity may be penalised under the law.
- 2. Does a foreign gambling licence allow an operator to target Egypt?
-
A foreign licence does not enable an Egyptian online gambling operation. Egypt currently offers no domestic online casino or sportsbook authorisation that an external licence can substitute for.