The National Lottery Administration announced that the closure of legal betting houses would not be appropriate. The administration reached this conclusion after conducting a study on the sector. It also emphasized the need to differentiate between legitimate and illegal sports betting establishments.

According to the administration, permissions granted to these entities were in accordance with the law, ensuring that betting activities were conducted away from educational and religious institutions. Verification was carried out on-site to ensure compliance with approved gaming standards. However, amidst the closure of 4,000 betting establishments in Addis Ababa, the National Lottery clarified that these shutdowns targeted illegal operations.

The administration also disclosed that legally operating betting establishments contribute Birr 89 million birr monthly to the government in commissions, alongside fulfilling income tax and social service payment requirements. Income tax deductions from bet winners reach Birr 39 million monthly, with an additional Birr 7 million allocated for social services by licensed sports betting establishments.

It is to be recalled that the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) announced its intention to work towards banning sports betting. The Ministry cited the sector’s “impact” on the personal development of students and youth, as well as the economic and “social crises” it generates in various ways, as a reasonable ground for its suspension.

During the parliamentary session on February 6, 2024, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the National Lottery Administration’s commitment to drawing upon international experiences to develop a system tailored for future generations.

Source: Sheger FM 102.1

Additional sources: Ethio FM 107.8 and MoWSA

Image source: Ethio FM 107.8