Angola's ISJ launches phased compliance plan, sets 14 Dec deadline
Angola’s Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) has launched a phased compliance programme for social gaming intermediaries, with operators required to adapt their operations to the legal and regulatory requirements in force by 14 December 2026. The programme was outlined during a recent consultation meeting with Gaming Operators (EEJ).
The meeting was chaired by ISJ Director General Dr Nerethz Tati, who presented the Plan for Regulating the Activity of Social Gaming Mediators. According to the regulator, the plan follows a series of consultation meetings with representatives of social gaming enterprises and will be implemented in phases based on defined priorities.
In its official statement, the ISJ said the initiative is intended to ensure “that the activity of social gaming intermediaries is carried out in strict accordance with the principles of legality, responsibility, transparency and protection of the public interest.”
Transition period until December
The regulator said operators have until 14 December 2026 to align their operations with the legal and regulatory requirements under the transitional arrangements.
According to the ISJ, the phased approach is intended to give gaming operators time to implement the required operational and regulatory changes while prioritising key compliance measures during the transition period.
The regulator also reaffirmed that it will continue to oversee implementation while providing institutional support throughout the process.
“The Gaming Supervision Institute reaffirms that it will continue to monitor this process permanently, providing the necessary institutional support, with a view to consolidating a gaming sector that is increasingly organised, responsible, transparent and oriented towards safeguarding the public interest,” the statement said.
Focus on sector integrity and protecting minors
During the meeting, the ISJ discussed measures to strengthen the integrity of the sector, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, particularly minors.
The regulator reiterated that operators must prevent underage individuals from entering gambling establishments in accordance with the Angolan Law on Gaming Activity.
Measures aimed at ending street-based betting were also reinforced. The ISJ said social gaming intermediaries must operate exclusively from fixed establishments that are properly identified and authorised. Operators were also reminded to comply with legal requirements governing advertising and the conduct of gaming activities, including maintaining a minimum distance of 1,000 metres from educational establishments, hospital units and institutions representing the organs of state.
Warning over illegal licence sales
Separately, the ISJ said it had become aware of messages circulating on online platforms promoting the alleged sale of licences for casino games, online games and social games.
The regulator clarified that gaming licences are administrative acts granted exclusively by the State to authorised entities and cannot be sold, donated or directly transferred in the market.
The regulator said any attempt to directly sell a gaming licence or transfer gaming activities outside the legal framework would violate Law No. 17/24, the Gaming Activity Law, and may result in the immediate revocation of the licence.
The ISJ clarified that new investors may only enter a licensed operator through the acquisition of company shares, a process that requires prior assessment and authorisation by the regulator.
It also warned that any changes to a company’s ownership structure, share capital or management carried out without prior approval are legally ineffective and may lead to significant fines and the closure of operations.
The regulator warned potential investors not to make payments or assume commitments in response to advertisements promoting the direct sale of gaming licences, saying such offers have no legal validity.
Part of broader regulatory reforms
The latest measures form part of Angola’s wider effort to strengthen oversight of its regulated gambling market under the country’s Gaming Activity Law.
Earlier this month, the ISJ introduced a 30-working-day transitional licensing window for eligible gambling operators while the remaining provisions of the new licensing framework are implemented. The temporary regime allows qualifying operators to continue providing services lawfully while the regulator completes the wider implementation of the legislation.
Enacted in late 2024, Angola’s Gaming Activity Law established a new regulatory framework in place of the nation’s prior gambling laws. Instead of the shorter licence lengths utilised under the previous system, the law permits gambling licences to be awarded for up to 10 years. Stricter anti-money laundering regulations, improved player protection measures, increased regulatory control, and digital licensing procedures were also adopted.
The regulator has also stepped up enforcement against illegal gambling. Earlier this month, the ISJ supervised the destruction of 182 unlicensed slot machines seized by the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) during Operation Rescue in Cabinda Province. According to the regulator, the exercise formed part of efforts to combat illegal gambling, strengthen regulatory compliance and protect the public from the risks associated with unlicensed gaming activities.
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