Angola has introduced a 30-day licensing window for eligible gambling operators as authorities continue rolling out the country’s new Gaming Activity Law. The temporary measure, which is already in effect, allows qualifying businesses to obtain provisional approval while the government completes the wider regulatory framework. The move is part of Angola’s ongoing effort to modernise its gambling sector and establish a more structured licensing system.
ISJ begins transitional licensing process
The plan was unveiled by the Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ), the nation’s gaming authority, following a meeting with industry representatives. The regulator claims that the purpose of the transitional regime is to guarantee that qualified operators can lawfully continue providing services while the remaining Gaming Activity Law requirements are finalised.
Operators have 30 working days to submit applications through Angola’s Gaming Supervision System. The ISJ said using a single digital platform will help standardise the application process, improve regulatory oversight and provide greater legal certainty during the transition. Authorities also said the temporary framework is designed to maintain market stability until the new licensing system is fully operational.
New law extends licence validity
The Gaming Activity Law introduces one of the biggest changes to Angola’s licensing regime by extending the validity of gambling licences.
Many online gambling licences issued after 2020 were valid for only one year before operators had to renew them. Under the new framework, licences will now remain valid for up to 10 years, reducing the administrative burden on operators and providing a longer planning horizon for investment and business development.
The reform comes after the ISJ temporarily halted new licensing due to leadership changes in the regulator. Authorities examined the industry and created the rules required to put the new law into effect during that time. While the new framework was being constructed, existing operators whose licenses had expired were permitted to continue operating under interim extensions, assisting firms in avoiding disruption and maintaining jobs throughout the industry.
Public tender expected later this year
Companies that are not already eligible under the transitional regime will need to wait for a public tender expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 before applying for licences.
Applicants are expected to buy the tender documents before they can submit a formal licence application. Industry estimates suggest online gambling licences will cost between $7,000 and $14,000, while land-based gambling licences are likely to cost around $20,000.
Applicants are also expected to provide bank guarantees ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, depending on the type of gambling activity covered by the licence.
Wider gambling reforms continue
Angola’s Gaming Activity Law, enacted in late 2024, replaces the country’s previous gambling legislation with a more comprehensive regulatory framework. Alongside longer licence periods, the reforms introduce stronger regulatory supervision, greater use of digital licensing systems, enhanced player protection measures and stricter anti-money laundering requirements. The legislation is also intended to improve enforcement against illegal gambling while creating a more transparent licensing process.
The reforms come as several African jurisdictions continue updating their gambling laws. Kenya has also introduced transitional measures to help operators adjust to revised regulatory requirements.
The regulated gambling sector already contributes to public revenue. Earlier this year, the ISJ reported that gambling activities generated more than Kz2.8 billion (approximately $3 million) in parafiscal revenue during February. The figures underline the government’s broader objective of expanding the regulated market while strengthening compliance under the country’s updated licensing framework.
Don’t just read the news, stay ahead of it. Subscribe HERE to SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown for stories shaping iGaming’s future, weekly insights from the world’s biggest iGaming community, and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
