Egypt has moved to block access to online sports betting platforms, intensifying efforts to regulate digital activity and curb unlicensed gambling.
The crackdown, announced by MP Ahmed Badawy, head of Parliament’s Communications and Information Technology Committee, targets major offshore operators such as 1xBet, as reported by several media outlets. Badawy confirmed that lawmakers are drafting new legislation to permanently shut down electronic betting applications that fail to comply with local requirements.
Authorities cite gambling addiction, financial losses, and lack of consumer protection as key drivers for the draft regulation. Egypt is not the only one. Many governments are tightening their rules on digital gambling as well. Egypt’s latest move is part of a broader international pattern.
Offshore platforms in the spotlight
Foreign operators dominate Egypt’s online betting market, exploiting regulatory gaps. Mobile and web-based betting apps are the fastest-growing channels globally, and Egypt’s market reflects this trend.
The proposed legislation introduces penalties for users of banned apps and closes loopholes that previously allowed offshore platforms to operate freely. Until now, Egypt lacked a comprehensive framework for online betting, enabling foreign companies to capture significant market share.
According to Egyptian officials, they stressed that new platforms must be accredited through legal representatives to ensure accountability and compliance. The move aims to protect the public from the social and economic risks linked to unregulated digital betting.
Legal context
Egypt heavily restricts gambling under both Islamic principles and secular law. Articles 271 and 352 of the Penal Code criminalise most forms of gambling based on uncertain outcomes. Yet the country has provided certain guidelines.
For one, land-based casinos are legal only for non-Egyptians as long as they are operating exclusively in foreign currency. Next is the online gambling sector where it is considered to be a legal grey area, but it is generally prohibited for residents. Horse racing and the lottery also fall in the grey area. Horse racing has been part of the country’s history and remains popular. Finally, the state-run National Lottery operates legally.
Egypt vs. other regions nearby
When Egypt is compared to other countries in the region, it positions itself as more proactive in some parts while less absolute in others. Beginning with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which historically bans gambling due to Islamic law.
However, it is now transitioning with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) that oversees lotteries, internet gaming, and sports wagering. Implementation remains ongoing.
In Saudi Arabia, gambling is strictly prohibited under Sharia law, with violators facing fines, imprisonment, and asset confiscation. Still, there are no signs of regulatory change in the near future. Meanwhile, Morocco’s gambling is partially regulated, as casinos, lotteries, and sports betting are legal. Meanwhile, online gambling remains unregulated. Offshore platforms thrive, though the government recently introduced taxes on foreign winnings.
Market outlook
Egypt loses potential tax and licensing revenue to offshore operators like 1xBet. According to 6Wresearch, despite the restrictions, Egypt’s gambling market—including betting, casinos, and lotteries—was projected to reach $950 million by 2025 and growing to $1.1 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 4 percent.
The country’s sports betting remains particularly strong, valued at $1.53 billion in 2024 and forecast to nearly double to $2.93 billion by 2032, with a CAGR approaching 12 percent, as reported by Data Bridge Market Research.
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