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Ethiopia Revokes All Sports Betting Licenses Citing National Security Concerns
The Ethiopian government has officially revoked the licenses of all sports betting companies operating under the Ethiopian National Lottery Administration, effective December 15, 2025. This move follows a series of investigations that uncovered widespread illegal activities within the sector, prompting national security concerns.
Authorities claim that sports betting companies have violated their licensing terms, engaged in illicit financial transfers, and participated in tax evasion. The government’s actions come after the suspension of 22 betting firms earlier this month, which were suspected of embezzlement, illegal financial dealings, and other forms of misconduct. Several business owners connected to these firms have since been arrested.
The government’s decision to revoke the licenses of the betting companies aims to protect the public and address the growing threats posed by these illegal operations. Officials have emphasized that the closure is in line with efforts to combat corruption and enhance national security.
This development marks a significant escalation in the Ethiopian government’s crackdown on illegal financial activities, particularly those linked to gambling and money laundering. With the sports betting industry now effectively shut down, authorities are expected to ramp up enforcement of financial regulations across other sectors.
For now, the government has not provided specific details on plans to address the existing financial fallout or compensate those affected by the closure, but further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
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