Benin is a country located in the southern part of west Africa and they have always have laws to govern the aspect of gambling. New technologies and the changes in the society of Benin has shifted the face of gambling industry. This article is also going to focus on the gambling laws of Benin especially for the Benin bookmakers and sports betting. We shall also consider the general aspects such as history, legal framework, organizations that regulate it, kind of bets allowed and not allowed, licensing, taxation and other milestones in sports.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Benin Gambling Laws new and old.
1836: Prohibition Era
Gambling was outlawed in the territory of today’s Benin in 1836 as evidenced by the Prohibition des Loteries. This law set the phase for the following years where gambling activities were limited and almost prohibited to some extent.
1960: Independence from France
Benin became an independent state from France in 1960, which posed a new environment for the country’s legal and regulatory system, encompassing those of gambling.
1967: Lottery and Sports Betting; Legalization
Gambling was banned but in 1967 it was partially legalised and the state owned national lottery, Loterie Nationale du Bénin was formed. This was the start of a more order form of gambling that was to come in future.
2002: Comprehensive Legalization
It was in the year 2002 that gambling was legalised with the passing of Loi portant réglementation des jeux de hasard, d’argent et de paris en République du Bénin. This law allowed the online gambling and increased the list of the activities that are allowed in the sphere of gambling.
2018: Virtual Currencies; The New Forbidden Fruit.
As of 2018, the Central Bank of West African States stated that virtual currencies were not admitted in the BCEAO zone, thus,bitcoin gambling is prohibited in Benin.
Gambling Laws and Legislation
The main legal act that describes the rules of gambling in Benin is Loi N° 2002-28 concerning games of chance, money, and betting. The law was enacted in order to regulate and control gambling activities in the country hence promoting fairness in the business and consumer rights.
Bookmakers Regulatory Agencies
The Ministry of Economy and Finance, (Ministère de l’Economie et des Finances) is the government body that has the responsibility of licensing the gambling facilities and ensuring compliance with the set standards. The ministry regulates all the bookmakers who are licensed and enforces the law and fairness in the operations.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
Benin’s gambling laws specify the types of bets that are allowed and those that are prohibited:
- Allowed Bets: Gaming on tables and machines, poker, sports book, and lottery.
- Prohibited Bets: Cryptocurrency betting is legal and social gambling is also not forbidden by the laws.
Licensing and Fees of Benin Bookmakers
In order to carry out gambling business in Benin, one has to get a license from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Though the details of licensing fees and conditions are not openly stated, it is understood that the private companies are allowed to collaborate under certain circumstances. The licensed operators are required to adhere to all the laid down rules and regulations as well as remit the required fees.
Regulation and Compliance
The following are the regulation guidelines that are required to be followed by all the licensed sports betting operators, roup online betting These regulations keep away unfair competition, promote accountability and protect the consumers.
Gambling Taxes
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, information on tax rates for gambling activities in Benin is not readily ascertainable. But what is quite apparent is that whatever winnings are made by players in gambling, they do not attract tax. Legal casinos have to pay taxes to the government, thus, the state gets some money from gambling activities.
Monopoly on Gambling and Cooperation with Private Entities
Almost all types of gambling are state-run; however, the law permits partnership with private businesses. This means that, on the one hand, the government retains the right to control the sphere of gambling but, on the other hand, private businesses can still function with the government’s supervision.
Benin Sports Betting
It is worth to mention that sports betting is one of the most popular types of gambling in Benin. Some of the activities one can engage in are traditional and virtual sports betting among others. The following are some key aspects of sports betting in Benin:The following are some key aspects of sports betting in Benin:
Legal Sports Betting Options
- Traditional Sports Betting: In this type, one can place his or her bet on traditional sporting events such as football, basketball, and horse racing.
- Virtual Sports Betting: Legal and is considered as a form of sports betting.
- Fantasy Football: Also, legal, and getting more recognition among the sports enthusiasts.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
Benin has a rich sporting history, with several notable achievements in various disciplines:
- 1969: The national football team of Benin popularly known as Les Ecureuils combines with FIFA and CAF.
- 1972: Benin debut in the Olympic Games as Dahomey.
- 2004: The Les Ecureuils are new comers at the African Cup of Nations.
- 2017: The Benin team becomes the champion of the African Basketball Championship.
- 2019: Benefitting from the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in history.
Conclusion
Over the past years, the gambling industry of Benin has evolved tremendously. Sport betting is just one of the many forms of gambling that has been legalized; therefore, the country has provided a framework within which both the operators and the players can operate legally. Due to the current growth of the gambling industry in Benin legal and regulated betting options are plentiful for those who seek to participate.
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