Gabon Bookmakers

The Republic of Gabon is a country in western Central Africa. Gabon’s economy has grown relatively due to the export of petroleum products. This article aims to explore various aspects of the legal framework for gambling in Gabon, especially Gabon bookmakers and sports betting. The main purpose of this article is to describe the main information on the laws and regulations, history, authorities, licenses, taxes and main steps in the field of sports betting in Gabon.

Gabon Bookmakers

1960: New Year’s holiday set; Gabon becomes independent; lotteries legalised.

2005: “Overarching law on games of chance” passed.

2020: Previous statutes are abolished by Ordinance 0012/PR/2020.

2021: New agency of games of entertainment, money and chance is formed.

Post-2010: Gambling tax rates increased from 4% to between 1.5% and 5%.

The legal status of gambling in Gabon is rather long, it has been since the year 1960 when Gabon became independent from France. The legal systems of France dominated the laws that governed the formulation of lotteries to begin with in Gabon. Gradually, though, all types of games of chance to foster were legitimized at some point or another. Here, we outline key legislative milestones:Here, we outline key legislative milestones:

Legislative Milestones

  • 1960: Gabon earns it independence from France. Lotteries are legalized.
  • 2005: To regulate land based betting, the “Réglementation générale des jeux de hasard” law is passed.
  • 2020: To counter gambling maliciousness, tax evasion and unlawful gambling, the legislation of Ordinance 0012/PR/2020 supersedes the previous law.

Current Legislation

The current primary gambling law in Gabon is the “ordonnance n° 0012/PR/2020 du 14 août 2020 portant Réglementation des Jeux de Divertissement, d’Argent et de Hasard en République Gabonaise. “ Real money gambling and betting, including internet gambling, is regulated under this law and falls under the Commission Supérience des Jeux de Div

Regulatory Bodies

The gambling sector in Gabon is regulated by two main bodies:

  • The Ministry of Finance: Overseeing of all dealing that take place amidst land.
  • The High Commission for Games of Entertainment, Money, and Chance: This was set up in 2021, and it is responsible for providing licenses in the whole gambling category, both the real and the internet-based gambling licenses.

Licensing

Thus, legal activities of bookmakers in Gabon require obtaining a license from the High Commission for Games of Entertainment, Money, and Chance. The licensing process, fees, and requirements are as follows:

  • License Types: This implies that there are authorisations both for the operation of gambling and for gambling on the internet.
  • Fees: Though there are no published tariffs local operators they are aware they have to part with 5% of their gross gambling revenue as monthly tax.
  • Application Process: The following interested parties must apply directly to the High Commission. Unfortunately, the organisation does not have an online presence; one has to reach out to them in French, best by completing an application form.

Taxation

Gabon levies its gambling tax at 5 per cent of the gross gambling yield and has a corporate tax at 30 per cent. They pertain to both the on and offline operations of gambling. Here it is important to know that the gambling tax rate was earlier set at 4. 5% prior to 2010 where it was later changed to 5% after 2010.

Tax Rates

  • Gambling Tax: analyzed proposed a 5% tax on the gross gambling revenue.
  • Corporate Tax: 30%

Prohibited and Allowed Bets

Gabonese law permits various types of gambling activities, including:

  • Casinos: And Derbies offer poker, blackjack, European and electronic roulette and slot machines.
  • Horse Race Betting: Favourite of the local population and particularly for French competitions.
  • Lotteries: There are many types of lotteries Some of them are stated below;

However, there is no specific legislation on online betting to protect local betters and they are free to either trust national bookmakers or internationally established ones.

Local Bookmakers

Some legally authorized bookmakers work in the country, and the largest one is Bet241. Bet241 operates in accordance with licenses from the commercial register of Gabon to engage in gambling-related business activity no. 0444618F and license no. 096311M-RC2002B01573; the company makes a substantial contribution to the country’s gambling turnover.

International Bookmakers

Besides, based on the regulation provided by the High Commission for Games of Entertainment, Money, and Chance, other international online gambling companies can also accept players from the Gabonese community as long as they apply for the online gambling license.

Gabon Sports Betting Details

Today there is a huge interest in sports betting especially football and other forms of betting evident in Gabon basement. Here, we outline the key aspects of sports betting in Gabon:

Sporting Event Glory Milestones

  • Gabon joined the International Federation of Associated Football more fondly known as FIFA in 1963.
  • The Gabon national football team is Les Pantheres team and this team has recently featured at the Africa cup of nations for five editions.
  • Gabon has managed to secure the champions title in the UDEAC Championships in the years 1985 and 1988 and the CEMAC Cup in the year 2013.

Thus, Gabon got its first Olympic medal through Anthony Obame in the 2012 version.

Key Sporting Events

  • 1985: Gabon is the new owner of the UDEAC Championships titles.
  • 1988: Gabon retains the title as the best team in the UDEAC Championships.
  • 2012: Obame Anthony: The First Olympic Medalist for Gabon in Taekwondo.
  • 2013: Republic of Gabon clinches its first CEMAC cup.
  • 2017: Gabon qualifies to the semi – final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Conclusion

The legal framework of gambling in Gabon is good, and there are opportunities for local and foreign bookmakers. The legal framework’s tight nature guarantees that activities within the sector are honest and above board, thus making Gabon an ideal location for gamblers.

FAQ of Gabon Bookmakers

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