South Sudan is located in northeast Africa, and is a new nation state that was born on the 9th of July, 2011 from the results of the Sudan Referandum. Most of the traditional games in South Sudan have been wars and fighting, and thus; wrestling was one of the most popular games among the people. In the present generation though, football has come to be the most popular game in the country. South Sudan is a sports loving nation but has very strict laws regarding gambling which poses a challenge to South Sudan bookmakers and sports betting.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Gambling Law and Current Situation
Nonetheless, South Sudan is very much passionate about sports, and at the same time, very strict in regards to gambling. Since Sudan gained independence in the year 2011, the country has adhered to strict anti-gambling laws to date. Based on the South Sudan Penal Code specifically Section 237, gambling in all its forms is prohibited including online gambling. Here’s a detailed look at the country’s gambling legislation:
Gambling Laws and Legislation Across the History
- 2011: South Sudan becomes the newest country after seceding from Sudan.
- 2011 – Present: This vice has been unlawful since the time of independence of the country.
- Section 237 of the Penal Code: This section lays down that any person who runs a gaming house, a lottery office, or in any way helps in the organization of these activities without holding a required permission from the proper authority commits an offense liable to the punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months, a fine, or both.
Surprisingly, South Sudan is not an Islamic country, yet there are no gambling facilities, and there is no national lottery either. Another thing that is also prohibited is online gambling and there isn’t any a licensed online gambling company in the country. Yet, due to the fact that there are no legal prohibitions and no attempt is made to enforce them, some international offshore gambling sites are open to players from South Sudan.
Regulatory of South Sudan Bookmakers
There are ongoing efforts to enhance the capacities of South Sudan in the fight against money laundering/ financing of terrorism. South Sudan has recently, in June 2021, made a high-level commitment to enhance the AML/CFT framework by completing its NRA. However, progress has been limited, and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) continues to encourage South Sudan to implement its action plan:
- Review of AML/CFT Act (2012): Assisted by the international partners for the fulfillment of FATF standards.
- Implementation of International Conventions: 100% compliance with the 1988 Vienna convention, the 2000 Palermo convention and the 1999 Terrorist financing convention.
- Risk-Based Approach: Organizing the competent authorities in a manner that will enable them to effectively exercise supervision of AML/CFT of FI.
- Legal Framework for Beneficial Ownership Information: Creating a clear plan of how to obtain and validate information on beneficial ownership.
- Operational Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): Creation of a stand alone FIU.
- Legal and Institutional Framework for Financial Sanctions: Implementing the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council in counter-terrorism and related to financing of weapons of mass destruction.
- Targeted Risk-Based Supervision of NPOs: Supervision of non profit organisations vulnerable to the use of funds for terrorism.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
Since gambling is outlawed in South Sudan, sports betting as well as other types of betting are also banned. There are no provisions regarding certain kinds of bets and no licenses for gambling business are granted.
Gambling Licenses and Fees
Since gambling is unlawful, there are no issued licenses for bookmakers or any other kind of gambling operation in South Sudan. This means:
- No Licenses Issued: As of now there are no legal procedures provided for issuance of gambling licenses.
- No Fees: therefore, there are no charges that are taken in the issuance of gambling licenses.
Gambling Taxes
Also, because of the ban on gambling, there is no special legalized regulation of gambling revenues in South Sudan. This includes:
- No Online Casino Taxation: To the present, there is no structure on how to impose taxes on online casino sites.
- No General Gambling Taxes: Gambling winnings and even the operators are free from paying taxes.
Sports betting in South Sudan
To the shock of many, the South Sudanese do not have a culture of gambling as it is outlawed; however, the people’s love for sports especially football is evident. The government has an interest in the development of sports with an aim of encouraging the youth, there is the South Sudan Youth Sports Association (SSYSA) that conducts football clinics in Juba on a regular basis. Here are some key milestones in South Sudanese sports:
- 2018: The national rugby team of South Sudan takes the East and Central African Rugby Championship.
- 2019: South Sudan national cricket team having done extremely well during the championship emerged the winners of the East and Central African Cricket Championship.
- 2020: The South Sudan national volleyball team has emerged winner of the East and Central African region volleyball championship.
- 2021: South Sudan national athletics team emerges champions at the East and Central African Athletics Championship.
- 2022: South Sudanese National Swimming Team emerges Champions of the East and Central African Swimming Championship.
- 2023: South Sudan national Taekwondo team emerges champions at the East and Central African Taekwondo Championship.
- 2024: The national Judo team of South Sudan emerge champion at the East and Central African Judo Championship.
Some famous athletes from South Sudan:
Several South Sudanese athletes have made their mark on the international stage:
- Luol Deng: A two time All Star player of the National Basketball Association.
- Guor Marial: An Olympic marathon runner of the 2012 Olympic Games held in London.
- Margret Rumat Rumat Hassan: He is the track and field athlete who competed in the 400m event at the 2011 All-Africa Games where he got a bronze medal.
- Yiech Pur Biel: The jet skier of the year 2016 who has also competed in the Rio Olympic games.
Conclusion
Therefore, notwithstanding the anti-gambling laws of South Sudan, the cultures of the society concerning sports have not been dampened. It is essential to comprehend the present legal environment concerning the South Sudanese market and its prospects in the sports and possible betting area.
FAQ about South Sudan Bookmakers
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