The Ethiopian Lottery Service has suspended the operating licenses of 22 sports betting agencies, effective November 25, 2018, following a major multi-agency investigation into alleged large-scale embezzlement and illegal financial activities within the betting sector.
According to the announcement, the decision follows intelligence reports indicating that several betting companies and their associates were involved in the embezzlement of more than 100 billion birr—funds that should have been collected as government revenue through proper taxation and regulatory compliance.
Large-Scale Joint Operation Leads to Arrests
The crackdown was launched after the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) shared findings with government bodies, prompting a coordinated operation involving:
- National Intelligence and Security Service
- Financial Security Service
- Ethiopian Federal Police
- Addis Ababa City Administration Security Forces
- Dire Dawa City Administration Security Forces
- Public whistleblowers and informants
Through these joint efforts, authorities have arrested several owners, managers, and associates of the implicated agencies. Officials say the arrests are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle financial crimes networks operating under the guise of sports betting.
Licenses Suspended Pending Criminal Investigation
The Ethiopian Lottery Service stated that the suspensions will remain in force until the criminal investigation is complete and full accountability is established. Authorities also indicated that additional companies may be reviewed as the inquiry expands.
List of Suspended Sports Betting Agencies
The following 22 agencies have had their licenses suspended:
- Dash Bet Single Member Plc
- Walya Sports Plc
- Xnet Solution Plc
- HDM Afro Trading Plc
- Black Pearl Trading Plc
- Iconic Sports Entertainment Plc
- Jumbo Bet Plc
- Daabaak Trading Plc
- ETL (QWK) Plc
- BetArada Sports and Entertainment Plc
- Vamos Entertainment Plc
- Flash Sports Betting Plc
- Universal Online Solution Plc
- Zemen Sports Betting Plc
- All Gaming Plc
- Addis Telco Services Share Company (Betika Sports Betting)
- Unique /Mella/ Sports Betting Plc
- Toto Sports Solution Plc
- Kukulu Sports Plc
- Merke Betting Plc
- Champion Plc
- Bet Nine Ninety-Aar Plc
- Harif Sports Plc
Authorities Vow Stronger Regulation
Regulators say the suspensions mark the beginning of a broader effort to strengthen oversight within the rapidly growing sports betting sector. Officials emphasized the need for improved taxation systems, digital monitoring, and transparency measures to prevent fraud and protect the public.
The Ethiopian Lottery Service urged citizens to report any illegal betting activities and warned that any company operating without a valid license would face criminal liability.
