Best Angola Betting Sites

Angola is an oil and diamond-rich country in Central Africa. It was under Portuguese rule until 1975, with a  27-year civil war following, which ended in 2002. The economy was wrecked, but it has been making steady steps ever since. For locals who enjoy placing bets, Angola is clearly ahead of its neighbouring nations. The country was quick to pass laws to regulate land-based gambling activities.

The first law came in 2016. Then, in May 2020, the Remote Online Game Regulation was enacted, covering the online sector as well. There are yet no licensed betting sites in Angola though. Empresa Nacional de Loterias is still the main provider in the country, with betting shops in major cities. However, with no restrictions in place, local players are reaching for international bookmakers too. Girabola, the local top-flight football league, is one of their main betting attractions.

Best Sport Bet Sites in Angola

We’ve checked and list the best bookmakers in the country, offering a great variety of sports and a wide array of markets to choose from.

Betting in Angola - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  The legal gambling age is 18
• 2
  All forms of gambling are legal
• 3
  The law for online gambling was passed in May 2020
• 4
  A gaming license is valid for 10 years
• 5
  There are no restrictions when accessing international online bookies

General info

⏩Population: 31.000.000

⏩Active players: 4.000.000

⏩Currency: Kwanza (AOA)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, casino games, lottery

⏩Operator types: Betting shops, land-based casinos, unlicensed international betting sites

⏩Designated authority: Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ)

⏩Status: Regulated

Online Gambling in Angola: The Law Framework

The Angola sports betting landscape is overseen by the ISJ (Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos). It falls under the Ministry of Finance, replacing the National Lotteries Company as the regulator, since 2015. The first law on games of chance came in 2016. The 2020 Presidential Decree No. 131/20 covers online betting in Angola.

So, it deems the operation of online sports betting providers in the country legal. It also allows the issuance of licenses to all land-based Angolan casinos and sportsbooks. However, since the law is quite recent, it will take time until online bookmakers receive licenses. These will cost 750.000 Kz and have a 10-year validity.

Applying companies shall maintain a technical system for the exploitation of online betting and keep a players’ registry. They must also keep a bank account with an Angolan financial institution. Furthermore, compliance with all Angolan laws around the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism is mandatory.

Empresa Nacional de Loterias de Angola remains the country’s main betting provider. A few local betting sites like Elephant Bet or Premier Bet are also present. However, the opening of the market has seen more and more players opting for renowned international betting sites.

Essential Information for Angolan Bettors

If you generally love a bit of gambling, Angola is a welcoming place. Laws here don’t include gambling winnings in the personal income tax. Therefore, players’ winnings are tax-free. Furthermore, there are no restrictions or actions taken against bettors who are choosing to enjoy international online bookmakers’ services.

The authorities maintain the same relaxed attitude regarding the available payment options. Bank transfers, as well as debit and credit cards, are used to top-up online bookie accounts without restrictions.

Bet Angola: Deposits and Withdrawals

Neteller offers its services in Angola and allows you to make safe and anonymous transactions. Even though there are no restrictions applied from banks or the government, another layer of safety can’t do any harm.

The main local payment method is Multicaixa; the sole debit card issued in Angola. However, always check with the respective bookmaker you choose to see what payment methods it allows. Plus, check for possible currency conversion fees to know what you’ll eventually pay.

Gambling Laws in Other Countries

⏩ Portugal: In 2015, Decree-Law No. 66 was implemented to regulate gambling. However, the government has imposed notably high tax rates on sportsbooks operating within the country. As a result, only a limited number of brands have obtained a local license. For more info about online betting in Portugal, follow our guide. 

⏩ Namibia: Several operators offer their services in both brick-and-mortar establishments and online platforms. However, there are no explicit laws in place that prohibit access to international betting sites in Namibia. As a result, locals have the freedom to choose between domestic operators and independent bookies.

⏩ Zambia: The market is supervised by various legal entities. Operators have the option to acquire a local license, which requires annual renewal. However, note that only a limited number of betting sites in Zambia have chosen to obtain one. Instead, many prefer to work with their international permits, allowing them to offer their services without going through the process.

The Future of Sports Betting in Angola

The significant economic growth that the country has been enjoying in recent years makes it a very fertile market for online betting. Angola is one of the few countries in Central Africa with such a clear perspective on gambling. The authorities’ move to come up with a complete framework for online betting set the bar high in the region.

Furthermore, the government identified online gambling taxation as a reliable income source and expects some serious revenue from it. The overall feeling is that the Angolan sports betting environment will only be getting better.