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Cameroon has implemented a centralized system to monitor all online gaming payments in a remarkable bid to control its growing online gaming market. Effective January 30, 2025, this project requires that all financial transactions involving internet gambling be handled only via the aggregator, INTOUCH Cameroun.
Government’s Directive
The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, issued the directive in letter No. 000061/L/MINAT/SG/DAP/SDLP. Addressed to telecommunications payment institutions, including Orange Money S.A and Mobile Money Corporation PLC, the letter instructs these entities to suspend the accounts of any aggregators providing payment services to online gaming companies, except for INTOUCH Cameroun.
The minister emphasized, “As part of the regulation of the gambling sector, the Ministry of Territorial Administration has decided to set up a control system to monitor operators in this sector better.“
Objectives of the Centralized System
This centralized management system aims to improve control of cash flows in the online gambling business. The government wants to guarantee regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and online gaming landscape integrity by channeling all transactions via a single aggregator. The directive specifies, “All operations related to the reloading and unloading of online players’ accounts must exclusively go through the technical integrator designated above.“
Industry Implications
This move signifies a substantial shift in how online gaming transactions are managed in Cameroon. Operators in the online gaming sector must now integrate their payment systems with INTOUCH Cameroun. Payment institutions have been advised to follow these new criteria to prevent upsetting their operations. The government expects these policies to strengthen industry transparency and fairness.
Background on Online Gambling in Cameroon
Like everywhere in Africa, Cameroon has experienced a fast expansion in online gaming. This development has been driven by the ever-changing digital terrain and increased sports betting demand.
Meanwhile, the regulatory climate has failed to keep up with this explosive growth. The first gambling laws were passed in 1989, targeting only physical casinos and sports betting. Since then, the industry has changed dramatically, and new rules are needed to handle contemporary problems.
Regulatory Framework
Law n°2015/012 of July 16, 2015, setting out rules for entertainment, money, and games of chance, forms the legislative framework for online gambling in Cameroon. Furthermore, the applicable parameters of this law are specified in Decree n°2019/2300/PM on July 18, 2019. These rules seek to guarantee operators follow certain criteria and help to regulate the spread of gaming activities.
Economic Considerations
Between 2025 and 2029, the Cameroon online gaming industry is expected to expand by 5.20% and generate a market volume of US$134.10 million. This increase emphasizes the need for strong legislative policies to control industrial development properly.
Future Outlook
Cameroon’s attempts to govern the sector depend critically on the centralizing control system for online gaming payments. By ensuring control and strict adherence to legal criteria, the government seeks to provide a safer and more open environment for online players. Such steps will be vital as the sector expands, preserving the integrity of the market and safeguarding customers.
Finally, centralizing online gaming payments shows proactiveness to handling the difficulties of a fast-growing digital sector. Appointing INTOUCH Cameroun as the exclusive aggregator for online gaming transactions helps the government simplify processes, improve regulatory compliance, and provide a fair gaming environment for all players.
Source: iGamingAFRIKA
