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The massive investigation into Ethiopia’s betting industry has taken another turn, with regulators announcing multiple license suspensions just days after arresting over 20 individuals linked to sports-betting companies accused of concealing over Br100 billion in unreported income.
The Ethiopian Lottery Service revealed in a statement last week (Dec 4), that it had suspended the licenses of 22 sports betting firms following information received from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
Officials explained that the suspensions were carried out under the country’s proclamation and the Sports Betting License Directive, which permits regulators to revoke or freeze a license if it is linked to fraud, criminal activity, or actions that threaten public peace and national security.
Ethiopia’s biggest gambling scandal
Authorities had already detained 24 individuals in late November, including owners and managers accused of hiding income through crypto transactions, hawala networks, and falsified payment records.
Investigators revealed that some operators abandoned offices or relied on foreign-hosted systems to avoid detection. These tactics allowed companies to divert funds that should have been taxed.
The NISS first shared findings that began the wider investigation. Since then, the Financial Security Service, federal police, and city security forces in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa have joined the operation, supported by whistleblowers and informants.
The latest suspensions extend the crackdown, targeting licensed firms believed to have played a role in the major scheme. Among those names are 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, and Bet Nine Ninety-Aar Plc.
More companies might face review
The Lottery Service also confirmed in its statement that the suspensions will remain in place until the criminal investigation concludes and the full details have been revealed.
The regulator has also signaled that more companies could come under review as the inquiry expands. Officials stressed that the crackdown is only the beginning of an industry-wide reform, with stronger taxation systems, digital monitoring, and transparency measures expected to follow
Citizens have been urged to report illegal betting activities, while authorities continue to warn that any operator running without a valid license will face criminal liability.
