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A recent report from 6Wresearch has highlighted a surprising trend in Libya: the country’s online gaming market is thriving, even with strict gambling laws in place.
Since the ban on gambling was enacted in 1953, which criminalizes both land-based and online betting under Articles 492-495 of the Penal Code, authorities have worked to enforce these regulations. The 2022 Cybercrime Law further reinforced this stance, enabling the government to block websites and impose serious penalties, including fines and prison time.
Despite these hurdles, industry estimates show that over 1.25 million players are actively engaging with online gaming platforms, a growth largely fueled by “mobile-first gaming, increasing internet access, and a digitally savvy youth.”
Sports Betting Takes Charge
In Libya, sports betting has become the leading choice among gamers, particularly with a youthful population that makes up nearly 60% of the country’s 6.8 million residents. This demographic, mostly under 30, shows a strong preference for mobile gaming and online betting, making it a driving force behind the rise of this sector.
International football events and regional sports capture the most attention, drawing in enthusiastic bettors eager to place wagers. While sports betting takes the spotlight, online casino games like slots, roulette, and blackjack are also popular, often accessed through offshore operators.
Furthermore, competitive games such as poker and cloud-based titles like PUBG Mobile and Valorant have started to gain popularity, appealing to the tech-savvy youth populace.
Underground Betting Shops, VPNs, Driving Growth
According to the report, the illegal betting market in the country has established a foothold through small, unlicensed shops operating in cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata. These underground venues continue to thrive despite the country’s tight laws, although they remain less organized than international offshore platforms.
Mobile devices have become the primary means of gaming, fueled by increasing smartphone ownership and about 62% coverage of 4G networks. While desktop computers are less prevalent, they still serve a purpose in gaming cafes and competitive esports settings.
To navigate around banking restrictions and access offshore betting sites, many players turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), cryptocurrency, and virtual cards. VPNs provide encrypted connections that mask users’ locations, enabling them to reach platforms outside Libya.
Source: FocusNGN
