Equatorial Guinea suspends five betting operators amid investigation
Enforcement & compliance2 min read
Equatorial Guinea ordered temporary suspensions of five sports betting operators after a government review identified alleged licensing, tax and employment irregularities. Investigators alleged that 1xBet transferred more than $4.2m abroad between 2023 and 2025 and during the first two months of this year; the government also cancelled Bettomax’s licence and said it must reapply under a future regulatory framework.
Equatorial Guinea has temporarily suspended several sports betting operators after a government inquiry uncovered alleged licensing, tax and employment irregularities. A preliminary National Gendarmerie report raised concerns about operators including Forzza and Bettomax.
Officials questioned Geloto's income declarations and labour compliance. Only 46 of its 100 workers were reported to have employment contracts. Investigators said África Gamme employed 52 people but could produce contracts for only 12. They raised concerns about its accounting records and tax and labour compliance.
The government cancelled Bettomax's licence and required it to apply again under a future regulatory framework, despite investigators describing it as the operator with the fewest apparent compliance issues. Officials questioned the licence, which was granted in 2021 for 10 years. Authorities want former culture and tourism minister Rufino Ndong Esono Nchama to clarify whether the duration complied with the rules in force when it was granted.
Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue issued instructions on 28 October that prompted a review of gambling, casino and betting businesses. Investigators said the casinos examined appeared to be operating within the applicable legal framework. Obiang Mangue said the government wanted betting businesses to operate legally and meet their tax, administrative and labour obligations, rather than shut down.
The government unveiled a framework for online betting and casinos last September, presenting it as a means of improving transparency and player protection while drawing international operators. The initiative established a licensing system and a platform called Mascott Capital Partners for applications and compliance management.
Authorities have ordered betting houses to close temporarily while investigations continue. The companies named must respond to the allegations and address identified shortcomings before authorities decide whether they can resume operations.