Top 5 betting sites in Ethiopia you should join
The landscape of online gambling in Ethiopia is evolving, with a growing number of betting sites catering to the needs of local bettors. Despite challenges such as low internet penetration and regulatory hurdles, these platforms are making significant strides in offering diverse and engaging betting options. In this overview, let kingsoccertips explore some of the most popular betting sites in Ethiopia. Highlighting their unique features, legal status and services they offer to bettors in Ethiopia.
Online Betting in Ethiopia: Legal Framework
Although there is a legal framework for all types of gambling, there is still very little actual activity in the country. For instance, currently, there are no operational casinos in Ethiopia. On the other hand, many lottery and sports betting shops can be found actively operating.
Betting websites in Ethiopia are required to contribute 20% of their profits back to society in any form of social funding they choose. The National Lottery Administration is the country’s regulatory authority. It was established in 1961 to provide lottery services to the local population.
After 1981, this authority was restructured and became responsible for managing and controlling all gambling-related activities. It issues licenses; however, currently, only BetKing and Abyssinia Bet seem to hold a position. The latter is the only local operator with an online presence.
When it comes to online gambling, Ethiopia has a very low internet penetration rate. Nevertheless, quite a few Ethiopian players choose to gamble online. There have been discussions within the National Lottery Administration about licensing most companies that apply.
This has led to complaints from players and has given a dubious reputation to land-based operators in the country. However, locals can avoid this by accessing any international bookmaker that accepts them. Local laws do not apply to online gambling; hence, accessing online bookmakers is not illegal.
List of Betting Sites in Ethiopia
1. 22Bet
Before concluding the list of top betting sites in Ethiopia, it is worth noting that 22Bet is among the leading bookmakers nationwide. The multilingual sportsbook is the brainchild of TechSolutions Group Limited, a company based in Cyprus. However, in Ethiopia, 22Bet operates under the management of Arcadia SPORT PLC, a company with an Ethiopian gambling license.
With a 22Bet account, you can comfortably place live and pre-match bets. Additionally, you can access features like live streaming and cash-out. The bookmaker also offers competitive odds, which can be switched to various formats for easy conversion. Adding to that the available bonuses makes 22Bet an ideal betting site.
2. 1xBet
The 1xBet brand is a well-known gambling website in Ethiopia, with millions of fans. This bookmaker has been in operation since 2007, which is why it has a large fan base in the country. Although 1xBet is owned by 1X Corp NV, it is operated by Advanced Hospitality Betting PLC in Ethiopia. To prove its legal existence in the country, 1xBet operates with a license issued by the National Lottery Administration of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The most appealing aspect of 1xBet is that it offers Ethiopian bettors about 60,000 betting events each month. With a 1xBet account, Ethiopians can access football, hockey, and tennis events. The operator provides bettors with the best bonuses to make the website more attractive. Lastly, 1xBet has special betting features such as cash-out.
3. Betway
The Betway operator is a renowned online betting site that has been operating online since 2006. SGHC Limited is the current parent company of Betway and a major contributor to its success. This bookmaker holds multiple gambling licenses, including UKGC and MGA licenses, which make it legal. Additionally, Betway has a betting certification from the International Betting Integrity Association, meaning their betting services are very secure.
The main reason Betway is popular in Ethiopia is not only because it is legal but also due to its excellent sports coverage. Betway hosts thousands of tennis, hockey, and golf events. It also offers Ethiopians the best live betting services. This is ideal for those who want to continue participating in football or basketball events.
4. BetWinner
BetWinner is always considered a champion for bettors who want to play a wide variety of sports. As an online betting bookmaker, BetWinner was established in 2018 and has since become home to over 150,000 bettors. BetWinner offers access to more than 30 sports types and includes live betting options as part of its sportsbook. This bookmaker is renowned for its favorable odds and rich selections for bettors who enjoy live streaming.
For other game categories, BetWinner excels by including casino, virtual, and eSports options. As an outstanding alternative to sports betting, the casino is well-equipped with over 1,500 games. Furthermore, BetWinner provides live coverage for more than 30 eSports.
5. Melbet
Melbet is one of the top online gambling sites, operating since 2012, and has firmly established itself in the industry. Melbet’s headquarters are in Cyprus, and the bookmaker has obtained several legal licenses that allow it to operate in many countries worldwide, including Ethiopia. Since its inception, Melbet has not only met but exceeded safety and security standards, making it a reliable address for gamblers in Ethiopia.
Melbet stands out by offering rich and diverse sports news, especially football and basketball matches, which attract significant interest from fans. A notable feature of this site is the provision of numerous live betting events, a feature that not many other sites can match, particularly for players in Ethiopia. Advanced features such as live streaming of matches have made Melbet one of the leading bookmakers, providing players with a perfect and vibrant online gambling experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, betting sites in Ethiopia are steadily gaining popularity, providing a variety of sports and gaming options to an increasing number of local bettors. Despite the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks and internet access, platforms like 22Bet, 1xBet, Betway, BetWinner, and Melbet have successfully established themselves in the Ethiopian market. These sites offer competitive odds, a wide range of betting events, and robust security measures, ensuring a reliable and engaging gambling experience for Ethiopian users. As the industry continues to grow, these betting sites are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of online gambling in Ethiopia.