Equatorial Guinea Suspends 1xBet and Other Betting Operators
Equatorial Guinea – 10 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com The Government of Equatorial Guinea has ordered the temporary suspension of sports betting businesses operating in the country following an investigation that uncovered alleged tax, employment and administrative irregularities.
The companies under investigation include 1xBet, Geloto, África Gamme, Forzza and Bettomax, which face allegations involving licensing requirements, tax obligations and employment practices.
The decision temporarily affects all nine betting houses identified by the authorities while investigations continue.
Government Investigation
The investigation began on 28 October 2026 following instructions from Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who ordered a review of businesses operating across the gambling, casino and sports betting sectors.
A preliminary report was presented on 5 November at the People’s Palace in Malabo during a meeting involving government representatives and security officials.
Investigators identified potential irregularities involving the absence of online sports betting licences, incomplete financial declarations and failures to comply with social security obligations.
1xBet Investigated Over Multimillion-Dollar Transfers
One of the most significant cases concerns 1xBet, which is being investigated over alleged transfers of more than US$4.2 million abroad, equivalent to approximately CFA2.4 billion.
According to preliminary findings, these transactions reportedly involved cash transfers to Cameroon and cryptocurrency payments to other countries.
The transactions under investigation cover the period between 2023 and 2025, as well as the first two months of 2026.
Authorities are also examining potential irregularities in the company’s reporting of revenue, expenditure and profits.
Irregularities Identified at Other Operators
The preliminary report also raised concerns regarding several other companies.
Forzza: the family-run business, employing four people, allegedly operated without formal employment contracts.
Geloto: only 46 of its 100 employees reportedly held employment contracts. Investigators also identified potential tax and administrative shortcomings.
África Gamme: the company reportedly employed 52 people but was only able to provide employment contracts for 12 workers.
Authorities believe these circumstances may represent breaches of existing employment and taxation requirements.
Bettomax Operating Licence Cancelled
Bettomax was identified as the operator appearing to have the highest level of compliance among the companies investigated.
However, authorities questioned the validity of its operating licence, which was issued in 2021 for a ten-year period.
The Government subsequently decided to cancel the authorisation and require the company to apply for a new licence under the applicable regulatory framework.
Officials will also seek clarification from former Culture and Tourism Minister Rufino Ndong Esono Nchama, who was involved in granting the original authorisation.
Need for a Clearer Regulatory Framework
The investigation has highlighted existing challenges surrounding the regulation of online sports betting in Equatorial Guinea.
National legislation currently recognises traditional gambling activities, including casinos, lotteries and tombolas, but authorities believe specific provisions are required for internet-based sports betting.
In 2025, the country introduced a regulatory initiative designed to improve transparency, strengthen player protection and attract international operators.
Nevertheless, recent developments demonstrate that significant challenges remain regarding supervision and regulatory compliance.
Government Seeks to Regularise the Sector
Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue explained that the authorities do not intend to prevent betting businesses from operating but rather to ensure that their activities comply with national legislation.
The Government aims to strengthen tax, administrative and employment compliance while establishing appropriate authorisation and supervisory mechanisms.
The temporary suspension will remain in place while investigations continue and the legal position of each operator is assessed.
Industry Impact
The decision represents a significant regulatory intervention in Equatorial Guinea’s sports betting market.
Affected companies will be required to respond to investigators’ findings and address any confirmed irregularities before authorities determine whether their operations can resume.
The case also highlights the regulatory challenges facing several African markets as sports betting expands and digital gambling platforms become increasingly established.
Edited by: Cristobal R.
