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Is Gambling Legal in Cameroon?

Partially Regulated
Gambling is legal and regulated under specific laws; both land-based and online gambling require licensing and oversight by national authorities.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Ministry of Territorial Administration (Agence de régulation des jeux)
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Unregulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • Gambling in Cameroon is regulated by Law n°2015/012 and Decree n°2019/2300/PM, covering all forms of games of chance.
    • Online gambling is legal but requires a specific authorization issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration.
    • As of January 30, 2025, all online gambling payments must be processed exclusively through the InTouch aggregator.
    • Licenses for gambling operations are valid for 5 years (online) or 10 years (land-based) and are non-transferable.
    • Operators must be locally incorporated, maintain a .cm domain, and provide a bank guarantee of 200 million CFA for online licenses.
    • Casino tax is set at 15% of gross gaming revenue, with additional fixed fees for slot machines and a supplementary 10% tax.
    • Strict anti-money laundering compliance is required, including transaction record-keeping and reporting to the national financial authority.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The core legal framework governing gambling in Cameroon is established by the following principal laws and regulations:
      • Law No. 2015/012 of July 16, 2015 – This law lays down the regulations governing entertainment games, money games, and games of chance in Cameroon. It provides the general legal basis for all forms of gambling, including land-based and online activities, and sets out the regimes for operation (concession, authorization, and declaration) for different types of games.
      • Decree No. 2019/2300/PM of July 18, 2019 – This decree specifies the modalities for the application of Law No. 2015/012. It details the operational requirements for gambling activities, including the procedures for obtaining authorizations and the compliance obligations for operators.
      • CEMAC Regulation No. 01/03-CEMAC-UMAC – This regional regulation applies to all member states of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), including Cameroon. It addresses the prevention and suppression of money laundering and the financing of terrorism, with specific compliance requirements for gambling operators.
      These laws collectively define the legal structure for all gambling activities in Cameroon, covering entertainment games, games of chance, money games, and online gambling. They establish the legal definitions, operational regimes, and compliance obligations for both domestic and foreign operators.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Cameroon are primarily the responsibility of the following authorities:
      • Ministry of Territorial Administration – The Ministry is the principal regulatory authority for gambling in Cameroon. It is responsible for issuing authorizations, enforcing compliance, and overseeing the implementation of relevant laws and decrees.
      • Gaming Regulatory Agency (Agence de régulation des jeux) – This agency operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and is tasked with the day-to-day regulation, monitoring, and control of gambling activities, including both land-based and online operations.
      • National Lottery Regulatory Board (NLRC) – This body specifically oversees the regulation of lottery activities in Cameroon, ensuring that lottery operations comply with national laws and standards.
      These authorities are empowered to regulate, monitor, and enforce all aspects of the gambling sector as defined by the primary legislation. Their responsibilities include granting authorizations, supervising operator conduct, and ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering and consumer protection standards.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Cameroon

      • Concession Regime: Applies to casinos, betting operations (including sports and horse racing), and public lotteries. This regime grants the right to operate these activities under specific terms set by the authorities.
      • Authorization Regime: Required for entertainment games, commercial games, and all forms of online gambling. This is the main route for online betting and gaming operators.
      • Declaration Regime: Used for occasional or private lotteries, typically for non-commercial, limited-scope events.

      Licensing Application Process

      • Responsible Authorities: The Ministry of Territorial Administration is the principal licensing authority for most gambling activities, including online gambling. The Cameroon National Gambling Authority and the Ministry of Finance also play roles in oversight and compliance, depending on the activity.
      • Application Submission: Applicants must submit a comprehensive application dossier, including:
        • Business plan detailing operations, technology, and financial projections
        • Proof of company registration and incorporation in Cameroon
        • Certificate of good conduct for owners and key personnel (police clearance)
        • Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee
        • Evidence of sufficient capital and financial stability
        • Technical documentation for gaming platforms (especially for online operations)
        • Certified gaming regulations (by a bailiff, for online gambling)
        • Bank guarantee (for online gambling, see below)
        • Insurance coverage (civil liability insurance for online gambling)
        • Website domain ending with ".cm" (for online gambling)
      • Processing Time: The review and approval process generally takes between 4 to 6 months.
      • Decision and Issuance: Licenses are granted by ministerial decree or decision, and the applicant is notified in writing.

      Duration, Renewal, and Transferability

      • Validity:
        • Concession and authorization licenses (including online gambling) are typically valid for 5 years (online) or up to 10 years (land-based, depending on the activity).
      • Renewal:
        • Licenses can be renewed upon request, subject to continued compliance and a review of operations.
      • Transferability:
        • Licenses are non-transferable and cannot be assigned to third parties.

      Financial Requirements and Licensing Costs

      • Application Fees:
        • Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid in advance. The exact amount varies by license type but typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 for most gambling operations.
      • Bank Guarantee (Online Gambling):
        • Applicants must provide a bank guarantee of 200,000,000 CFA francs (approximately $310,000) to ensure payment of player winnings and regulatory compliance.
      • Operational Capital:
        • Applicants must demonstrate sufficient capital to cover operational costs and player payouts.
      • Other Fees:
        • Additional fees may apply depending on the type and scale of the gambling activity.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Company must be registered and have a physical presence in Cameroon.
      • All owners and key personnel must pass integrity and background checks.
      • For online gambling:
        • Website must use a .cm domain
        • All payments must be processed online through an approved payment service provider (as of January 2025, all online gambling payments must go through the designated aggregator, InTouch Cameroun)
        • Compliance with data protection and anti-money laundering regulations
        • Gaming regulations must be certified by a bailiff
        • Maintain civil liability insurance
      • Ongoing compliance with national and international standards for security, fair play, and responsible gambling
      • Regular reporting to regulatory authorities and cooperation with audits or inspections
      • Record-keeping and reporting of all user transactions for at least five years (especially for anti-money laundering purposes)

      Summary Table: Main License Types and Key Details

      License Type Activities Covered Authority Duration Key Financial Requirements Renewal
      Concession Casinos, betting, public lotteries Ministry of Territorial Administration Up to 10 years Application fee ($10,000–$20,000+), operational capital Yes, upon review
      Authorization Online gambling, entertainment games Ministry of Territorial Administration 5 years Application fee, bank guarantee (200M CFA), insurance Yes, upon review
      Declaration Private/occasional lotteries Ministry of Territorial Administration Event-specific Minimal N/A

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Cameroon

      Type of Gambling Activity Tax Rate Tax Base
      Casinos 15% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Slot and Video Poker Machines (in slot halls) 100,000 CFA per machine/year Fixed annual fee per machine
      Arcade and Pinball Machines 40,000 CFA per machine/year Fixed annual fee per machine
      Foosball Tables 20,000 CFA per table/year Fixed annual fee per table
      Supplementary Tax ("centimes additionnels") 10% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Electronic Money Transfers (related to gambling and entertainment) 1% + 4 CFA per transaction Deposits and withdrawals via mobile money and banks

      Basis for Taxation

      • Casinos and most gambling activities are taxed on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is the difference between stakes received and winnings paid out.
      • Slot machines, arcade games, pinball machines, and foosball tables in slot halls are subject to fixed annual fees per device.
      • A supplementary tax of 10% on GGR is levied in addition to the main gambling tax, typically payable to local government.
      • Electronic money transfers related to gambling (deposits and withdrawals) are taxed at 1% of the transaction amount, plus a fixed fee of 4 CFA per transaction, effective January 1, 2025.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Gambling operators must calculate and remit taxes based on their GGR or the number of devices operated, as applicable.
      • Tax payments are generally required to be made on a periodic basis (often monthly or annually, depending on the tax type).
      • Operators must maintain accurate records of all gaming revenues, payouts, and device inventories for tax calculation and audit purposes.
      • For taxes on electronic money transfers, payment and reporting are typically handled by the payment service providers, who withhold the tax at the point of transaction and remit it to the tax authorities.
      • Failure to comply with tax reporting and payment obligations can result in penalties, including fines and potential suspension of operating licenses.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • The national lottery, if state-owned, is generally exempt from the standard gambling tax rates applied to private operators.
      • No other significant tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators are specified in the available regulations.
      • Gambling taxes are levied in addition to regular corporate income tax (currently 33% in Cameroon), resulting in a high overall tax burden for operators.
      • Local governments may collect the supplementary tax ("centimes additionnels") in addition to national taxes.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Cameroon is 21 years. Operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing participation in any gambling activity, both land-based and online.
      • Identification checks are mandatory, especially for online gambling, where operators must implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to confirm the identity and age of users. This often involves the submission of official identification documents.

      Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Only activities specifically regulated and authorized by the government are permitted. Gambling activities outside the defined categories (such as unauthorized online platforms, unlicensed betting, or games not expressly permitted by law) are strictly prohibited.
      • Operating or participating in unlicensed gambling, including using offshore or unauthorized online gambling websites, is illegal and subject to penalties.
      • Online gambling is defined strictly as activities conducted exclusively online, not via terminals or in private premises open to the public. Any gambling offered through such means is not considered legal online gambling and is prohibited.
      • Some forms of entertainment games, commercial games, and private lotteries are subject to special authorization or declaration regimes, and unapproved variants are not allowed.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Advertising of gambling services must comply with strict guidelines to prevent targeting minors or vulnerable persons. Marketing materials must not portray gambling as a solution to financial problems or as a path to social or personal success.
      • Promotional content must include clear warnings about the risks of gambling and information about responsible gambling resources.
      • Operators are prohibited from advertising unlicensed gambling services or offering inducements to participate in unauthorized gambling activities.
      • There are restrictions on the placement and timing of gambling advertisements, particularly in media accessible to minors.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators must implement responsible gambling policies, including providing information about the risks of gambling and access to support services for those experiencing gambling-related harm.
      • Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling platforms or venues.
      • Limits on deposits, wagers, and losses must be offered to help players control their gambling behavior.
      • Operators are required to monitor player activity for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, which may include offering support or restricting access to gambling services.
      • Data protection requirements are in place to safeguard player information, especially for online gambling platforms.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Land-based gambling venues are subject to location restrictions and must be authorized to operate in designated areas. Unauthorized gambling establishments are prohibited.
      • Online gambling operators must have a physical representation in Cameroon and are required to use a domain name ending with ".cm".
      • All online gambling payments must be processed through a government-approved payment aggregator, ensuring oversight and transparency of transactions.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1960 Gambling becomes legal in Cameroon following independence, but only the lottery is specifically regulated and permitted.
        1992 Horse racing betting is legalized, expanding the scope of regulated gambling activities beyond the lottery.
        2004 Casino gambling and other games of chance are legalized; private operators are allowed to enter the gambling market.
        2015-07-16 Law No. 2015/012 is enacted, establishing comprehensive regulations for entertainment games, money games, and games of chance, including online gambling.
        2019-07-18 Decree No. 2019/2300/PM is issued, specifying the terms of application for Law No. 2015/012 and formally introducing the regulatory framework for online gambling.
        2025-01-30 Cameroon implements a centralized system for all online gambling payments, designating InTouch Cameroun as the sole aggregator for gambling transactions.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • Operators must ensure their gaming platforms comply with international standards for security and fair play. This includes implementing robust software certification processes to guarantee the integrity and randomness of games.
        • Gaming regulations must be certified by a bailiff, verifying that operational rules and technical standards are properly documented and enforced.
        • Operators must have a dedicated website with a domain name ending in ".cm", ensuring local digital presence and technical compliance.
        • All payments must be processed exclusively online through an approved payment service provider. As of January 30, 2025, all gambling transactions must be routed through the designated aggregator, InTouch Cameroun, integrating mobile money, card payments, and other financial services into a centralized monitoring system.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • While Cameroon lacks comprehensive, gambling-specific data protection laws, operators are required to implement data protection rules for users visiting their websites, aligning with general cybersecurity and electronic communications regulations.
        • Operators must comply with sector-specific data protection requirements, particularly those applicable to telecommunications and banking, as stipulated by Law n°2010/012 (cybersecurity) and Law n°2010/013 (electronic communications).
        • There are no explicit requirements for server location within Cameroon, but operators must have a local representation and a ".cm" domain, which may imply a preference for local hosting or accessible infrastructure.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must comply with CEMAC Regulation N°01/03-CEMAC-UMAC on the prevention and suppression of money laundering and terrorist financing.
        • Before commencing operations, operators must submit an activity statement to the National Agency for Financial Investigation, providing proof of the origin of funds.
        • Operators are required to record and retain all user transactions for at least five years and report any suspicious activities that may be linked to crime, money laundering, or terrorist financing.
        • Comprehensive KYC procedures must be implemented to verify player identities, monitor transactions, and ensure compliance with AML regulations.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators must maintain accurate and detailed records of all transactions, including player deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay activity, for a minimum of five years.
        • Regular financial reporting to regulatory authorities is required, ensuring transparency and compliance with national and regional financial standards.
        • Operators are subject to audits by local compliance experts and auditors to verify adherence to security, fairness, and financial integrity standards.

        Technical Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must implement responsible gambling measures on their platforms, although specific technical requirements are not exhaustively detailed in current legislation.
        • Responsible gambling tools typically include self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit limits, and information on problem gambling resources, integrated into the online platform for player protection.
        • Operators are expected to ensure these tools are accessible and functional for all users, supporting the broader goal of minimizing gambling-related harm.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 18 April 2025