Is Gambling Legal in Cape Verde? Complete Guide to Casino Laws & Tourism

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Inspecção Geral de Jogos (General Gaming Inspectorate)

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Regulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

All forms of gambling are legal in Cape Verde but are mainly restricted to designated gambling zones, often within 4 or 5-star hotels.
The main regulatory authority is the Inspecção Geral de Jogos, operating under the Ministry of Tourism and Transports.
Key legislative frameworks include Law No. 73 of 2005 and Presidential Decrees No. 28 and 29 of 2015, with further amendments in 2010.
Land-based casino licenses are available, but online gambling lacks a formal local licensing process as of 2025.
The validity period for a gambling license is set at five years for approved operators.
Online betting is legal, but most sites operate without a local license; local authorities tolerate these activities.
Lottery, casino gambling, bingo, poker, sports betting, and even Bitcoin gambling are permitted under current regulations.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

Cape Verde’s gambling sector is governed by a set of key legislative acts that establish the legal framework for both land-based and, to a limited extent, online gambling activities. The principal laws include:

Law No. 73/2005: This foundational law provides the main legal basis for the regulation of gambling activities in Cape Verde. It outlines the general principles for the operation and oversight of gaming, including the types of permitted gambling and the conditions under which they may occur.
Presidential Decrees No. 28 and 29 of 2015: These decrees further detail the regulatory structure established by Law No. 73/2005, specifying operational requirements and clarifying the scope of permissible gambling activities, particularly for casinos and betting operations.
Law on Games of 2010 (with amendments): This law introduced updates and adjustments to the existing framework, but maintained the core approach that gambling—including online gambling—remains legal within the country. It also provided for certain amendments to adapt to the evolving gaming landscape.

Together, these legislative instruments form the core legal structure for gambling in Cape Verde, establishing the legitimacy of most gambling forms and defining the conditions under which they are permitted.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in Cape Verde is carried out by a dedicated regulatory body:

Inspecção Geral de Jogos (General Inspection of Games): This authority operates under the Ministry of Tourism and Transports and is responsible for supervising all gambling activities in the country.
It ensures compliance with the primary legislation and oversees the implementation of regulatory decrees.
The Inspecção Geral de Jogos is tasked with monitoring both land-based and, where applicable, online gambling operations, ensuring adherence to the legal framework established by national laws.

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Cape Verde

Casino Gambling License: Permits operation of land-based casinos, including table games and slot machines.
Bingo License: Authorizes the operation of bingo halls and related activities.
Poker License: Covers dedicated poker rooms or poker events within licensed premises.
Sports Betting License: Allows for the organization and management of sports betting operations.
Lottery License: Grants the right to organize and operate lottery and instant lottery games.
Gaming Machine License: Required for the installation and operation of gambling machines outside casinos.
Online Gambling License: While online gambling is legal, as of now, there is no established licensing process for online operators. Land-based licenses do not extend to online activities, and only specific exclusive concessions have been granted in the past for online betting.

Application Process for Gambling Licenses

Licenses are issued by the Inspecção Geral de Jogos (General Inspection of Games), operating under the Ministry of Tourism and Transports.
Applicants must submit a detailed application, including business plans, proof of financial capacity, and information about the company’s structure and key personnel.
Background checks are conducted on shareholders, directors, and key management to ensure suitability and integrity.
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with technical, security, and responsible gaming standards.
For land-based operations, the location must be in designated gambling zones, typically within 4 or 5-star hotels or approved tourist areas.
After submission, the application is reviewed by the regulatory authority, which may request additional information or clarifications.
Upon approval, the license is granted, allowing the operator to commence activities as specified.

Duration and Renewal of Licenses

Standard license validity is five years.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiration of the current license, typically with updated documentation and compliance reports.
Renewal is subject to continued compliance with all regulatory requirements and payment of renewal fees.

Eligibility and Key Requirements

Applicants must be legal entities registered in Cape Verde or have a local presence.
Demonstrated financial stability and ability to cover operational costs and player liabilities.
Transparent ownership structure, with all beneficial owners disclosed.
Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gaming obligations.
Technical systems must meet security, fairness, and reporting standards as set by the regulator.
Operators must maintain records and submit regular reports to the regulatory authority.

Licensing Costs and Fees

Application fees are payable upon submission and are non-refundable, varying by license type and scope of operation.
Annual licensing fees are required for each type of license held, with amounts depending on the scale and nature of the gambling activity.
Operators may be required to provide financial guarantees or performance bonds to ensure compliance and player protection.
Additional fees may apply for amendments, renewals, or changes in ownership or management.

Maintaining a Gambling License

Ongoing compliance with all regulatory, technical, and reporting requirements is mandatory.
Operators must cooperate with inspections and audits conducted by the regulator.
Failure to comply with regulations can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license.
Operators are expected to implement robust responsible gambling measures and protect players’ interests at all times.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Cape Verde

Cape Verde applies a specific taxation system to gambling operators, primarily targeting land-based casinos and gaming establishments. The tax structure is based on the gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated by the operators.

Type of Gambling Operation	Tax Rate	Tax Base
Land-based Casinos	10%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Sports Betting	10%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Lotteries	10%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Bingo	10%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Online Gambling	10%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

Basis for Taxation

All gambling taxes are calculated on the basis of gross gaming revenue (GGR), which is the difference between the total amount wagered by players and the total winnings paid out.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Gambling operators are required to maintain accurate and detailed records of all gaming transactions and financial operations.
Tax returns must be submitted on a regular basis, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on the specific type of license and regulatory requirements.
Tax payments are due according to the schedule set by the regulatory authority, usually coinciding with the reporting period (monthly or quarterly).
Operators must remit the calculated tax amount directly to the designated government tax authority or the General Inspection of Games.
Failure to comply with tax reporting and payment obligations may result in penalties, fines, or suspension of the gaming license.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are currently no widely publicized tax incentives or exemptions specifically for gambling operators in Cape Verde.
Special provisions may be applied on a case-by-case basis, particularly for large-scale investments or projects deemed of national interest, but these are subject to government approval and negotiation.
Operators should consult directly with Cape Verde’s gaming authority and tax office for any potential incentives related to new investments or unique business models.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participation in gambling activities in Cape Verde is 18 years old.
Gambling operators are required to verify the age and identity of players to prevent underage gambling. This typically involves checking official identification documents before allowing entry to gambling venues or registering for gambling services.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Gambling is only permitted within designated areas, most commonly within 4 or 5-star hotels, as specified by regulatory authorities.
Any gambling operations or venues outside these approved locations are prohibited.
There are no explicit public restrictions on specific types of games; however, only licensed activities such as casino gambling, bingo, poker, sports betting, lottery, and gambling machines are allowed within authorized venues.
Online gambling is legal, but the regulatory framework is still developing. There is currently no local licensing process for online operators, and unauthorized online gambling operations are not permitted.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising of gambling activities is subject to regulation to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable individuals.
Promotional materials must not encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior.
Marketing communications must include clear information about age restrictions and responsible gambling resources.
Advertising is generally restricted to approved venues and platforms, with limitations on public advertising outside designated gambling areas.

Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

Operators are required to provide information and resources to promote responsible gambling and support individuals who may develop gambling-related problems.
Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues or services.
Staff at gambling venues are trained to recognize signs of problem gambling and to intervene or provide assistance as necessary.
Clear information about the risks of gambling and contact details for support organizations must be displayed prominently in gambling venues and on operator websites.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Land-based gambling venues are restricted to specific geographic areas, primarily within high-standard hotels (4 or 5-star), as designated by the regulatory authorities.
Establishing gambling venues outside these approved areas is not permitted.
Online gambling services must comply with national regulations, and unauthorized operators are not allowed to offer their services to Cape Verde residents.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
2005	Law No. 73 establishes a modern regulatory framework for gambling in Cape Verde, legalizing and setting the foundation for regulated gaming activities.
2010	Amendments to the gambling law are introduced, refining the regulatory approach but maintaining the general legality of gambling and online gambling.
2015	Presidential Decrees No. 28 and 29 further develop the regulatory structure for gambling, including provisions for licensing and oversight of gaming activities.
2015	Macau Legend is granted a 10-year exclusive concession to operate online sports betting services in Cape Verde.
2024	The Cape Verde government terminates the concession rights for the Macau Legend casino project.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

All gambling software used by operators must comply with technical standards established by the Cape Verde General Gaming Inspectorate.
Gaming systems and platforms must undergo independent testing and certification to ensure fairness, randomness, and integrity of games.
Technical systems must include mechanisms to prevent manipulation, fraud, and unauthorized access.
Operators are required to maintain up-to-date documentation and records of all software versions and updates implemented in their systems.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

Operators must implement robust data protection measures to safeguard players’ personal and financial information in compliance with Cape Verdean data privacy regulations.
All sensitive data must be encrypted during transmission and storage, utilizing industry-standard encryption protocols.
Access to player data is restricted to authorized personnel only, with strict access controls and audit trails.
Operators may be required to host servers within Cape Verde or in jurisdictions approved by the regulatory authority, ensuring data is accessible for regulatory review and oversight.

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

Operators must establish and maintain comprehensive AML policies and procedures in line with national and international standards.
Mandatory KYC processes require operators to verify the identity, age, and source of funds for all players before allowing participation or processing withdrawals.
Ongoing monitoring of player transactions is required to detect and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Operators must maintain records of all KYC documentation and AML checks for a specified period, as determined by the regulator.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

Operators are obligated to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all gaming transactions and player accounts.
Regular submission of financial statements and operational reports to the General Gaming Inspectorate is required, following prescribed formats and deadlines.
Annual independent audits of financial and operational activities must be conducted by certified auditors recognized by Cape Verdean authorities.
Operators must retain all financial and gaming records for a minimum period specified by regulation to facilitate regulatory inspections and audits.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools into their platforms, including options for players to set deposit, loss, and session limits.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, allowing players to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling services for defined periods.
Systems must provide clear information on responsible gambling and offer links to support organizations for problem gambling.
Technical controls must ensure that self-exclusion and limit-setting tools are enforced across all channels and devices.

Sources

Contact Information

Inspecção Geral de Jogos (General Inspection of Games) Address: Ministério do Turismo e Transportes, Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Cabo Verde