Gambling is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe and governed by the national Gaming Law.
All gaming operators, including online, must obtain a license from the regulatory authority.
Casino licenses are issued by the Minister of Tourism and are required for legal operation.
Requirements for licensing include background checks, financial stability, and payment of fees.
Gaming operators are taxed on their revenue, with penalties for failure to pay or comply.
Land-based casinos face regulations on location, size, security, and responsible gaming.
Penalties for non-compliance include fines, license suspension or revocation, and legal action.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The core legal framework governing gambling in São Tomé and Príncipe is established by the national Gaming Law. This law sets out the primary rules and regulations for all forms of gaming activities within the country, including both land-based and online gambling. The legislation provides the legal basis for the operation, regulation, and oversight of gaming operators, specifying the conditions under which gambling may be conducted and outlining the fundamental obligations for compliance. The Gaming Law also references the possibility of online gambling, stipulating that any online operations must be linked to a licensed land-based casino. The legal framework covers the general principles for gaming activities, penalties for non-compliance, and the foundational structure for regulatory oversight.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in São Tomé and Príncipe are primarily the responsibility of the national regulatory authority, which operates under the supervision of the relevant governmental ministry. The regulatory authority is tasked with ensuring that all gaming activities comply with the provisions of the Gaming Law and related regulations. Its main responsibilities include:
Supervising and monitoring all gaming and gambling operations within the country
Enforcing compliance with the Gaming Law and associated regulations
Imposing penalties and sanctions for violations of gambling laws
Providing guidance and clarification on the interpretation of gaming legislation
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses Available
Casino License: Required for operating land-based casinos. All gaming activities must be conducted at licensed casino locations.
Online Gambling License: Required for operators offering online gambling services, including online casinos and betting platforms. This is governed under the broader Gaming Act.
Application Process for Gambling Licenses
Applicants must submit a formal application to the relevant gaming authority, typically overseen by the Minister of Tourism for land-based casinos or the designated regulatory body for online operations.
The application must include detailed business information, proof of financial stability, and documentation demonstrating compliance with the Gaming Act.
Applicants are required to pay the prescribed application fees at the time of submission.
The authority reviews the application for completeness and conducts background checks on key personnel.
Upon successful review, the license is issued, permitting the operator to legally offer gambling services in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Licenses are typically issued for a fixed term, commonly one year, but the exact duration may vary depending on the type of license and regulatory updates.
Renewal requires submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, and continued compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Eligibility criteria include a clean criminal record for key personnel, demonstration of financial solvency, and adherence to responsible gambling measures.
Licensing Costs, Fees, and Financial Requirements
Applicants must pay an initial application fee, which varies based on the type of license (land-based or online).
There are annual licensing fees, which must be paid to maintain the validity of the license.
Operators may be required to provide proof of sufficient capital or financial guarantees to ensure operational stability.
Failure to pay the required fees or meet financial obligations can result in suspension or revocation of the license.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict compliance with the provisions of the Gaming Act and any additional regulations set by the gaming authority.
Implementation of measures to prevent underage gambling and support responsible gaming practices.
Regular reporting and record-keeping as mandated by the regulatory authority.
Cooperation with regulatory audits and inspections.
Immediate notification to authorities of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business operations.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators
Currently, São Tomé and Príncipe imposes taxation on gambling operators based on their gaming revenue. The specific tax rates for different types of gambling operations, such as casinos, betting, or online gaming, are not publicly detailed in available sources. However, it is established that operators are subject to taxes as prescribed by national tax laws, and taxation is generally applied to gross gaming revenue (GGR).
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Tax Base
All Licensed Gambling Operations
Not publicly specified
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Basis for Taxation
Taxation is calculated on the gross gaming revenue (GGR), which is the difference between the total amount wagered and the total winnings paid out to players.
There is no public indication of turnover-based or other alternative tax bases for gambling operations.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Operators are required to comply with the general tax reporting and payment procedures established by São Tomé and Príncipe’s tax authorities.
Tax payments must be made according to the schedule and methods prescribed by the national tax administration.
Operators must maintain accurate records of all gaming transactions and revenue for audit and compliance purposes.
Failure to comply with tax obligations can result in penalties, fines, or revocation of the gaming license.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
No specific tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators have been publicly disclosed by authorities in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Operators should consult with local tax professionals or the national tax office for any updates or potential changes in tax policy.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
Participation in gambling activities is strictly prohibited for minors. Operators must ensure that only individuals who have reached the legal age are allowed to gamble.
Individuals with a known history of gambling addiction are also barred from participating in gaming activities. Operators are expected to have measures in place to prevent such individuals from accessing gambling services.
Identification checks are required to verify the age and eligibility of players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Only licensed casino locations are permitted to offer gambling activities. Unlicensed venues or unauthorized forms of gambling are not allowed.
There are no specific public restrictions on particular types of games, but all gambling activities must be conducted within licensed premises and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Online gambling is permitted only if operators comply with local licensing and regulatory standards. Unlicensed online gambling is prohibited.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and marketing of gambling services must not target minors or vulnerable individuals, including those with a history of gambling addiction.
Promotional materials must not mislead or encourage irresponsible gambling behavior.
Operators are expected to ensure that all advertising complies with standards designed to protect at-risk populations and maintain public order.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures
Operators must implement measures to identify and exclude minors and individuals with gambling addiction from participating in gaming activities.
Responsible gambling information and support must be made available to players, including resources for those seeking help with gambling problems.
Operators are encouraged to provide self-exclusion options and tools that allow players to set limits on their gambling activities.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Gambling activities are only permitted at designated casino locations that have received a license from the relevant authorities.
Unauthorized or unlicensed venues are strictly prohibited from offering any form of gambling.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1990s
Initial legalization of gambling activities in São Tomé and Príncipe, allowing land-based casinos to operate under government oversight.
2000s
Introduction of the Gaming Act, establishing a formal legal framework for the regulation and licensing of gambling operations in the country.
2010s
Amendments to the Gaming Act to address emerging forms of gambling, including online gambling, and to clarify licensing requirements for operators.
2020
Further updates to gambling regulations to strengthen oversight, introduce penalties for illegal gambling, and reinforce player protection measures.
2024
Online gambling explicitly recognized as legal, provided operators comply with licensing requirements and the provisions of the Gaming Act.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
There are no explicit or detailed software certification or technical standards requirements currently established for gambling operators in São Tomé and Príncipe. The regulatory framework does not specify mandatory independent testing or certification for gaming software.
Operators are expected to ensure the fairness and integrity of their gaming systems, but there is no mention of prescribed laboratories or technical standards for certification.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
The current regulatory environment in São Tomé and Príncipe does not provide detailed data protection or privacy requirements specific to gambling operators.
There are no published mandates regarding the physical location of gaming servers or requirements for data storage within the country.
Operators are generally expected to implement reasonable measures to protect customer data, but no specific technical standards or encryption protocols are outlined by local regulations.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
While general compliance with anti-money laundering principles is expected, there are no detailed technical or procedural requirements for AML or KYC specific to gambling operators in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Operators should implement basic customer identification and verification procedures to prevent money laundering and ensure that only eligible participants engage in gambling activities.
No specific technical standards, such as automated identity verification systems or transaction monitoring software, are mandated by the current regulatory framework.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
The regulatory regime does not specify detailed technical standards for financial reporting or auditing for gambling operators.
Operators are generally expected to maintain accurate financial records and provide them to authorities upon request, but there are no prescribed formats, frequency, or independent audit requirements detailed in the legislation.
Record-keeping obligations are not defined with technical specificity, leaving operators with broad responsibility for maintaining operational transparency.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
There are no explicit technical requirements or standards for the implementation of responsible gambling tools in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Operators are expected to prevent access by minors and individuals with gambling addictions, but the law does not prescribe technical measures such as self-exclusion systems, deposit limits, or real-time monitoring tools.
Sources
Primary Regulatory Authorities
Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Commerce and Industry of São Tomé and Príncipe – Responsible for issuing gaming licenses and overseeing gambling activities. No dedicated website for gambling regulation is available, but general government information can be found at https://justicastp.gov.st/
Contact Information
Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Commerce and Industry
Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
Phone: (+239) 2222055
General Government Email: mjdh.stp@gmail.com
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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.
