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Is Gambling Legal in Seychelles?

Regulated
Gambling is regulated under the Seychelles Gambling Act 2014 with specific licensing for land-based and online gambling; new 2024 rules strengthen oversight and player protection.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Financial Services Authority (FSA) Seychelles
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

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

    Highlights

    • The Seychelles Gambling Act 2014 is the primary legislative framework governing gambling activities.
    • The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is the main regulator for gambling, especially online operations.
    • New regulations in 2023 clarified licensing categories and strengthened control over online gambling.
    • Gambling operators must obtain licenses, with specific fees and conditions set by the FSA.
    • Current laws have gaps, allowing some online gambling activities without full supervision.
    • Bingo, lotteries, and betting games are still supervised by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.
    • The government is aligning gambling regulations with international standards and investor interests.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The core legal framework governing gambling in Seychelles is established by the Seychelles Gambling Act, 2014. This Act provides the principal statutory basis for the regulation of gambling activities within the country, covering both land-based and online gambling operations. The Act was designed to modernize the sector, accommodate advances in technology, and ensure that gambling activities align with international standards. It sets out the legal definitions, permissible forms of gambling, and the overarching rules for the conduct of gambling businesses. The Gambling Act, 2014, also empowers regulatory authorities to issue further regulations and guidelines, including specific rules for online gaming and betting, to address emerging challenges and strengthen oversight. Additional regulations, such as the Seychelles Gambling Fees Regulations and their amendments, supplement the primary Act by establishing the framework for regulatory fees and administrative procedures. The legal framework is periodically updated to address new developments in the gambling sector, particularly with regard to online gambling and anti-money laundering controls.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in Seychelles are primarily the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA is tasked with the regulation, supervision, and control of all gambling activities as stipulated under the Gambling Act, 2014. The Authority is empowered to issue regulations, monitor compliance, and take enforcement actions where necessary. In the past, the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) also played a supervisory role for certain gambling activities, such as bingo, lotteries, and betting games. However, the regulatory structure is evolving, with the FSA increasingly centralizing oversight functions to ensure more effective supervision and alignment with international best practices.
      • Regulation and supervision of all gambling activities under the Gambling Act, 2014
      • Issuance of regulations and guidelines for both land-based and online gambling
      • Monitoring compliance and enforcing anti-money laundering measures within the gambling sector
      • Coordination with other authorities to ensure the integrity and transparency of gambling operations

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Seychelles

      • Land-Based Casino License: For the operation of physical casinos offering table games and slot machines.
      • Online Gambling License: For operators providing internet-based gambling services, including online casinos, betting, and interactive gaming.
      • Betting License: For entities conducting sports betting or other forms of wagering, both land-based and online.
      • Gaming Machine License: For the operation of gaming machines outside of casinos.
      • Other Specific Licenses: Additional categories may exist for bingo, lotteries, or other specialized gambling activities, though some (like bingo and lottery) may be regulated under separate frameworks or authorities.

      Application Process

      • Applications are submitted to the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, which is the primary regulatory body for gambling licenses.
      • Applicants must specify the type of gambling activity and provide detailed business plans, technical systems, and compliance documentation.
      • Due diligence checks are conducted on company directors, shareholders, and key personnel, including background and financial integrity assessments.
      • Technical systems and software must be certified to ensure fairness and security.
      • Applicants must demonstrate robust anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling policies.
      • The FSA reviews applications and may request additional information or clarifications before making a decision.

      License Duration and Renewal

      • Licenses are typically granted for a fixed period, commonly one year.
      • Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiration date and require updated compliance documentation and payment of renewal fees.
      • The FSA reviews ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements as part of the renewal process.

      Eligibility Criteria

      • Applicants must be registered legal entities in Seychelles or have a locally registered branch.
      • All directors, shareholders, and key persons must pass fit and proper checks, including criminal background and financial probity assessments.
      • Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to meet operational and regulatory obligations.
      • Technical and operational systems must comply with FSA standards for security, fairness, and responsible gambling.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Application Fees: A non-refundable application fee is payable upon submission. The amount varies depending on the license type.
      • Annual License Fees: Operators must pay annual license fees, which differ based on the category and scale of operations.
      • Other Fees: Additional fees may apply for system testing, certification, or changes in license conditions.
      • Financial Guarantees: Applicants may be required to provide financial guarantees or maintain a minimum capital as proof of solvency and ability to pay winnings and obligations.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Demonstrate effective internal controls, AML procedures, and responsible gambling measures.
      • Maintain accurate records and submit regular reports to the FSA.
      • Ensure all gaming equipment and software are certified and compliant with regulatory standards.
      • Notify the FSA of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business structure.
      • Allow regulatory inspections and audits as required by the FSA.
      • Comply with all ongoing obligations, including payment of fees, reporting, and adherence to operational standards.

      Summary Table: Seychelles Gambling Licensing System

      License Type Main Activities Covered Application Fee Annual Fee Duration Key Requirements
      Land-Based Casino Physical casinos, table games, slots Varies Varies 1 year (renewable) Fit & proper checks, financial guarantees, certified systems
      Online Gambling Internet casinos, betting, interactive gaming Varies Varies 1 year (renewable) Technical certification, AML, responsible gambling
      Betting Sports betting, wagering Varies Varies 1 year (renewable) Business plan, compliance, financial stability
      Gaming Machine Gaming machines outside casinos Varies Varies 1 year (renewable) Certified equipment, compliance checks

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Seychelles

      The taxation of gambling operators in Seychelles is structured according to the type of gambling activity. The Seychelles Gambling Fees Regulations and subsequent amendments specify the applicable tax rates and the basis for calculation. Below is a summary of the main tax rates as per the latest available regulations:
      Type of Gambling Operation Tax Rate Basis for Taxation
      Land-based Casinos Varies by turnover and/or GGR (specific rates set by regulation) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or turnover, depending on operation type
      Online Gambling & Betting Specified as a percentage of GGR or fixed annual fee (per license type) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or fixed fee
      Gaming Machines Annual license fee per machine Fixed fee per unit
      Lotteries & Betting Annual license fee or percentage of turnover Turnover or fixed fee

      Basis for Taxation

      • Most gambling taxes in Seychelles are calculated based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is the difference between the amount wagered and the winnings paid out to players.
      • Some operations, such as gaming machines and certain lottery activities, are taxed via a fixed annual fee per unit or per license.
      • For specific categories like online gambling, the regulations may stipulate either a percentage of GGR or a fixed annual licensing fee, depending on the license class.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Gambling operators are required to submit regular tax returns to the Financial Services Authority (FSA) or the designated regulatory authority, detailing their GGR, turnover, and any other relevant financial data.
      • Tax payments are typically due on a monthly or quarterly basis, as specified in the operator’s license conditions or the relevant regulations.
      • Operators must maintain accurate and auditable records of all gambling transactions and submit these records as part of their tax compliance obligations.
      • Failure to report or pay taxes on time may result in penalties, fines, or suspension of the gambling license.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • Certain charitable gambling activities, such as bingo and fundraising lotteries, are exempt from standard gambling taxes and are subject to separate regulatory oversight.
      • There are no widely publicized tax incentives specifically for commercial gambling operators; however, amendments to the regulations may introduce special provisions for new or innovative gambling products as determined by the authorities.
      • Any changes to tax rates, exemptions, or incentives are generally published through official government channels and updated in the Gambling Fees Regulations.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participation in gambling activities in Seychelles is 18 years.
      • Operators are required to verify the identity and age of players before allowing access to gambling services, typically through official identification documents.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Certain gambling activities are specifically excluded from the main gambling regulatory framework, such as bingo and lottery games that are commonly associated with fundraising purposes.
      • These excluded activities (bingo, lottery, and some betting games) are supervised separately by the Seychelles Licensing Authority and are not subject to the same regulations as commercial gambling operations.
      • Unlicensed gambling activities, including unauthorized online gaming or betting, are prohibited.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Gambling advertising and promotional activities are subject to restrictions to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable groups.
      • Operators must ensure that their marketing materials do not mislead players or encourage irresponsible gambling behavior.
      • There are limitations on the placement and content of gambling advertisements, including prohibitions on advertising in media or locations primarily accessed by minors.

      Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators are required to implement responsible gambling measures, including providing information about the risks of gambling and access to support for problem gambling.
      • Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
      • Operators must offer tools for players to set deposit, loss, or time limits to help manage their gambling behavior.
      • Clear and accessible information about responsible gambling and available support services must be prominently displayed on gambling platforms and premises.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Physical gambling venues are subject to zoning and location restrictions, ensuring they are not situated near schools, religious institutions, or other sensitive locations.
      • Online gambling operators must ensure their services are not accessible in jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited or restricted by law.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1994 Initial regulatory framework for gambling established in Seychelles, providing a legal basis for land-based gambling activities.
        2014 Major reform with the adoption of a new gambling licensing law, introducing specific licenses for slot machines, land casinos, and interactive (online) gambling, and updating requirements for licensees.
        2024 Introduction of the Seychelles Gambling (Interactive Gambling) Rules 2024, further regulating online gambling with updated financial, operational, and compliance requirements for licensees.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards Requirements

        • All gambling software used by operators must comply with internationally recognized technical standards to ensure fairness, integrity, and security of games.
        • Software platforms and random number generators (RNGs) must undergo independent testing and certification by approved laboratories before deployment.
        • Operators are required to implement robust systems for monitoring and recording all gaming transactions to facilitate regulatory oversight and auditing.
        • Technical systems must be capable of providing real-time data to regulatory authorities upon request, including detailed logs of bets, payouts, and player activity.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

        • Operators must implement strong data protection protocols to safeguard player information, including encryption of sensitive data both in transit and at rest.
        • Access to personal and financial data must be restricted to authorized personnel only, with regular audits to ensure compliance with privacy standards.
        • Servers hosting gambling operations and player data must be located in jurisdictions approved by the Seychelles regulatory authority, and operators must ensure data is accessible for inspection by local regulators at any time.
        • Operators are required to maintain comprehensive data backup and disaster recovery procedures to prevent data loss and ensure business continuity.

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

        • Operators must establish and maintain effective AML programs, including transaction monitoring systems designed to detect and report suspicious activities in line with Seychelles’ AML legislation.
        • Comprehensive KYC procedures are mandatory, requiring verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities.
        • Operators must conduct ongoing due diligence on players, including enhanced checks for high-risk individuals or transactions.
        • All AML and KYC processes must be documented and available for regulatory inspection, with prompt reporting of any suspicious or unusual activities to the relevant authorities.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

        • Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all transactions, deposits, withdrawals, and payouts.
        • Regular financial reporting to the Seychelles Financial Services Authority is mandatory, following internationally accepted accounting and auditing standards.
        • Operators must arrange for independent audits of their financial statements and technical systems at intervals specified by the regulator.
        • All records, including player activity, financial transactions, and AML/KYC documentation, must be securely stored and retained for a minimum period as specified by Seychelles regulations, and made available to regulators upon request.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools within 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 specified periods.
        • Technical systems must be capable of identifying and intervening with players exhibiting signs of problematic gambling behavior, including automated notifications and mandatory cooling-off periods.
        • Operators are required to display responsible gambling information prominently on their platforms and provide links to support services for individuals seeking help.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

        • Financial Services Authority Seychelles Telephone: +248 438 0800 Email: info@fsaseychelles.sc Address: FSA House, Bois de Rose Avenue, P.O. Box 991, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
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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: 22 April 2025