Ethiopia is one of the most rugged countries in Eastern Africa. The country neighbours Djibouti and Eritrea and is one of the few nations split by the great rift valley. It is popular for being the oldest independent country in Africa and the first African member of the United Nations.
TOP Bookmakers in Ethiopia
When it comes to gambling, Ethiopians have a receptive gambling scene. The nation is among the many Eastern African countries where all types of gambling are legal. On that note, this piece will take you through the List of Online betting sites in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian gambling industry in general.
Melbet
Melbet is one of the most interactive gambling sites operating since 2012. The bookie has its headquarters in Cypress with multiple licences allowing it to operate in different nations, including Ethiopia. Since its formation, Melbet has proven to be a secure and dependable gambling site for Ethiopian punters.
The bookie has amazing sports coverage with lots of football and basketball matches. It is also one of the few sites that provide Ethiopian punters with a wide range of live betting events. Adding that to its gambling features, such as live streaming, makes it one of the top bookmakers in Ethiopia.
- Pros
- Has a mobile app.
- Offers competitive odds.
- Allows cash-out.
- Has live chat.
- Cons
- Lacks betting tips.
1xBet
The brand 1xBet is a popular gambling site in Ethiopia with millions of fans. The bookie has been operational since 2007, which is why it has a large fan base in the county. Even though 1xBet is a property of 1X Corp N.V, it is operated by Advanced Hospitality Betting PLC in Ethiopia. To prove it exists legally in the nation, 1xBet operates with a licence issued by the National Lottery Administration of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
What is most intriguing about 1xBet is that it provides Ethiopian punters with around 60,000 betting events monthly. With a 1xBet account, Ethiopians can access football, hockey, and tennis events. The operator provides punters with the best bonuses to make the site even more captivating. Lastly, 1xBet has special betting features such as cash-out.
- Pros
- Offers live streaming.
- Provides live statistics.
- Allows live betting.
- Has live chat.
- Cons
- Lacks basketball specials
SpinSports
It is impossible to overlook the impact of SpinSports in Ethiopia. SpinSports started operating in 2017, several years after producing one of the best online casinos. Bayton Ltd, a company with an MGA licence, operates SpinSports and is one of the reasons why the bookmaker is reputable.
Currently, SpinSports is among the best betting sites in Ethiopia, with many sports and frequently refreshed events. The bookie offers safe and secure payment methods and a full range of markets. SpinSports also allows eSports betting and has excellent coverage of cycling. These are only a few things that make SpinSports popular in Ethiopia.
- Pros
- Offers competitive odds.
- Allows live betting.
- Offers live streaming service.
- Has live chat.
- Cons
- Has a few payment methods for Ethiopians.
Betway
The operator Betway is a renowned online betting site that has been online since 2006. SGHC Limited is the current parent company of Betway and the main contributor to its success. The bookie holds multiple gambling licences, including the UKGC and MGA licence making it legit. Additionally, Betway has a betting certification from International Betting Integrity Association, meaning its betting services are safe.
The main reason Betway is popular in Ethiopia is not just because it is legitimate but also because it has amazing sports coverage. Betway houses thousands of tennis, hockey and gold events. It also provides Ethiopians with the best live betting services. That is if you want to punt on continuing football or basketball events.
- Pros
- Has cash-out.
- Offers competitive odds.
- Has a full range of markets.
- Allows eSports betting.
- Cons
- Offers just a few live markets.
Betwinner
If you want to enjoy betting sites bonus offers in Ethiopia, consider Betwinner bookmaker. The bookie first went live in 2018 after its formation by HARBESINA LTD, a company with its headquarters in Cypress. In Ethiopia, PREVAILER B.V operates Betwinner and is the reason for the services offered by the sportsbook.
Despite being one of the new betting sites in the country, Betwinner has a large fan base. That is because it offers amazing pre-match and live betting services. For instance, the bookie has multiple events with a wide range of markets per match. It also has amazing bonuses for Ethiopian customers.
- Pros
- Has live chat.
- Guarantees competitive odds.
- Has live statistics.
- Fully licensed.
- Cons
- Has a few payment methods.
Betika
Betika is a fully licensed sports betting site that has been available since 2016. The bookie whose headquarters is in Nairobi is available in Amharic. That explains why Betika is recommended to punters looking to bet in Ethiopia. But before you can access the bookie’s services, you must register for an account.
Being an established betting site, Betika guarantees access to popular sports in Ethiopia, for instance, football. Therefore, you will never miss your favourite football matches whether you are a fan of local or international leagues. Lastly, Betika allows live streaming of events, making it easy for punters to make correct bets.
- Pros
- Multiple communication methods.
- Has an incredible jackpot.
- Allows cash-out.
- Offers many markets.
- Cons
- Does not offer betting tips.
22Bet
Before concluding the list of top betting sites in Ethiopia, you should know that 22Bet is among the top bookmakers in the nation. The multilingual sportsbook is a brainchild of TechSolutions Group Limited, a Cypress headquartered company. However, in Ethiopia, 22Bet operates under ARCADIA SPORT PLC. A company with an Ethiopian gambling licence.
With a 22bet account, you are free to place live and pre-match bets. Additionally, you can access features such as live streaming and cash-out. The bookie is also home to competitive odds, which you can change to different formats for easy conversion. Adding that to the available bonuses makes 22bet an ideal betting site.
- Pros
- Offers live chat.
- Has competitive pre-match odds.
- Offers live statistics.
- Has a bet builder.
- Cons
- Has a few payment methods.
Why Choose Online Betting in Ethiopia
You should choose online betting in Ethiopia because the country has multiple local and offshore bookies. Additionally, the country has a favourable gambling scene, as you can see in the following details.
Is Online Betting Legal in Ethiopia?
Online betting in Ethiopia is legal, which means you can punt on various sports without any problems whatsoever.
Trivia/Did you know that…
- Ethiopia accepts all types of betting.
- You must be 18 years and over to gamble in Ethiopia.
- By 1961, Ethiopia already had a lottery act.
- In 2009 the government enforced multiple gambling laws.
- Since 1981, the National Lottery Administration has been regulating gambling in Ethiopia.
Are there restrictions on Ethiopian players by some bookmakers?
Since Ethiopia allows all forms of gambling, most bookies don’t restrict Ethiopian players in any way. Hence, you can freely gamble on local and offshore sportsbooks.
Gambling Facts at a Glance
- Currency – The main currency in Ethiopia is Ethiopian Birr or ETB
- Population – Ethiopia has approximately 115 million people as of 2020.
- Active players – The number of active players with the legal gambling age is approximately 11 million people.
- Regulatory authority – Ethiopia’s designated regulatory is the National Lottery Administration.
- Licensed gambling products – The licensed gambling products in Ethiopia include land-based casinos, betting shops, online casinos, and sportsbooks.
- Types of operators – The main operators are land-based operators and online operators.
How to Choose the Right Online Betting Site
Here is a list of features that you should check when choosing online betting sites in Ethiopia.
- Markets
You should always go for a bookie with most sports betting markets. Top bookmakers often have more than 500 markets per event. - Cash-out
Cash-out is a crucial feature that should not miss in a bookie you choose. The feature allows you to earn from your bet before the event concludes. - Live Betting
The best online betting sites in Ethiopia offer live betting services. Make sure the sportsbook you choose has the betting product. - Bonuses
Top bookmakers offer punters multiple bonuses. As a result, only consider sportsbooks with a welcome bonus and offers for current clients. - Live Streaming
Live streaming is a mandatory feature that should not be missed by any bookie you choose. Without the function, you cannot watch live events on your sportsbook. - Odds
Only consider sportsbooks with competitive odds. Additionally, the bookie should offer multiple odds formats.
Bonuses for Ethiopian Players
Most sportsbook operators understand the importance of bonuses to Ethiopian punters. That is why they offer gamblers amazing welcome offers and bonuses for continuing punters. Some of the promotions include enhanced ACCAs and reload offers.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Ethiopia
Ethiopians adore multiple sports. The most popular sports in the country are games Ethiopians enjoy, for instance:
- Football
- Hockey
- Golf
- Basketball
- Handball
- Tennis
These sports never miss on top bookmakers in Ethiopia. Operators make sure you can access both pre-match and live betting events of the listed sports.
Mobile Betting in Ethiopia
Sportsbook operators in the region allow punters to gamble using their smartphones. Every bookie has a mobile version with many sports. Some even have fully functional mobile apps that you can install on your iOS and Android phone and place sports bets.
Are Online Casinos Popular in Ethiopia?
Online casinos are popular in Ethiopia. That explains why the country contains many online casino sites. Ethiopians are also known to enjoy slots such as Starburst and Book of Dead. In addition to slots, Ethiopians are big fans of blackjack, baccarat, and poker table games. Most of these games are free to play, while others require you to stake real money to play.
Supported Payment Methods
The most common payment method in Ethiopia is HelloCash or Belcash. This is an e-wallet offered by nearly all local bookmakers. Additionally, top bookmakers in the country offer Amole Wallet, a digital payment system courtesy of Dashen Bank. Those punting using offshore bookies can transact online using credit and debit cards payment methods like MasterCard and VISA. Each of the stated payment methods is fast and secure. The minimum deposit you can make using Ethiopian bookies is 50 ETB.
Yes, the Ethiopian government charges tax on winnings made from gambling. However, that is only in winnings earned while playing in land-based casinos. The government taxes 15% on every earnings you make in such establishments. On the other hand, you get to keep everything you make while gambling on online betting sites.
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Ethiopia?
Online gambling in Ethiopia is legal; you can place football bets and hockey bets using any bookie operating in the region. Additionally, you can gamble on different casino games like slots.
Can I gamble using the Ethiopian Birr or ETB on local Ethiopian sportsbooks?
Yes, Ethiopian has multiple local bookmakers that allow you to punt using Ethiopian Birr or ETB. This is the formal Ethiopian currency. However, if you are using international bookies, you will have to use USD or EUR currencies.
Must I be over 18 years to gamble online in Ethiopia?
Yes, you must be 18 years and beyond to gamble in Ethiopia. The sites require you to state your age during registration. Additionally, you have to email copies of your documents to the operator to confirm your age.
What happens if I lose my sign in details on any of the existing Ethiopian bookmakers?
If you lose your sign in details, you can use the reset my password link provided by various bookmakers to reset the information. You can also contact customer support for help if the bookie lacks the reset password link.
Which are the most popular betting markets in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia’s most popular betting markets include Match Winner, Double Chance, and Both Teams to Score. Some punters in the country also prefer Outright betting markets since they have competitive odds.
Are there any bookies that offer the Amharic language to Ethiopians?
Yes, multiple local bookies offer the Amharic language to Ethiopia. It is the same case with sportsbooks that operate in Eastern Africa like Betika. The operators offer the language option to make the bookies accommodating.
How long does it take to register for an account in Ethiopia?
It takes only a few minutes to register for an account in Ethiopia. That is because all Ethiopian sportsbooks have a simplified registration process. All you need to do is answer relevant questions and submit the registration form.
Must I be from Ethiopia to gamble on local Ethiopian sportsbooks?
You don’t have to be from Ethiopia to gamble on local Ethiopian sportsbooks. The country’s bookies allow anyone 18 years and above. That explains why many foreigners gamble in the country.
Final Comments
Thanks to its accommodating gambling laws, Ethiopia is one of the best countries to gamble in. The nation allows all forms of gambling which is why local and offshore bookies flood the gambling scene. All you need to do is find out which Ethiopian sportsbooks offer the best gambling services by going through the list provided in this reading. This piece also has vital details that can help you differentiate a superior bookie from an inferior sportsbook.
- Ochone OcheBatitu
