Gabon's Gambling Monopoly: Lack of Transparency and New Fees Raise Serious Questions

The gambling landscape in Gabon is currently undergoing a period of significant upheaval and uncertainty. The state-owned Gabon des Jeux (GDJ) has taken command, yet transparency remains elusive. As of April 7, 2026, all prior authorizations and declarations for online betting have been officially rendered invalid. The government of this Central African nation, home to approximately 2.65 million people, has opted for a radical strategic shift. They are moving away from a purely declarative system towards stringent state control. However, the identity of those legally permitted to offer bets remains a closely guarded secret within the authorities.

In February, the GDJ issued a call for expressions of interest for new licenses. The deadline passed on March 2, with grand promises of a transparent and rigorous selection process designed to identify operators with the necessary technical and financial capacity. More than seven months later, no official results have been published. Neither the names of approved companies nor details concerning required fees or revenue-sharing arrangements have been disclosed. This silence is generating significant friction, as it remains unclear whether specific businesses are operating behind closed doors or if the entire system is in a state of limbo.

Numbers and facts

Ordinance 0012/PR/2020, ratified in 2021, provided the initial legal basis for this transition. Originally, a quota of five online operators for a three-year period was established. However, with the introduction of Ordinances 0010/PR/2025 and 0011/PR/2025 on December 30, the former gaming commission was abolished and replaced by the GDJ. This entity now serves as a state-owned company that simultaneously organizes games and supervises private participants. This dual role has drawn skepticism from lawmakers, as the separation of commercial interests from oversight duties seems difficult to guarantee.

A further point of contention is the management of financial flows. As early as May 2025, reports surfaced that eTech SAS had been mandated to centralize gambling-related payments, apparently without a competitive tender process. By June 2026, a new agreement with Paymetrust was reported to oversee mobile money and banking transactions. The objective is clear: the government seeks total control over the money. Previously, operators paid a mere 8 percent tax based on their own declarations. The 2026 Finance Law now projects revenue of CFA1.24 billion (approximately $2.1 million) from gambling taxes.

Background

The political climate in Gabon is a driving force behind these reforms. Following the August 2023 coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, a new era has begun in Libreville. The restructuring of the gambling sector is framed as a matter of national sovereignty. It is about reclaiming sectors that were previously under-regulated. The former interior minister emphasized the need for complete traceability of financial flows that had previously eluded the state.

"The reform is a sovereign choice, guided by the urgency of a total reappropriation of this sector." - Adrien Nguema Mba, former Interior Minister of Gabon

Plans also include the establishment of approximately 2,000 points of sale across Gabon's nine provinces. But while the state infrastructure expands, private providers complain about soaring costs. Industry reports mention monthly deductions equivalent to 30 percent of turnover. Additionally, technical hurdles regarding the payment of winnings and difficulties in account reconciliation have been noted. The state monopoly appears to be exerting its power fully, while the promised fairness seems to have been sidelined.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the developments in Gabon serve as a warning. They demonstrate how unstable markets can be when they are not built on clear, transparent rules. In Germany, the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) regulates the market. Anyone wishing to play safely must adhere to the GGL whitelist. Only providers listed there possess a German license and are subject to the supervision of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Gabon illustrates the negative consequences when state oversight and self-interest become blurred.

German players benefit from strict protection measures, such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the 1 euro per spin stake limit on virtual slots. Furthermore, the LUGAS system monitors these limits, something that Gabon is attempting to achieve through opaque third-party firms like Paymetrust, but without the primary focus on player protection. Those playing at MGA or Curacao casinos face similar risks to users in Gabon: a lack of legal certainty and unclear win processing. Only a German license offers the protection expected from a regulated market.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Licensed German operators can learn from the situation in Gabon that planning security is a paramount asset. While licenses in Gabon were effectively invalidated overnight (deadline April 7, 2026), the German framework under the GlüStV 2021 provides a reliable foundation. Although German companies must deal with high taxes and strict requirements like the OASIS connection, they receive legally secure market access in return. The lack of transparency in Gabon, where fees and selection criteria remain hidden, highlights the importance of the GGL's public whitelist for fair competition.