Mauritania Considers Strict Ban on Online Gambling and Electronic Betting

Mauritania is on the verge of a radical shift in its gambling policy. The government of the West African nation is working intensively on a new legal framework intended to prohibit all forms of gambling and electronic betting. This initiative specifically targets the growing number of digital platforms that have previously operated in a legal gray area. The political leadership is making it clear that existing regulations are no longer sufficient to meet the modern challenges posed by the internet.

Current developments are based on a series of high-level government meetings held in October 2026. This is not just a simple ban, but the establishment of a complex monitoring and enforcement apparatus. Mauritanian authorities are responding to the increasing spread of online betting, which primarily reaches young people through social media and mobile apps. The country's religious and social values play a central role in this decision, as gambling already faces significant opposition in the Islamic Republic.

Numbers and facts

The first concrete steps were initiated on October 1, 2026, when Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay led an initial review of the draft legislation. Just one week later, on October 8, 2026, a second session followed under the supervision of Mohamed Abdallah Ould Louli, the Minister for Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports, and Civil Service. Previously, on September 16, 2026, Ould Louli had publicly confirmed that legislation was being prepared to strictly prohibit online betting and gambling games.

The existing Penal Code already provides for penalties under Article 381 for operating public gambling houses and unauthorized lotteries. These include both prison sentences and financial penalties. However, since this article does not contain explicit provisions for digital platforms, the new law is intended to fill this gap. The focus is on cooperation between various ministries to efficiently bundle technical blocks and criminal prosecution.

Background

The main driver for the legislative initiative, according to government statements, is the protection of youth. Minister Ould Louli repeatedly emphasized that the dangers of the internet, particularly in the betting sector, pose a threat to children. The government sees it as its duty to protect the next generation from financial exploitation and the dangers of addiction.

"The proposed legislation is linked to concerns about the effect of internet-based activities on children and young people, placing youth protection at the centre of the government’s plans." - Mohamed Abdallah Ould Louli, Minister for Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports, and Civil Service

An interesting comparison arises when looking at Namibia, where reforms were also discussed on October 16, 2026. While Mauritania opts for a total ban, Namibia is attempting to achieve stronger regulation through licensing and employee registration with the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018. Simeon Iingwapha, Deputy Director of Gaming Control in Namibia, stated there that the government wanted to regulate the industry rather than punish operators. Mauritania, on the other hand, is taking the opposite path of criminalization.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the developments in Mauritania have no direct legal impact, as the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) applies here. While Mauritania chooses the path of prohibition, Germany has created a system of controlled legalization with the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). However, German players must be aware that providers operating in restrictive markets like Mauritania often do not possess a GGL license. In Germany, only providers on the official whitelist are legal. These guarantee player protection measures such as the 1,000 euro monthly deposit limit and connection to the LUGAS blocking system. Those who play with providers that only hold licenses from Curacao or the MGA and are active in countries like Mauritania are engaging in illegal gambling without German legal protection.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license benefit indirectly from such international bans, as they can distinguish themselves as serious and securely regulated platforms. The strict rules in Germany, such as the 1 euro per spin limit on virtual slot machines, serve the exact same purpose that Mauritania now wants to achieve through a total ban: the protection of vulnerable groups. GGL-licensed operators must ensure that their offers are not accessible in regions where gambling is strictly prohibited to meet international compliance standards. The example of Mauritania shows how unstable markets without clear, modern regulation can be, which underscores the value of a German license.