Rating of the best bookmakers in Ethiopia
- Extensive selection of sports betting options for both pre-match and live events.
- Competitive odds, particularly for upcoming football matches.
- Generous promotions and promo codes available for frequent bettors.
- Diverse payment options supported.
- Possible delays in processing withdrawals.
- Slow response times from customer support via chat.
- Robust bonus program including cashback and express boosters.
- Referral system with rewards for inviting friends.
- Mobile site Lite version for data saving.
- Virtual sports betting available.
- No in-play betting option.
- Higher margins on popular events.
- Strong selection of bets on top championships and leagues.
- Features like accumulator bets for random sporting events.
- Efficient and high-quality customer support.
- Integrated platform for sports betting and Aviator games.
- No sign-up bonuses except for cashback.
- No mobile applications available.
Explore the rating of the best bookmakers in Ethiopia on this page. The list includes top betting companies that offer the best conditions for sports betting in Ethiopia for the year 2024.
Methodology for evaluating betting companies
To create the rating of top bookmakers in Ethiopia, we used the following criteria:
- License presence. Truly reliable bookmakers in Ethiopia obtain licenses from gaming commissions. This demonstrates their honesty and openness to players. We advise against trusting personal and financial information to companies without a license.
- Quality of the mobile version and apps. Many bettors in Ethiopia prefer using smartphones. Therefore, bookmakers must optimize their apps and create quality adaptive versions of their official websites. We install the apps and check their performance, presence of bugs, smartphone resource usage, etc. We also review the mobile version’s operation to rate the bookmaker.
- Payment tools and currencies. Bookmakers should accept payments and process withdrawals in the Ethiopian national currency ETB. It should also be convenient to use USD and EUR. The broader the range of payment methods, the better.
- Bonus program. We evaluate not only the size of the bonuses but also the feasibility of redeeming them and withdrawing to an account. Currently, we observe that many bookmakers in Ethiopia refrain from offering bonuses to players. However, for our readers, we have found several companies that offer various promotions.
- Customer support. We check the speed of response, the quality of consultation, and the availability of support operators through all communication channels available on the bookmaker’s official website.
For each of the criteria listed above, the bookmaker can receive a maximum of two points. The total score cannot exceed 10 points. For each issue or mismatch, we will deduct one point. We also take into account player reviews. We add points for a good reputation and subtract for a bad one. Example of calculating the rating for the bookmaker Habesha Bet:
- License. The bookmaker has a license from the National Lottery Commission of Ethiopia 0014/2009. The company operates legally, is registered in this country, and has an office in Addis Ababa. For this criterion, we award 2 points.
- Mobile play. The bookmaker does not have apps, but the mobile version functions quite well. We did not notice any freezes or other problems. The functionality of the mobile version is the same as that of the desktop version. For the absence of apps, minus 1 point, thus the score for this criterion is 1.
- Payment tools and currencies. Players can top up their account and place bets in the national currency ETB without conversion. However, only one system, Chapa Telebirr, is available for account replenishment. Therefore, this criterion also gets 1 point.
- Bonuses. The bookmaker does not offer a welcome bonus. However, regular players are eligible for free bets, express boosters, etc. This criterion also receives 1 point.
- Customer support. The operator in the chat responded to us in less than a minute and provided quality advice regarding deposits. Players can also write emails and call two numbers. Therefore, we award 2 points here.
Out of 5 criteria, the bookmaker scored 7 points. We also checked the company’s reputation among players and found many positive reviews. Therefore, we will add another 1 point to the total score. Thus, the bookmaker Habesha Bet receives a rating of 8 out of 10 from us.
From the editor. We use data only from the official websites of bookmakers and their social media pages. All information is public. You can verify it yourself. We also regularly review the betting market news in Ethiopia to timely update the information on our website.
The issue of bookmaker licensing in the country
Gambling, including betting, is legal in Ethiopia and regulated by the state. The body responsible for issuing and revoking licenses is the National Lottery Commission. This entity holds a monopoly in the Ethiopian gambling market. Only this governmental body can grant licenses for the operation of betting companies. The National Commission also regulates online casinos, lotteries, and other forms of gambling. In 2009, the country’s parliament passed the “Gambling Law,” which remains the primary regulation in the betting field. Additionally, in 2021, the “Sports Lottery Regulation” No. 172/2021 was adopted, which solely pertained to changes in taxes and licensing fees. According to the law, bookmakers are prohibited from providing services to individuals under the age of 21. Warning. Any form of gambling can lead to addiction. If you notice an unhealthy compulsion to gamble, a desire to hit the jackpot, etc., take a test for gambling addiction. For this, contact the bookmaker’s support service. If the test indicates an addiction, seek help. There are many addiction treatment centers available. We also recommend visiting the website of Gamblers Anonymous.
How a bookmaker obtains a license to operate in a country
To operate legally, a bookmaker must obtain a license from the National Lottery Commission. The requirements include:
- Registering the company in Ethiopia.
- Having sufficient funds in the account to cover payouts.
- Paying a licensing fee of 500,000 ETB to obtain the permit and 100,000 ETB for its renewal.
- Once licensed, the bookmaker must pay 15% of its revenues to the state budget, plus a 0.5% social contribution.
Useful information. In 2024, the Ethiopian government announced that it is working on a complete ban on sports betting. While these are just statements, and no real steps have been taken yet, the betting market in Ethiopia might soon shift to a gray area.
TOP of the best legal bookmakers in Ethiopia today
Top 10 bookmakers in Ethiopia in 2024:
- Habesha bet. This bookmaker holds a license from the National Lottery Commission 0014/2009. The company offers a wide selection of bets on over 20 sports. Players can also engage in casino games.
- Melbet. The company has an international Curacao license No. 5536/JAZ. It offers a wide range of sports events in pre-match and live betting. Many bonuses are available to players.
- Waliya betting. A legal bookmaker that obtained a license from the National Lottery Commission in 2020. The company offers many account replenishment options and a decent bonus program.
- Hulu sport. Licensed by the National Lottery Commission since 2021. Here, there are quite a few sports events, especially in football. Players can also engage in slot machines and card games.
- Activbet. Licensed by the government of Ethiopia number 037/2011. This bookmaker offers betting on top sports events, including esports. There are quite a few promotions for registered players.
- Betika. A legal bookmaker with a local license. It has the best customer support among all bookmakers in Ethiopia. There are also decent bonuses and a referral program available.
- Qwick bet. The company holds a license from the government of Ethiopia. Players can bet on sports and play casino games from one account. Betting on top sports events in pre-match and live is available.
- Afro betting. The company received a local betting license. The bookmaker offers bonuses to players for inviting friends. Users can also receive other bonuses, such as a no-deposit bonus upon registration.
- Lalibet. Licensed by the National Lottery Commission. The bookmaker offers fairly high odds, especially on popular sports. Users can participate in jackpot drawings.
- Best bet. The company holds a license from the government of Ethiopia. It offers a wide range of sports, championships, leagues, and matches. Many betting options are available, especially on popular events.
Advice. If you do not want to independently delve into the terms and rules of playing at different bookmakers, choose Habesha bet. This is a reliable bookmaker that operates legally and has a good reputation.
Frequently asked questions by players
Is it legal to play at offshore betting sites? Ethiopian laws do not prohibit you from registering on offshore betting sites. However, we do not recommend doing this due to the risk of losing money. Are there promo codes available at Ethiopian bookmakers in 2025? Promo codes may be issued for subscribing to a bookmaker’s social media or as a prize in drawings. Can you register on a betting site at 18 years old? No. The gambling law prohibits the registration of individuals under the age of 21. How to check a bookmaker’s license? Visit the official website of the National Lottery Commission and check if the company is on the list. If not, it does not have a license. Where to turn if a bookmaker does not pay out winnings? Your money, including winnings, is protected by Ethiopian law. Therefore, we recommend contacting law enforcement agencies and filing a complaint with the National Lottery Commission.