Equatorial Guinea Denies Legality of Alleged Online Gaming Licence
Equatorial Guinea’s anticipated move into the online gambling sector has been cast into doubt following an official government denial regarding the legality of a widely publicized master licence reportedly awarded to Mascott Capital Partners. While earlier announcements suggested the country was taking a significant step toward regulated digital gaming, authorities have now clarified that no such licence holds legal standing under existing laws.
Mascott Capital, a Cyprus-based company, had been identified in previous reports as the first firm to receive an official licence to operate online betting, remote gaming, and online casino services in Equatorial Guinea. The licence, said to be registered as 0107-LE025-BN, had been portrayed as part of a broader plan to diversify the nation’s economy, reduce dependency on oil exports, and foster investment in technology-driven industries.
Government Clarifies Legal Position
On August 8, the Government of Equatorial Guinea issued a formal statement declaring the alleged licence invalid. Officials pointed to contradictions with the current legal framework governing gambling, making it clear that the authorisation is not supported under national legislation.
“The legislation in force in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, in particular, Law No. 02/1995 of January 3, which regulates the Authorization, Operation and Control of Games of Chance in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and Ministerial Order No. 04/2015, dated May 18, on Games of Chance, does not contemplate the granting of this type of licenses,” the statement read.
Authorities further stressed that the administrative process for issuing such licences is explicitly defined under Law No. 01/2014 of July 28, which governs administrative procedures. On that basis, the government stated that the alleged document “has no legal effect” and is not officially recognized.
The announcement added that steps are being taken to investigate the matter while upholding principles of legality and transparency. The statement concluded: “The Government reaffirms its commitment to strict compliance with current legislation, transparency in administrative procedures, and the defense of the general interest in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.”
From Ambition to Uncertainty
Prior to the government’s reversal, the launch of a regulated online gaming market had been described as a landmark policy initiative. The Minister of Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure, H.E. Antonio-Pedro Oliveira Burupu, had said: “The launch of online gaming, online betting and online casinos in Equatorial Guinea is one of the most significant measures taken by gaming regulators in the country’s history and Mascott Capital Partners’ digital platform will assist in submitting online gaming licence applications.”
Industry observers had noted that, if effectively executed, Equatorial Guinea could have emerged as Central Africa’s first fully regulated digital gaming hub, joining Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, with regulatory inspiration drawn from jurisdictions like Malta, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.
Mascott Capital had promoted its dedication to compliance and international best practices as part of a plan to position the country as a credible offshore licensing destination similar to Curaçao or Anjouan. However, in light of the government’s statement, those ambitions remain uncertain.
Source: Equatorial Guinea Denies Legality of Alleged Online Gaming Licence, LCB, August 12, 2025.