Angola has opened a 30-working-day licensing window for eligible gambling operators under a transitional regime as the country implements its new Gaming Activity Law, allowing qualifying businesses to obtain provisional approval while the broader regulatory framework is finalized.
The initiative was announced by the Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ), Angola’s gaming regulator, following a meeting with industry representatives. Operators must submit applications through the Angola Gaming Supervision System, a centralized digital platform designed to standardize the licensing process, strengthen regulatory oversight, and provide legal certainty during the transition.
The regulator said the temporary framework is intended to allow qualified operators to continue offering services legally while maintaining market stability until the permanent licensing system becomes fully operational.
A key feature of the Gaming Activity Law is the extension of gambling licence validity to up to 10 years, replacing the one-year licences commonly issued after 2020. The longer licence period is expected to reduce administrative burdens on operators while providing greater certainty for long-term investment and business planning.
The ISJ had previously paused new licence approvals during leadership changes while developing regulations needed to implement the new law. Existing operators whose licences had expired were permitted to continue operating under interim extensions to avoid market disruption and preserve employment.
Companies that do not qualify under the transitional regime will have to wait for a public tender expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 before applying for licences.
Industry estimates suggest online gambling licences will cost between $7,000 and $14,000, while land-based gambling licences are expected to cost about $20,000. Applicants are also expected to provide bank guarantees ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, depending on the type of gambling activity covered by the licence.
The Gaming Activity Law, enacted in late 2024, replaces Angola’s previous gambling legislation with a broader regulatory framework that includes stronger regulatory oversight, expanded use of digital licensing systems, enhanced player protection measures, stricter anti-money laundering requirements and tougher enforcement against illegal gambling.
The reforms are part of a broader trend across Africa, with Kenya also introducing transitional measures to help gambling operators adapt to revised regulatory requirements.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/07/17/125424-angola-opens-30day-gambling-licence-window-under-new-gaming-law
