The Addis Ababa Peace and Security Administration Bureau has implemented a complete ban on sports betting and gambling establishments within the city limits. According to Deputy Head Mideksa Kebede, the decision comes after the closure of 4,118 betting houses during the 2023/24 fiscal year.
The city administration has cited the detrimental impact of gambling on the community, particularly on youth. Increased theft, property crimes, and the breakdown of families have been attributed to the proliferation of betting houses.
While acknowledging the potential loss of revenue for the government, as indicated by the National Lottery Administration, the city administration remains steadfast in its decision. The focus, according to Deputy Chief Mideksa Kebede, is on the well-being of residents and the prevention of social ills associated with gambling.
Efforts are underway to assist individuals previously employed in the betting industry to find alternative livelihoods. Property owners who rented spaces to betting houses are being encouraged to find new tenants for their properties.
Contrary to the city’s approaches, the National Lottery Administration (NLA) announced in February this year that the closure of legal betting houses would not be appropriate. The administration stated it reached this conclusion after conducting a study on the sector. It also emphasized the need to differentiate between legitimate and illegal sports betting establishments. Please follow this link to read more. NLA also disclosed that legally operating betting establishments contribute Birr 89 million monthly to the government in commissions, alongside fulfilling income tax and social service payment requirements. Income tax deductions from bet winners reach Birr 39 million monthly, with an additional Birr 7 million allocated for social services by licensed sports betting establishments.
Source (including image): Sheger FM 102.1
Additional source: 2Merkato Archives
