Angola Opens Transitional Window For Gambling Licenses

Angola has introduced a 30-working day licensing window for eligible gambling operators. The temporary measure, which is already in force, allows qualifying businesses to secure provisional approval while the government finalises its remaining elements.

The initiative was announced by the Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ) after discussions with industry stakeholders. According to the regulator, the transitional regime aims to support eligible operators while the wider licensing framework is completed.

Operators must submit their applications through Angola’s Gaming Supervision System. Authorities believe the temporary framework will help maintain stability while the permanent licensing system phases out.

New legislation extends licence periods and reduces renewal requirements

One of the major changes under the Gaming Activity Law is the licence validity extension.

Many online gambling licences issued after 2020 were valid for only one year before requiring renewal. Licences will stay valid for up to 10 years under the updated framework. This improves the chances of long-term success while reducing administrative burden for renewals.

The reforms follow a period in which the ISJ temporarily paused new licensing after leadership changes within the regulator. During that time, authorities reviewed the sector and prepared the regulations to implement the new law.

Existing operators whose licences expired during the transition were allowed to continue operating under temporary extensions.

Public tender will determine access for new market entrants

Companies that do not qualify under the transitional licensing regime will need to wait until a public tender expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Prospective applicants will first be required to purchase tender documents before submitting formal licence applications. Industry estimates suggest online gambling licences will cost between $7,000 and $14,000, while land-based gambling licences are expected to cost around $20,000.

Applicants will also be required to provide bank guarantees ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 depending on the gambling activities covered by each licence.

Gambling reforms to improve oversight and transparency

Angola’s Gaming Activity Law, enacted in late 2024, replaces the country’s previous gambling legislation with a bigger regulatory framework covering licensing, compliance and enforcement.

The reforms introduce expanded use of digital licensing systems, enhanced player protection measures and stricter anti-money laundering requirements. Authorities also intend to strengthen action against illegal gambling while making the licensing process more transparent.

These trends mirror wider regulatory changes across Africa, with countries like Kenya introducing transitional measures as they modernise their gambling frameworks.

Earlier this year, the ISJ reported that gambling activities produced more than Kz2.8 billion, approximately $3 million, in parafiscal revenue during February.

Angola has announced a 30-day period to transition from its current setup to the new gambling framework. To ensure smooth onboarding, the authorities are allowing existing brands to operate while giving temporary licenses to new entrants.