South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation established in 2011, is still developing economically. Its growth is hindered by ongoing political instability and limited infrastructure. The country presents a complex landscape for gambling and betting activities. Meanwhile, global and African interest in iGaming has grown. Influenced by cultural and religious factors, South Sudan’s legal framework enforces a complete ban on all forms of gambling. These include online casinos, sports betting, as well as lotteries, under Section 237 of the Penal Code. Even offshore access by players is unsanctioned and unsupported by law. There is no system to license on regulate iGaming operators.
The strict regulatory environment sets South Sudan apart from neighbors like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, where iGaming sectors continue to grow. This contrasts with regional trends showing increased online gambling adoption across Africa. Previous developments confirm that authorities will not change or liberalize gambling regulations this year. Understanding the stance of South Sudan is important for evaluating risks and opportunities for stakeholders, especially for investors considering market entry contingent on legal reform.
As of today, South Sudan does not allow a legal gambling market, and Section 237 of the Penal Code restricts iGaming activities, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and poker.
For market size, this means there is no revenue from legal gambling. There are no licensed operators or government-taxed activities, and no officially reported growth rates or industry statistics.
Regarding the number of players, no regulated player base exists. Some residents may access offshore sites, according to anecdotal evidence, but authorities neither measure, track, nor legally protect this activity.
There are no officially sanctioned game types, as legal gambling is restricted. For context, casino games, sports betting, poker, lotteries, and bingo are all prohibited. For unofficial/offshore sites, some residents reportedly access casino games for slots and table games. In sports betting, mainly football, if available through offshore operators. For poker and lottery, these are strictly illegal and unsanctioned.
