Sports betting is illegal in Mali, where gambling activities are prohibited under Islamic law and the country's legal framework (1). The nation's legal system is heavily influenced by Sharia law principles, which consider gambling as forbidden and incompatible with Islamic teachings. The dominance of the Islamic religion in Mali has prevented the development of any regulated gambling industry, including sports betting operations.
All forms of gambling, including sports betting, are explicitly prohibited in Mali according to the country's gambling restrictions (2). The regulatory environment does not permit land-based or online gambling providers to operate legally within the country's jurisdiction. Mali is classified as a red-level online gambling jurisdiction, meaning that all forms of online gambling are totally and explicitly illegal under the current legal framework.
"Mali is a red-level online gambling jurisdiction. This means that all forms of online gambling are explicitly and totally illegal."
Despite the strict legal prohibitions, the gambling sector in Mali is technically overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which would be responsible for issuing gambling licenses if such activities were permitted. However, due to the comprehensive ban on gambling activities, no licenses are currently issued for sports betting or other gambling operations. The country's position on gambling appears unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, given the strong influence of Islamic law on the legal system.
Source:
https://e-playafrica.com/the-status-of-gambling-in-mali/
https://lcb.org/restrictions/mali
Last updated: 17-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
