Sports betting in São Tomé and Príncipe falls under the legal framework of games of fortune or chance, as defined in Law No. 1/2004, of April 7, 2005 (1). This law regulates games of chance at casinos and related activities under the supervision of the government's tourism sector and sets out licensing, location, and operational requirements.
Under the law, casinos can be licensed and located only in authorized locations with government concessions, and interactive (online) gaming is currently prohibited under a casino license. There is no specific legal regime yet that allows sports betting—online or offline—as a licensed standalone activity. (1)
“Concessionaires operating casino gambling games may not operate any interactive games.”
Thus, traditional, land-based gambling through licensed casinos is legal, but sportsbooks—especially online sports betting—do not currently have a clear legal status and are not specifically permitted under existing legislation. (2) Those interested in sports betting often rely on foreign or offshore platforms not regulated under São Tomé and Príncipe law.
Source:
https://admin.visitsaotomeprincipe.st/uploads/lei_1_2004_jogos_de_fortuna_ou_azar_d7225013bf.pdf
https://online.worldcasinodirectory.com/sao-tome-and-principe
Last updated: 09/17/2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
