Sports betting is completely illegal in Somalia under the country's comprehensive anti-gambling laws. The Federal Government of Somalia strictly prohibits all forms of gambling activities, including sports betting, both online and offline, as part of its adherence to Islamic law and cultural values (1). The prohibition encompasses all gambling operations, with the government taking active measures to enforce these restrictions and prevent any form of betting activity within the country.
The ban on sports betting and all gambling activities is enforced through Somalia's National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC), which operates under the 2016 Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (2). This regulatory framework gives NAMLC the authority to oversee and prevent gambling operations as part of broader financial crime prevention measures. The committee has specifically targeted online gambling platforms and has directed financial institutions to cease all services and connections with gambling operators.
"The National Anti-Money Laundering Committee and Counter Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC) said that the Federal Government of Somalia prohibited gambling and has specifically banned the use of the online version known as 1XBET."
Somalia's gambling prohibition extends beyond mere legislation, with the government actively implementing enforcement measures to suppress betting activities. The authorities have demonstrated their commitment to maintaining this ban by specifically targeting international gambling platforms and requiring domestic financial institutions to disconnect from gambling-related services. This comprehensive approach reflects the country's determination to align its legal framework with Islamic principles and cultural values, making Somalia one of the strictest jurisdictions globally regarding gambling prohibition. The legal framework provides no exceptions for sports betting, ensuring that all forms of wagering remain completely prohibited under Somali law.
Source:
https://sonna.so/en/somalia-bans-the-use-of-1xbet-in-the-country/
https://namlc.gov.so/about-namlc/
Last updated: 17-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
