Egypt's Ministry of Youth and Sports acts to combat illegal sports betting

The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced decisive actions to combat the rising issue of betting in football competitions within the country. On November 25, the ministry issued a statement via Facebook, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing regulations that prohibit any form of betting advertising by sports companies.

The ministry clarified that existing regulations strictly forbid the promotion of betting companies, whether directly or indirectly, and confirmed that no approvals have been granted for such entities. This announcement comes in response to concerns raised by media reports regarding online betting platforms operating from abroad that target Egyptian football.

To address this growing concern, the Ministry is collaborating with relevant authorities to block access to these foreign betting websites. Additionally, it is initiating investigations into promotional activities associated with these platforms, as such practices are deemed illegal under Egyptian law.

This crackdown follows public outcry over former Egyptian football star Mohamed Zidan's recent endorsement of a betting company in an Instagram video, which sparked significant backlash due to its violation of Egypt's strict gambling laws. The ministry's swift response underscores its dedication to upholding these regulations and maintaining the integrity of sports in Egypt.

In light of these developments, the Ministry urges the public to verify information from official sources and avoid spreading unverified claims related to sports betting.