Ethiopia imposes prison sentences for illegal lottery participation

Individuals engaged in illegal lottery activities in Addis Ababa's Addis Keta sub-city have faced significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. According to Ethiopian Lottery, recent ruling from the 3rd Criminal Trial of the Addis City Division resulted in sentences for three offenders, with terms ranging from one year to two years in prison and fines between 2,500 and 18,000 birr.

Among those sentenced, Mr. Zewdu Wubalem Wereta received a sentence of one year and eight months along with a fine of 18,000 birr for violating laws against unauthorized lottery participation. Similarly, another individual was sentenced to the same prison term but fined 2,500 birr. The third offender, Mr. Mamush Derelo Chala, also faced a sentence of one year and eight months in prison alongside a fine of 2,500 birr.

This crackdown on illegal lottery operations underscores the government's commitment to enforcing regulations that prohibit lottery games without proper permits. 

In addition to these measures, Addis Ababa has implemented a total ban on sports betting amid concerns from the National Lottery Administration (NLA) regarding the potential risks associated with unregulated gambling activities. Further announcements regarding court decisions related to illegal lottery players are expected to follow.