Mauritania Moves Toward Nationwide Ban on Gambling and Online Betting

Mauritania is preparing legislation to prohibit gambling and online betting, with authorities focusing on youth protection, digital platforms and stronger enforcement measures.

Mauritania is advancing plans to introduce a nationwide ban on gambling and electronic betting as the government reviews draft legislation aimed at strengthening restrictions on games of chance and related activities.

Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay chaired an interministerial meeting on October 1 to examine the preliminary bill. Further consultations took place on October 8 under the leadership of Youth Empowerment Minister Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Louly.

The proposed legislation forms part of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani's efforts to protect young people from risks associated with the growing availability of gambling services through digital platforms.

Government discussions have focused on strengthening supervision, establishing enforcement mechanisms and improving coordination between ministries and regulatory authorities. Officials are also examining the religious, legal and technical aspects of the proposed restrictions to ensure consistency with the country's Islamic values.

Mauritania already prohibits certain gambling activities under its existing Penal Code. Article 381 provides penalties ranging from two months to two years of imprisonment, alongside financial fines, for operating public gambling establishments or unauthorised lotteries. However, the application of these provisions to modern online betting services remains unclear.

The new legislation seeks to address these regulatory gaps, particularly those involving gambling services accessible through websites, mobile applications and other digital channels.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the full provisions of the draft, proposed additional penalties or a timetable for parliamentary consideration. The legislation remains under consultation and has not been adopted.

If approved, the reform could significantly strengthen Mauritania's restrictions on both traditional and digital gambling activities. Its effectiveness will largely depend on how authorities implement the new rules and enforce them against online platforms operating across national borders.