Egypt announced a mass blocking of iGaming platforms

Egypt is taking decisive steps to limit access to foreign gambling websites, launching a campaign that aims to remove unlicensed platforms from the digital space.

The plans were announced by Ahmed Badawi, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology. He confirmed that Egyptian internet providers will soon receive instructions to block online betting and casino services that operate in the country without permission.

1xBet to Face the First Restrictions

Badawi stated that the first website to be cut off will be 1xBet, one of the most recognizable international gambling brands among Egyptian users. Authorities view the company as a clear example of how offshore operators have built a strong business in Egypt despite the legal ban. By blocking major names first, regulators hope to quickly reduce the overall volume of illegal online gambling. The technical process of restricting access is expected to start within the next few days, and additional websites will follow.

Government Prepares a New Legal Framework

The authorities are also working on a new gambling law. Right now, the rules are unclear and spread across several old acts. This makes enforcement difficult. Parliament wants to replace this with one modern document that gives clear guidance.

Topics under discussion include:

• compulsory accreditation for any operator that wants to work with Egyptian customers,

• a requirement to open local offices inside Egypt,

• tighter monitoring of digital applications and advertising,

• financial responsibility for users who rely on illegal services.

Officials describe the initiative as the first serious attempt to bring order to a market that has grown without oversight.

Strict Punishments Already Exist

Even before the new legislation is adopted, Egypt treats online gambling as a criminal activity.

Current laws allow the authorities to punish players with up to three months in prison and fines of as much as $1,600. Those who organize or manage illegal websites face far heavier consequences, including prison terms from six months to three years and penalties ranging from $3,200 to $9,700.

If a company or individual is caught violating the law more than once, the sentence can increase to five years in prison, with fines reaching $16,000. Courts also have the right to confiscate servers, computers, and other technical equipment.

A Lucrative Market Outside Government Control

In reality, the bans have done little to reduce demand. According to current forecasts, Egypt’s lottery and casino market is likely to be valued at about $950 million in 2025 and could reach $1.1 billion by 2031. Experts expect this segment to expand by roughly four percent each year.

The sports betting market is even larger. Analysts predict that by 2032 it may surpass $2.9 billion. Egyptian officials argue that most of this money currently goes to offshore companies and brings no benefit to the national economy. The new crackdown is meant to change that situation and stop what the government sees as a major financial drain.

How Egyptian Players Will Be Affected

For regular users, the consequences of the campaign will be felt almost immediately. Popular gambling websites may suddenly stop working, and many mobile applications are likely to disappear from app stores.

Players who continue to search for ways around the restrictions will face higher legal risks. With stronger monitoring and clearer rules, using unlicensed websites could become far more dangerous than before. Until Egypt creates a regulated alternative, people interested in online betting will have fewer options and much less freedom than in the past.

Just recently, we covered similar developments in the Netherlands, where authorities are placing greater emphasis on combating illegal suppliers.