The island of Cape Verde gained official independence on the 5th of July 1975 and became a republic. Second Republic was formed in the year 1991. Due to the increased focus on sport and the sound legal environment in which gambling operates, it has become a nation that attracts many gamblers. Whether you are a professional gambler or have just started, knowing the landscape of betting in Cape Verde will be profitable for you. In this blog, we will discuss top betting sites in Cape Verde, legal framework of gambling in the country and how to start.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
The Overview of the Gambling Laws in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has a long way in developing the gambling laws of the country. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane:
- 1975: Cape Verde became an independent state with effect from 1975 after having being colonized by Portugal.
- 1977: The Red Cross of Cape Verde received the permit to conduct a national lottery based on Decree-Law No. 76/771.
- 2005: Gambling started being legal in Vietnam in 2005 under the Law No. 77/VI/2005 dated 24 November 2005, also referred to as the Games of Chance Act.
- 2015: The law of Digital games of chance was approved (Decreto-Lei nº 73-2015) to ensure that online gambling is not unlawful.
- 2017: The first and what is currently the only casino in Cape Verde, the Casino Royal, was established in Sal.
Gambling Regulatory Agencies
The gambling business in Cape Verde is controlled by the Cape Verde Gaming Inspection Authority (Serviço Central de Inspeção e Controlo da Atividade de Jogos). This body is in charge of the regulation of both the online and the physical based gambling outlets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Issuing gambling licenses
- Conducting regular inspections
- The requirements of gambling laws
- Handling complaints and disputes
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
In Cape Verde the law is very much defined on what is legal and what is not concerning gambling.
Permitted Bets:
Sports betting
- The different kinds of games that are found in casinos (both the virtual and those that are physical).
- Lotteries
- Bingo
Prohibited Bets:
- Political and cultural events whereby people place their bets to earn a profit
- Unlicensed online gambling platforms
Licenses and Fees of Betting Sites in Cape Verde
Gambling business in Cape Verde can only be run with a license. Here’s a breakdown of the types of licenses available:
Types of Licenses:
- Gambling is a form of gaming that is conducted online; it includes sports betting and digital casinos.
- Physical casinos
- Bingo halls
- Licenses for gambling on aircrafts and luxury cruises
Licensing Fees:
- Online gambling licenses are renewed yearly and they are not cheap.
- The physical casinos usually have an initial payment which may cover for the setup then an annual fee for the continuation.
- Bingo halls and special license have different fee structures which can be obtained from the Gaming Inspection Authority’s page.
Gambling Taxes
All the gambling operators in Cape Verde are required to pay a fixed amount of money as license fees and not taxes tied to their performance. All forms of gambling are taxed at 20% and for players, this is considered as capital gains.
Best Betting Sites in Cape Verde
For those eager to place their bets, here are the top betting sites that cater to Cape Verdean players:
1. Dafabet Cape Verde
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
2. Betmaster Cape Verde
Up To £1000 + £10 Free Bets
1xBet Cape Verde
Up To £100
A turning point in sports betting development
Over the years, several milestone events have shaped Cape Verde’s sports betting landscape:
- 1977: National lottery legalized in 1977.
- 2005: New and comprehensive gambling laws passed.
- 2015: Digital Games of Chance Act passed.
- 2017: Opening of Casino Royal.
- 2023: Third gaming concession to be opened on the island of São Vicente.
Celebrating Sports Stars
Cape Verde has produced some remarkable athletes who have made significant contributions to sports:
Football:
- Jorge Andrade (Porto, Juventus)
- Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon star, Nani.
Athletics:
- Fernanda Ribeiro – she is the Olympic gold and silver medalist in the 10,000m event.
- Francis Obikwelu – Olympic Silver and Bronze medalist in the event of 100 meter sprint.
Volleyball:
- Nuno Pinheiro – The gold medalist at World Championships in the year 2003.
Comparison of laws in neighboring countries
Here’s a brief overview of gambling laws in three neighboring countries:
Senegal:
- Gambling is legal and there is regulation.
- The National Lottery of Senegal regulates gambling and its providers and makes sure that everyone follows the law.
- Some of the forms of gambling that are allowed and commonly practiced by the residents and tourists are casinos and sports betting.
Gambia:
- The nation has quite a few rules with comparatively low acceptance of gambling.
- The regulation of the Gambia Gaming industry is done by the Gambia Gaming Board to ensure that every player gets a fair deal and prohibit the activities of gambling which is unlawful.
- Currently, the number of licensed operators is limited and, as a rule, the gambling services are provided with an emphasis on lotteries and sports betting.
Guinea-Bissau:
- It is relatively not well controlled in comparison with the other neighboring countries.
- Casinos and sports betting are well-developed, yet rather unregulated and are not monitored closely by the government.
- The absence of an enforceable form of law has made the gambling culture in the country rather relaxed and easily accessible to both the residents and tourists.
Conclusion
Cape Verde is among the countries that has created a favorable and legal atmosphere for the business of betting. From legislations to the best betting sites, the country has come a long way in providing safe and fun gambling experience. Depending on whether you are a resident of Cape Verde or a tourist, the world of Cape Verde sports betting is open to you. Find the possibilities, take your risks and who knows what might happen. Well, you never know, you could strike it lucky!
FAQ of Betting Sites in Cape Verde
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