Liberia is a nation in western Africa. On its north it is sharing its border with Guinea, on the northwest with Sierra Leone and on east with Côte d’Ivoire while on the southwest it has Atlantic Ocean. The sphere of sports betting is constantly developing, and Liberia is not an exception in this regard. Getting the most out of the many betting sites requires knowledge of the current gambling laws. This step by step guide will provide you with all the information you require on betting sites in Liberia including the history of legalization of betting, and the best sites to use.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History and Development of Gambling Laws in Liberia
The modern history of gambling in Liberia dates back many years. Knowing this background will enable one to understand the current situation of betting in the country.
Early Beginnings
- 1982: This legalised gambling in Liberia was the first of its kind.
- 1990 – 1993: The Liberian Civil war also contributed by banning gambling especially the first Liberian civil war.
- 1993: Gambling was again allowed and the Liberia national lottery became a state owned entity.
Legalization of Online Gambling
- 1999: To this effect, Liberia was among the first African countries to legalize and regulate online gambling so as to position the country as the online offshore casino center of Africa.
- 2000: Starnet had an agreement with the state for a state-backed online casino business but it remained a dead deal.
Recent Developments
- 2011: Online lottery was approved and the deal with Mercury, Inc. was made for 10 years.
- 2016: It can be noted that the new Gambling Regulation 001 signed recently made the online gambling legal for private companies.
Liberia Gambling Regulatory Authority
This is to make certain that there is always following of the set standards to prevent manipulation and to also safeguard the interest of the operators and players.
National Lottery Authority (NLA)
The NLA is the only organization that regulates the provision of gambling services in Liberia. Established in the early 1980s and reestablished in 1993, the NLA’s responsibilities include:
- Granting of licenses to the gambling operators.
- Complying with the gambling laws.
- The roles include;
- Arbitrating conflicts between players and operators.
Permitted and Prohibited Bets
Here is what you can bet on and what you cannot bet on. One should also understand the types of bets accepted and those that are not accepted by various sportsbooks.
Permitted Bets
- Casino Games: All, without exception, types of casino games are legal.
- Sports Betting: This is legal and above board.
- Online Gambling: Established since 1999, with a concentration on the online casinos and lotteries.
Prohibited Bets
- Underage Betting: Gambling activities to persons below 18 years are prohibited and or restricted.
- Unlicensed Operations: This is against the law since the law requires one to have a valid license for them to operate.
Gambling License of Betting Sites in Liberia
Gambling business can only be run with obtaining a permit from the NLA. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Licenses and Charges
- License Application: US $ 300 (applicants applying for the Ph. D. Program are exempted from the application fee but must pay a non-refundable fee of US $ 300 if they are rejected).
- License Renewal: $250
- Casino License (up to 20 machines): The budget for this project is sixty thousand dollars only.
- Sports Betting License: $40,000
- Instant-Win Games License: $40,000
- Extra Gaming Machine Registration: To be paid at a rate of $500 per machine.
- Extra Gaming Table Registration: If you are interested it will cost $500 per table for the event.
- Raffle Permit: A quarter of the total amount of the prize fund of the raffle;
Understanding the Taxes on Gambling in Liberia.
In particular, it is necessary to comprehend the tax system in order to be effective as an operator or a player.
- Gambling Tax (Gaming Winnings Tax): It is 20% of the winnings on players.
- Online Gambling Tax: This is 20% on the winnings of player.
- Gambling Equipment Excise Tax: The tax rates as on the gambling equipment are 30%.
Best Betting Sites in Liberia
If you’re looking to place bets, here are some of the top betting platforms available in Liberia:
Dafabet
Known for its wide range of sports markets and competitive odds, Dafabet offers:
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
1xBet
Popular for its diverse sports options, 1xBet provides:
Up To £100
Betmaster
A reliable platform with impressive sports and event options, Betmaster features:
Up To £1000 + £10 Free Bets
Famous Sports in Liberia
Sports have always been a major aspect of the Liberian society with numerous events defining the sports sector in the country.
Football Glory
- 1995: Weah, George wins the FIFA World Player of the Year.
- 1996 & 2002: The thinkquarter of Liberia’s national team gets to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Other Sports Achievements
- Basketball: It has also clinched several medals at the African Championships in the national team.
- Athletics: Some of the Olympic Games medalists that have come from Liberia include.
Celebrating Liberia’s Sports Stars
Liberia is not left out in the production of some few good and well dignified athletes of the world.
George Weah
- 1995: Lands FIFA World Player of the year title.
- 1995: Described as European player of the year.
- Three times the African Player of the Year award REC(1989,1994,1995).
Other Notable Athletes
- James Debbah: Was a member of the team that emerged the winner of the African Cup of Nations in the year 1996.
- Florence Griffith-Joyner: Three Olympic gold medals in the year 1988 and so on.
Gambling-Related Laws in Other Countries
Gaining a knowledge of the gambling environment of the neighboring countries is helpful in giving background.
Guinea
- Gambling Legalization: 1987.
- Regulatory Body: Lottery of Guinea.
- Gambling Tax: It calculates 25% of the winnings of player.
Sierra Leone
- Gambling Legalization: 1992.
- Regulatory Body: The company in focus in this topic is the Sierra Leone National Lottery Company.
- Gambling Tax: 20 percent on the gaming revenue.
Côte d’Ivoire
- Gambling Legalization: 1994.
- Regulatory Body: Lottery of Cote d’Ivoire.
- Gambling Tax: 30% of the winnings that a player gets.
Conclusion
Exploring the Liberian betting market is an interesting task that is full of potential and here are some things to know. It doesn’t matter whether you are a pro in betting or a beginner, knowing the rules, the best betting sites to place your bet, and the various sports will be of great help to you.
FAQ: Betting Sites in Liberia
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