Neighboring countries include Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana and South Africa to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It achieved its independence on the 21st of March 1990 making it the last African country to gain independence. Gambling has evolved a lot in Namibia and today it is one of the most popular and entertaining activity in the country. This article will provide an overview of betting sites in Namibia, the legal framework, and the most popular sports betting platforms for Namibian bettors.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Introduction to Gambling Regulation in Namibia
The history of gambling in Namibia is rather diverse and has a long history. Here’s a timeline of key events:
- 1920 to 1965: Due to the fact that Namibia was under the rule of South Africa, the laws on gambling were those of South Africa.
- 1965: Gambling was legalised in Namibia, which was then known as Southwest Africa by the Gambling Act No. 51 of 1965.
- 1990: Namibia got its independence from South Africa.
- 1994: Legal stepping stones of gambling in Namibia were set by Casinos and Gambling Houses Act of 1994 in the country of Namibia.
- 2002: The Lotteries Act of legalized lottery games.
- 2017: The Lotteries Act was regulate and amend the previous laws.
- 2018: The Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 13 of 2018 legalised the act of betting online.
Regulatory Agencies of Betting Sites in Namibia
Namibia has several agencies responsible for regulating gambling activities:
- Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has the responsibility of enforcing the laws on gambling.
- Functions of Gaming and Entertainment Control Board include; licensing and enforcement.
- The Gambling Inspectors are entitled to detain the offenders and confiscate the equipment used in the unauthorized gambling.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
In Namibia, most forms of gambling are legal, but there are some restrictions:
Permitted:
- Casino games
- Lottery
- Sports betting
- Online gambling
Prohibited:
- Unlicensed gambling operations
- Unauthorized gambling machines
- Illegal betting houses
Gambling Licenses and Fees
Obtaining a gambling license in Namibia involves several steps and fees:
Types of Licenses:
- Casino licenses
- Lottery licenses
- Sports betting licenses
Licences for online gambling (for operators who have a shop on the territory of the country).
Fees:
- Fees range from basic to advanced depending on the size and kind of business to be licensed.
- Some of the fixed licensing fees and levies are calculated on a case by case basis.
Gambling Taxes
Namibia has a unique tax structure for gambling:
- Licensing Fees: The type of gambling operation is the basis for fixed fees.
- Gambling Taxes: Other fixed fees which are set by the license.
- Player Winnings: This is not taxable based on the provision of the 1994 Casinos and Gambling Houses Act.
Best Betting Sites in Namibia
Namibia offers several top-notch betting sites:
1xbet:
Up To £100
Betandyou:
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Melbet:
Bet £30 Get £30
Some important events in Namibia sport
Namibia has had several key milestones in sports:
- 1998: Their first time to be in the COSAFA Cup.
- 2007: This means rugby team has successfully defeated Italy.
- 2010: Rugby Cup champions for the first time in the international competition.
- 2019: Namibia’s Helalia Johannes on Monday clinched gold at the African Games.
- 2021: Applying the provisions of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act.
Celebrating Namibian Sports Stars
Namibia boasts several notable athletes:
- Frankie Fredericks: A four time Olympic Games medallist in Athletics.
- Jacques Burger: Received an award of Premiership Player of the year in rugby.
- Trevor Dodds: Golfer famous for playing at the Rossmund Desert Golf Course.
- Collin Benjamin: Best-ever striker in the football.
- Paulus Moses: Current WBA lightweight champion of the world in boxing.
Neighboring Countries’ Gambling Laws
South Africa
- Legal Framework: Gambling is legal and is regulated in some way.
- Regulatory Agencies: The regulation of the sector lies in the hands of National Gambling Board.
- Key Laws: The National Gambling Act of the year 2004.
Botswana
- Legal Framework: It is legal but the regulation of gambling is strict.
- Regulatory Agencies: The Casino Control Board is the supreme body that controls all the gambling activities.
- Key Laws: The law of 1971 known as the Casino Act.
Angola
- Legal Framework: Gambling is allowed yet the activity is not regulated to the best of an extent.
- Regulatory Agencies: None; government and other related authorities in the area control the operations.
- Key Laws: Provincial laws exist on gambling.
Conclusion
Namibia has a clear and legal framework of the gambling industry that allows many people interested in such activities. With a long history of gambling legislation, a list of the best betting sites and famous athletes and sportsmen, there is still so much to uncover. If you are a beginner in the betting or planning to learn more about the same then Namibia can prove to be a good starting point.
FAQs: Betting Sites in Namibia
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