Best Online Casinos - Gabon

Land-based gambling is legal in Gabon. It’s been regulated since 2005, with the Réglementation générale des jeux de hasard being the key legal document that the industry relies on. To be more specific, this law regulates casinos, sports betting, horse racing, and lotteries.

All gambling activities in Gabon fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. When it comes to gambling, the key responsibilities of the Ministry are to check and license applicants, monitor compliance of the already licensed venues, detect fraud and money laundering across the existing casinos, and collect gambling-related taxes.

Any business willing to offer games of chance or sports betting must apply for a license and pass a rigorous background check. The overall process is quite lengthy and includes these essential steps:

• Application Submission – Operators must provide a detailed business plan, proof of financial stability, and a security strategy to prevent gambling-related crimes.
• Background Checks – Owners and investors undergo vetting to ensure they have no criminal records related to fraud or money laundering.
• Infrastructure and Location Approval – The government inspects the proposed gambling facility to ensure it meets security, safety, and responsible gaming standards.
• Payment of Licensing Fees – Licensing fees vary based on the type of gambling establishment, but typically start at $20,000.
• Regulatory Approval – The process takes between 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the application and whether all requirements are met.

Licensed land-based gambling operators in Gabon must pay a 4.5% tax on their monthly revenue. Additional fees may apply based on the type of gambling activity and operational scale. Players are responsible for reporting their taxes.

All of the biggest and most popular gambling hubs are clustered in the major cities of the country. These include the capital, Libreville, as well as Port-Gentil. Land-based gambling and betting in Gabon are equally popular among the local population and tourists.

Is online gambling legal in Gabon?

Similar to offline gambling, online games of chance and betting activities are legal and regulated in the reviewed country. Gabon is among the emerging African markets when it comes to gambling, and there is currently an influx of investors keen to launch online betting houses.

That being said, the 2005 Réglementation générale des jeux de hasard is currently the only law to address any form of gambling in the country and it does not necessarily outline all the online peculiarities of the activity. In a way, this makes virtual gambling hubs not explicitly regulated. Consequently, there are no domestic online casinos licensed within Gabon. 

Instead, residents can access and participate in international online gambling platforms without legal repercussions. The upside is that this leaves the local population exposed to many international places to bet and win. The list of options is practically limitless. However, it's important to note that these activities are not regulated by Gabonese authorities, which means consumer protections may be limited.

The official currency of Gabon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). The thing about this currency is that while it is very convenient for the local players, given the fact that there are currently no locally licensed online operators, the chances of using XAF when gambling online are very low. We’ve reviewed 100s of online operators and can state with certainty that XAF is underrepresented across international online gaming venues.

What players can do instead is either gamble in USD (with conversion fees that have to be taken care of) or use crypto. One of the most popular options is Bitcoin — it is represented across all the crypto-friendly casinos. The reasons why players prefer it are diverse: it is easy to use, has low fees, and maintains a great speed for deposits and withdrawals. Alternatively, players from Gabon are welcome to explore Ethereum, Tron, Tether, Litecoin, and quite a few other cryptocurrencies.

When it comes to popular payment methods, it is safe to say that the landscape of online payment services is evolving, with a blend of traditional banking methods and innovative digital solutions catering to the needs of players. Services like Airtel Money, BICIG Mobile, and Mobicash are on the rise but they are not that broadly represented across international gambling lobbies.

Instead, players from Gabon are encouraged to use crypto wallets, as well as cards – both Visa and MasterCard are available in 99% of online lobbies that accept the reviewed country. Bank transfers are among other options, as are services like PayPal. 

The best practice when choosing an online operator is to check in advance whether the method that the provider offers aligns with the needs of players. There is nothing worse than getting stuck with an online gambling platform that makes payments a hassle.

Games of chance in one form or another have always been a part of the Gabonese culture. Such games would bring communities together, and players would be able to use both strategy and chance in attempts to win. The colonization era then brough car games to the culture, which became popular among the local population. Additionally, the establishment of horse racing tracks and the introduction of lotteries provided new gambling activities that were previously unfamiliar to the Gabonese.

Today, players in Gabon have access to a vast selection of games, thanks to the presence of major international providers. Online platforms offer everything from slots and table games to live dealer experiences, catering to different playing styles and preferences. Many of these sites feature games from well-known developers, ensuring a high-quality gaming experience with modern graphics and fair play mechanics.

Slots remain the most popular choice among Gabonese players, particularly those with African-inspired themes. Titles like Mega Moolah, African Quest and Safari Gold Megaways capture the essence of the continent with symbols of wildlife, landscapes, and traditional music. These games not only offer entertaining visuals but also come with exciting bonus features and jackpot potential, making them a favorite among players looking for both fun and big wins.

For those who prefer a more interactive experience, live dealer games have become increasingly popular. Gabonese players enjoy classics like live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat,. These games allow for real-time interaction with professional dealers, bringing the atmosphere of a physical casino directly to their screens.