Equatorial Guinea Embraces Regulated Online Gaming Market

Equatorial Guinea Emerges as a New Online Gaming Market

Equatorial Guinea has officially stepped into the realm of regulated online gaming, marking a significant milestone by issuing its first master license. This development opens up exciting new opportunities for entertainment and economic growth within the country.

Master License Awarded to Mascott Capital Partners

Situated on the west coast of Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea is a nation with a population of less than two million and a history as a former Spanish colony that gained independence in 1968.

In 2017, regulatory reforms paved the way for online gaming to become a lawful industry. The country’s Minister of Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure, Antonio-Pedro Oliveira Burupu, authorized the issuance of the very first online gaming master license.

The license was granted to Mascott Capital Partners, a company based in Cyprus. With this master license, Mascott Capital Partners is tasked with not only issuing further licenses to operators but also ensuring that all license holders adhere strictly to national regulations.

Any online gaming operators aiming to enter Equatorial Guinea’s market must collaborate with Mascott Capital Partners and comply with requirements such as age verification protocols, responsible gambling measures, and anti-money laundering procedures.

Government’s Vision: Economic Diversification through iGaming

The government views the licensing of the country’s first legal online gaming operator as a major advancement and has expressed strong support for the initiative.

Minister Burupu emphasized the importance of this move, describing the launch of online gaming, betting, and online casinos as one of the most impactful actions undertaken by gaming regulators in the nation’s history. He highlighted Mascott Capital Partners’ digital platform as a key tool for facilitating the submission of license applications.

Furthermore, the minister indicated that establishing a regulated online gaming market would not only enhance Equatorial Guinea’s standing internationally but also serve as a catalyst for diversifying its economy. The move is anticipated to attract increased foreign investment, especially in the country’s emerging digital sector.

By developing this regulated framework, Equatorial Guinea aims to position itself as a dependable gaming license jurisdiction, drawing comparisons to well-established hubs like Curaçao and Anjouan.