Djibouti is a small African country, surrounded by Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Its geographical location makes it a modest yet growing tourism hub. Trevellers and expatriates visit gaming venues in the state during their trips, contributing to the national economy.
Casino Market’s team has studied the peculiarities of Djibouti’s gambling segment to deliver key insights for potential investors. We can help open a turnkey entertainment project in top jurisdictions.
General Notions About the Local Industry
Due to its small size and moderate worldwide awareness, many global operators and software providers view the country as a rather strategic opportunity to debut in larger neighbouring states. Still, it is a good option for entrepreneurs who prefer working with niche markets.
The citizens are forbidden from visiting gambling venues due to their religious beliefs. Over 90% of the nation is Muslim. Some of them still play real-money games, but secretly. The main audience of traditional casinos and similar properties is foreigners.
Regarding online entertainment, the vertical is rather raw for now. Nevertheless, it shows an inspiring growth tendency. As of the end of 2025, the sector has no online gambling legislation, which allows offshore brands to target international customers in Djibouti. At the same time, these studios rely on ties to well-established providers due to the state’s poor Internet organisational structures.
Only a few official statistics on local revenues have been released so far. It is challenging to find the exact numbers, yet some details were revealed:
- iGaming is closely linked to tourism, and this factor is among the main profit drivers, delivering about $80–100 million in 2024 from nearly 100,000–150,000 overseas travellers.
- Regarding digital operations, there were no comprehensive GGR studies. Nevertheless, the physical vertical brings in between $10 million and $20 million per year.
- The CAGR is predicted to be 3–5% until 2030. The increase is due to the growing volume of port traffic and the influx of visitors from Ethiopia.
Leading Entertainment Categories
As for online activities, mobile sports betting through offshore brands’ projects prevails. The primary discipline is soccer, especially matches of the Premier League and the Coupe d'Afrique des nations (Africa Cup of Nations). Live casinos are also popular.
The land-based niche is divided into 3 major Categories:
- A — table content. Roulette wheels are in the highest demand. This group also includes blackjack and craps. They appeal to visitors due to familiar rules and high margins.
- B — cards. The section encompasses the most famous poker variations and baccarat rounds. The main target audience of such amusement is Ethiopian and Somali casino enthusiasts with developed skills.
- C — slots and video titles. Electronic reel-based cabinets are very popular across the gambling floors. They account for 40–50% of all dedicated space, together with e-poker. Europeans and Arabs are the key fans.
The lottery niche lacks sufficient domestic representations, and there are no state draws. Thus, people prefer to visit foreign platforms with internet raffles.
Average Djiboutian Player: Profile
The majority of customers are men (80–85%) aged 25–54 (70%). Meanwhile, mobile sportsbooks are the most popular among Gen Z: about 20% of people from 18 to 24 like to place bets on athletic matches and tournaments.
When it comes to national preferences, 60% of Ethiopian and Somali punters often choose group sessions with strong socialisation elements, such as table games. About 30% of European and Arab audiences go for slots and poker rounds at luxurious hotels.
The largest and most profitable category of players is high-rollers, delivering around 70% of total GGR. Customers who spend at least $500 per gambling session are considered part of this group.
In the physical vertical, clients appreciate the mixture of splendid dining offers and diverse nightlife and entertainment formats, making integrated leisure complexes the best fit for them. Online amusement seekers value international portals that support both French- and Arabic-translated versions.
Regulatory Peculiarities of the Market
Legalisation of the sphere started back in 1972, when the Gambling Law was passed. Later in 1983, it was replaced by another act that officially launched ground casinos. Then, offline slot cabinets became available across gaming floors in 1995.
Although there are no explicit rules regarding sportsbooks, lotteries, and online slot portals, visitors to Djibouti can still enjoy the corresponding offers on global websites, part of the grey market.
Let us explore different aspects of this chapter:
Licensing Issues: Authorities and Procedures
The local Ministry of Economy and Finance’s (MEFI) members bear responsibility for granting permits in this sphere. The body oversees all types of physical gambling businesses within the state and checks their legal compliance.
Previously, security-related market nuances were influenced by another government department. The national Ministry of the Interior’s representatives made several references to the field.
To obtain a local gaming licence, land-based operators need to follow precise steps:
- Send an application. The request with the essential information must be submitted to the MEFI. The mandatory data range includes the list of content types, the project category, the start budget, security plans, responsible-play tools, etc.
- Pay an initial commission. The exact sum depends on the business size and orientation. For instance, sole casinos and multi-vertical startups require different fees. On average, it would cost the investor around $30,000–70,000.
- Undergo background checks. The authorities focus on shareholders and senior staff. Sources of funds and the ability to conduct the corresponding operations will be examined. International AML and financial supervision standards guide the Ministry.
- Continue ensuring law compliance. Licensees are obliged to submit regular reports on their activities to the MEFI, demonstrating adherence to legal requirements. The body will also conduct methodical inspections.
The duration of the certification procedure usually takes less than half a year, which is quicker than in many other jurisdictions. This factor adds value to the document, making it ideal for those seeking markets with low entry thresholds and quick launch opportunities.
Taxation System and Compliance Measures
Working in the state, all offline investors are required to pay the following fees:
- employment and related contributions;
- corporate income charge (nearly 25% of net profits);
- commissions on turnover/GGR, outlined in a permit, including fixed annual levies;
- VAT / indirect liabilities applied to additional non-gambling services (hospitality, drinks, dining, etc.).
Operators must accurately verify each player’s age. Minors under 18 years old are strictly prohibited from participating in real-money gaming projects.
The authorities also demand adherence in other aspects, such as:
- establishing detailed inner controls and providing proper customer surveillance;
- maintaining records on AML and transparency measures following international standards;
- supporting the technical quality of gambling equipment and furniture presented on the dedicated floors;
- ensuring secure cash-handling operations, including the creation of a well-protected environment for obtaining receipts;
- complying with local marketing, religion-related restrictions and avoiding aggressive advertising formats and nation-aimed content.
Although there are no established regulations for iGaming platforms, owners of web portals must adhere to the requirements of their licence-issuing jurisdiction. Thus, such entrepreneurs are also obliged to follow AML, KYC, and similar rules.
Numerous lawyers in the country predict an increasing focus on casino security standards. They believe the government will soon announce new norms regarding tighter client protection and responsible gambling measures.
Market Competition: Key Participants
Djibouti’s entertainment industry has a limited pool of certified gaming establishments and many global websites that serve the local audience but primarily focus on other, bigger jurisdictions.
Brick-and-Mortar Sector
The major ground properties are located in the country’s capital, where the largest volumes of tourists are concentrated near premium hotels.
The most renowned offline facilities in the state are:
- Aden Bay Casino, an integrated complex in the nation’s main city that provides high-quality table and slot content;
- Safari Casino Club, a strong competitor, which combines splendid service with business rooms for foreigners;
- Djibouti Palace Kempinski’s and Sheraton’s venues, hotel-based projects with strategic location, attracting VIP gamblers.
Digital Segment
International corporations dominate the web niche, offering Arabic-, English-, and French-translated sports wagers and casino games.
Among the most prominent representatives are:
- 1xBet;
- Melbet;
- BetWinner;
- Betmaster, etc.
Users choose these companies for their global reputable licences and rich lobbies. The portfolios are full of live-dealer titles, slots, virtual solutions, bookmaker content, and other exciting and diverse propositions.
Industry Entry: Partnerships
To successfully debut on the market, investors are advised to arrange several cooperation deals:
- Integrated resorts. Creating ties with established hotels in the country provides direct access to their extensive client bases. It is a mutually beneficial offer, since the hospitality side will also gain more profit per consumer and new faces in the halls.
- Affiliate partnerships. Global bookmakers reach out to regional marketing agencies and individual portals to attract people in Djibouti. Together, the commercial allies create tailored content, such as bonus messages in native languages.
- Payment collaborations. International systems for gambling deposits and withdrawals are an optimal choice. These companies enable settlements via bank cards, e-wallets, wire transfers, and other options. Operation speed is among the key selling points for players.
- Deals with Internet service providers. The territory has a rather unreliable connection. To avoid session interruptions, delays, and other technical issues, investors are strongly advised to sign contracts with local ISPs.
Fintech studios are relevant partners for owners of amusement websites, while ground properties need cash-handling solutions, as it is the preferred method of conducting payments. Here, credit cards are not widespread, but mobile alternatives have become a prevalent way to access assets.
The rise in the popularity of the D-Money app contributed to this tendency. Additionally, it may facilitate the transportation of e-funds to a digital ecosystem.
Major Opportunities and Challenges
The jurisdiction has a promising future due to the accelerating expansion of tourism. This benefit is ensured by the strategic location, which attracts a broad, solvent audience from neighbouring, more developed states.
Other significant advantages include:
- a relatively quick licensing process (4–6 months);
- general gambling sphere evolution on the continent;
- improvements in the segment of online payment services;
- progressive upgrades of ground casinos and hybrid formats;
- possible investment in raffle and sportsbook structures and facilities.
At the same time, several challenges that must be considered persist. Religion-caused bans on citizens, issues with employment statistics, and debt affect economic results. Nevertheless, iGaming legalisation, balanced amusement regulations, and new opportunities for other real-money entertainment verticals can address most of the issues mentioned.
The gambling business in Africa continues to evolve across different regional countries. There is hope that the small state’s government will react to these trendy shifts with more attention and corresponding action.
The Main Things About Djibouti’s Gaming Market
The jurisdiction offers beneficial licensing conditions for opening brick-and-mortar casinos and a promising future for the development of the online niche. It is a good side option for operators with limited initial capital and the need to expand to a new destination quickly.
Let us recall the central insights from this article:
- Djibouti’s citizens are prohibited from visiting gambling venues due to their religious beliefs (over 90% are Muslim). Foreign residents are the main audience of land-based facilities.
- There is no iGaming legislation. This factor allows offshore brands to target international customers. The studios rely on ties to well-established providers.
- The ground vertical consists of 3 content Categories (table, card, and RNG titles). In the digital realm, mobile sportsbooks and live casinos prevail.
- The majority of customers are men (80–85%) aged 25–54 (70%), while about 20% of 18–24-year-olds enjoy betting. High rollers deliver around 70% of total GGR.
- The MEFI is responsible for granting applicants permits in the sphere. The authoritative body then supervises the businesses and checks compliance.
- The industry has a limited pool of certified gaming venues and many global websites that serve local players but mainly focus on bigger overseas jurisdictions.
- There are both opportunities and challenges. With African markets continuing to evolve, there is hope that the state’s government will respond to these trends.
Our team can provide you with more information on this and other gambling sectors worldwide. We offer comprehensive consultations on business matters for both established and aspiring operators.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to debut in the most beneficial global destinations with a polished gambling startup or to level up and scale the existing project.
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