Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling in Ethiopia starts with one rule: betting is for adults aged 21 and over, the minimum age set by Directives 172/2021 and 856/2014. Beyond that, it means treating every stake as money spent on entertainment – never as income, a way out of debt or a way to win back what you have lost.

Ethio Betting reviews bookmakers, but we would rather you bet less than bet badly. This page lists the warning signs of a problem, simple tools that help you stay in control and where to find support.

Warning signs of problem gambling

• You bet more than you planned, or more often than you planned.
• You chase losses by raising stakes or playing "one more round".
• You borrow money, sell belongings or use money meant for rent, food or school fees to bet.
• You hide betting from your family or lie about how much you spend.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot bet.
• Betting affects your sleep, work, studies or relationships.

If two or more of these sound familiar, take it seriously. Fast games such as keno, Aviator and virtual sports make this easier to slip into, because rounds last seconds or minutes.

Tools to stay in control

• Set a budget before you start and stop when it is spent. Never top up in the middle of a session.
• Use the limits on your account if the site offers them: deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders and time-outs.
• Take breaks. Step away for a day, a week or longer. If a site offers self-exclusion, use it – and do not open an account elsewhere.
• Keep a record of deposits and withdrawals. Your telebirr or bank statement shows the real total.
• Never bet when you are upset, drunk or under pressure to recover a loss.
• Protect young people. Do not share accounts or phones used for betting with anyone under 21.

Where to get help

We could not find a dedicated gambling helpline in Ethiopia. The SMS short code 9695 run by the Ethiopian Lottery Service is for reporting illegal betting, not for support. These options are available:

• A mental-health professional. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa provides general psychiatric and addiction care. Its services are not specific to gambling, but a doctor there or at your local health centre can help you take the first step.
• Gambling Therapy – free, anonymous online text support from the UK charity Gordon Moody, available in more than 200 languages, partly through machine translation: gamblingtherapy.org.
• Gamblers Anonymous – a 12-step peer-support fellowship with online meetings: gamblersanonymous.org. We did not find meetings in Ethiopia, but online meetings are available.
• People you trust. Talking to a family member, friend or religious leader is often the hardest step and the most useful one.

The legal background – the 21+ rule, the 20% tax on winnings and the 2025 licence revocation – is explained in our guide to betting in Ethiopia.

Responsible gambling Ethiopia FAQ