Gambling Age In Guinea-Bissau

Minimum Age: No specified age

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Guinea-Bissau, gambling is illegal, with no specified minimum legal age, as per the 2019 Gambling Ban Decree, reflecting a ban to curb social harms amid political instability. The prohibition aligns with the country’s governance challenges.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling, including casinos, betting shops, and lotteries, is illegal under the 2019 Decree. No legal venues exist, offering no game catalogs, contrasting with your interest in extensive options. Underground gambling is minimal due to poverty and enforcement, with no significant market value. The ban, enacted post-2019 elections, prioritizes social stability.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with no local licensing framework. Offshore sites, accessed via mobile browsers, contribute to a $1 million unregulated market in 2024, with players facing risks without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored. No website blocking occurs due to weak infrastructure.

Regulation and Oversight: No regulatory body oversees gambling due to the ban. Guinea-Bissau’s restrictive stance prioritizes social control, lacking the licensing rigor you’ve inquired about. No regulatory updates occurred in 2024, and none are expected in 2025, given political instability.

Enforcement and Penalties: Guinea-Bissau enforces its gambling ban moderately, constrained by resources. Operators face fines up to XOF 500,000 or imprisonment, while players face fines or detention. Online enforcement is negligible, with the negligible gambling market projected to remain static in 2025, limited by poverty and internet access.