Online poker exists in a legal gray area in Cameroon, as the country's gambling laws do not specifically regulate online gaming activities. While there are no specific laws that prohibit online poker, there is also no explicit legal framework that regulates or licenses it, creating a situation where some poker websites operate freely while others may be blocked by authorities (1). The operation of online games requires authorization from the Minister in charge of gaming under Decree No. 2019/2300/PM, though enforcement remains inconsistent.
The current main piece of gambling legislation is the Decree N°2019/2300/PM, better known as the 2019 Gambling Decree, which replaced the 2015 Gambling Decree and established the framework for entertainment games, money games and games of chance. Online gambling is technically legal in Cameroon since 2019, with poker halls having been legal for land-based operations since 2004 (2). However, the regulatory framework for online poker remains underdeveloped, with most gambling regulation focused on traditional land-based establishments and national lottery operations.
"While there are no specific laws that prohibit the activity, there is also no explicit legal framework that regulates or licenses it. This ambiguity has led to a situation where some poker websites operate freely."
The general consensus is that online gambling, including poker, remains unregulated but not explicitly illegal in Cameroon. Players can access international poker platforms without facing prosecution, though they do so without consumer protections or government oversight. The government has indicated intentions to develop comprehensive online gambling regulations to protect both operators and players from fraud, but no specific timeline has been established for implementing such legislation.
Source:
https://www.pokerlaws.org/africa/cameroon/
https://igamingafrika.com/starting-a-gambling-business-in-cameroon-full-guide/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
