Online poker operates in a legal gray area in Gabon, as there is currently no specific legislation addressing online gambling in the country. While land-based gambling is regulated under the "General Regulation on Games of Chance" (Réglementation Générale des Jeux de Hazard) established in 2005, online gambling is not explicitly regulated or prohibited under current law (1). The Ministry of Finance and the National Lottery Authority of Gabon oversee gambling activities and ensure operators obtain proper licensing for land-based operations.
Recent developments indicate that Gabon is preparing to modernize its gambling sector through a new government-approved national gambling platform. The country plans to roll out this centralized system managed by e-Tech SAS and a Canadian partner, which will strengthen oversight, improve tax management, and promote transparency while creating local jobs (2). This initiative suggests that online gambling regulation may become more structured in the near future.
"Gabon plans to roll out a government-approved national gambling platform managed by e-Tech SAS and a Canadian partner to modernise the gambling sector."
Currently, Gabonese residents can access foreign online poker platforms without specific legal restrictions, as the absence of online gambling legislation creates an unregulated environment. However, with no official regulatory body monitoring online gambling, there are no consumer protection measures in place for digital poker activities. The upcoming national gambling platform initiative may establish clearer regulations for online poker and other digital gambling services, potentially bringing the sector under formal government oversight and licensing requirements.
Source:
https://legalpilot.com/country/gabon/
https://focusgn.com/africa/gabon-set-to-launch-national-gambling-platform-to-boost-transparency-jobs-and-growth
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
