Best Betting Sites in Namibia

Namibia is a southern African country best known for its rich wildlife. Its economy is thriving in the agriculture and mining -diamonds and gold- sectors. The country gained its independence from South Africa in 1990. With a vibrant history and culture - inhabited since the 14th century - Namibia enjoys a rather stable parliamentary democracy. From a sporting perspective, the Namibia Premier League is the most popular competition. However, the country is also known for its long-distance and track & field athletes such as Helalia Johannes or Frankie Fredericks.

Locals are no strangers to betting or gambling. Actually, the first gambling regulation came as early as 1994. When it comes to betting, Namibia offers its citizens the services of local operators, both online and in land-based shops. However, the current gambling legislation doesn’t cover betting sites in Namibia. So, players are free to enjoy the online services of big international brands.

Best Namibia Betting Sites

Locals have access to many online bookies in Namibia. That’s why we’ve picked the ones that deliver high odds on the top football leagues, along with a great variety of betting offers and sports to bet on.

Namibia Gambling - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  The legal gambling age in Namibia is 18
• 2
  A 10-year moratorium on the issuing of new gambling licenses was imposed in 1996
• 3
  Legal bookmakers are typically considered only the local ones
• 4
  There is a licensing process for bookies in place, but no applicants yet
• 5
  Locals can place their bets on any online bookie that accepts players from the country

General info

⏩Population: 2.750.000

⏩Active players: 450.000

⏩Currency: Namibian dollar (NAD)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Land-based betting sites and casinos, horse racing, lottery

⏩Operator types: Betting shops, online bookmakers, land-based casinos & gambling houses

⏩Designated authority: Ministry of Environment and Tourism

⏩Status: Regulated

Online Betting Namibia: The Law Framework

Despite having gambling laws since 1994, the Namibia sports betting landscape was pretty much left aside by this legislation. While the gambling market is regulated, the focus draws on casinos and gambling houses. Furthermore, in terms of online gambling, Namibia has not appointed an overseeing authority.

It’s just the Ministry of Environment and Tourism that has a say over the procedures; instead of an official governing body. Still, betting is allowed in the country both through land-based betting shops and online. There are no restrictions applied to players or operators. Namibians are free to choose the bookmaker they want.

Notably, two years after the Casinos and Gambling Houses Act 32 of 1994 came to life, a ban was applied. It was targeting the issuing of new licenses and lasted for 10 years. Still, the only licensing process in place is available for land-based operators.

There’s absolutely no reference to online bookmakers’ licensing. Nonetheless, there has been a recent effort by the state to organize the online gambling landscape. The Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 13 of 2018 is the proposed bill, yet it is not in effect up to now.

Essential Information for Namibian Bettors

Betting winnings are tax-free in Namibia. Furthermore, since online betting isn’t regulated; there are no restrictions or actions taken against players who opt for international bookmakers.

Moreover, you will face no problems with bank transfers or card payments; since they are both common methods of account funding. While the Namibian dollar isn’t available at most of the international bookies; the South African rand is a lot more popular, and quite a few of them allow you to use it.

Bet Namibia: Deposits and Withdrawals

Topping up your online betting account is a straightforward process, as there are no restrictions in place from the government. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the most common online payment method for betting in Namibia. Most local banks provide it, and many Namibians prefer it. Credit and debit cards are also very popular among local bettors.

Also Read: Best EasyEFT Betting Sites

Gambling Laws in Neighbouring Countries

⏩ Angola: First, in 2016, the government legalized the land-based operators. After a few years, in 2020, the Remote Gambling Act regulated the online sector as well. While there are no Angola betting sites with a local license, players in the nation can freely join international bookies. 

⏩ Botswana: According to the Gambling Act of 2012, gambling is permitted and lawful. However, it is worth noting that the legislation primarily addresses the brick-and-mortar operators. This means that online betting sites in Botswana operate in a somewhat unregulated manner.

⏩ S. Africa: Since the establishment of the National Gambling Board in 2004, online gambling in casinos has been deemed illegal. However, sports betting is accepted. As a result, players are allowed to access bookmakers in South Africa without any legal restrictions. It's important to note that while sports betting is permitted, the casino section remains prohibited.

The Future of Sports Betting in Namibia

If the 2018 Gaming and Entertainment Control Act is enforced soon, it could mean a new beginning for the local gambling market. With provisions for online betting in Namibia, it could provide the framework to make the betting industry more competitive. It could become a reliable revenue source for the state.

That’s because a clear law framework might actually attract international bookmakers to apply for licenses. So, the authorities have to decide what they’re going to do with the bill that’s already on their table. The Namibian sports betting map could be changing soon.