Top Cape Verdean Betting Sites

Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country in the Central Atlantic Ocean; an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. It used to be a Portuguese colony until it gained its independence in 1975. Portuguese is still the official language, along with the local Creole, which is mainly spoken by locals. The country enjoys stability, its tourism grows, and the economy is developing too. Sports are very popular, and locals love football and basketball. Real Madrid’s basketball player Walter Samuel "Edy" Tavares is undoubtedly the most recognizable Cape Verdean sportsperson.

Gambling in Cape Verde, in close relation to its tourism sector, has been legal and regulated since 2005. Despite the monopolistic local offering of Macau Legend, sports betting in Cabo Verde is still very popular; thankfully for locals, plenty of international bookies accept local players, offering a wide range of betting options.

What is the Best Betting Site in Cape Verde

Sports betting is legal, and there are many international bookies accepting local bettors. So we list the best bookmakers in Cape Verde, the ones who stand out for their extensive coverage of the biggest football competitions, as well as for their various special bets and welcome offers. Have a look:

Betting in Cape Verde - 5 things to know

• 1
  All forms of gambling have been legal since 2005
• 2
  In 2015, the online sector also got regulated
• 3
  One has to be at least 18 to gamble
• 4
  Macau Legend has an exclusive nationwide online betting operating license for 10 years, which started in 2015
• 5
  Accessing international bookies is absolutely legal

General info

⏩Population: 485.000

⏩Active players: 65.000

⏩Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, casinos, lotteries

⏩Operator types: Casinos, lotteries, bookmaker shops, unlicensed online bookies & casinos

⏩Designated authority: Inspecção Geral de Jogos

⏩Status: Regulated

Online Gambling in Cape Verde: The Law Framework

The general idea is that all forms of gambling are legal; however, within designated gambling areas, most often within 4 or 5-star hotels. The Inspecção Geral de Jogos, or ‘General Inspection of Games’ is the responsible authority. It operates under the Ministry of Tourism and Transports and overlooks all procedures.

There are more than a couple of decrees that set up the regulatory framework; the main two are law no. 73 of 2005 and the ‘Decreto presidencial’ no.28 and 29 of 2015. The 2010 law on games also provided some amendments. However, it didn’t change the general notion; gambling and online gambling in Cabo Verde remain legal.

As for online betting, the sector is still under development. And despite being legal, there is no licensing process if a bet Cape Verde company wants to get one; still, Macau Legend has managed to acquire a 10-year exclusive right to offer online sports betting services. This started in 2015, so up till 2025, not many changes are expected.

Licensing is possible only for land-based casinos as it stands. In the meantime, though, several betting sites in Cabo Verde are offering their services to local players. The bottom line is that Cabo Verde betting online is totally legal; and the authorities do act likewise, providing a sense of security to local players.

Essential Info for Bettors

Keep in mind that all forms of gambling are legal. However, they must take place in designated places; therefore, avoid any street bookmaker facilities of uncertain legitimacy. The same goes if you want to bet online; Cabo Verde does not limit access to international bookies. Therefore, the choice is huge.

Players should also know that there are no locally licensed operators apart from Macau Golden; still, though, the offering on the Cape Verde bookmakers we list is much richer. They offer more bonuses, far wider sports coverage and more special bets. Altogether, there is nothing actually to worry about; a very welcoming environment awaits players when betting in Cabo Verde.

How to Deposit at Online Bookies

Using bank wires as well as credit cards is smooth and unproblematic. Since gambling is legal, there is no need to hide the nature of one’s transactions. Still, though, Cape Verde bookmakers also allow and utilize more elaborate payment methods, like e-wallets. Jeton and ecoPayz betting sites are particularly popular. They both accept local players and offer a fast and secure transaction platform.

Neteller and Skrill, on the other hand, do not operate in the country. The internet penetration is over 60%, which is quite impressive. An increasing number of Cape Verde online betting companies also allow crypto betting. The use of cryptocurrencies is neither illegal nor regulated; getting to know this emerging money exchange method is definitely not a bad idea.

Gambling Regulations in Neighbouring Countries

⏩ Gambia: Until 2015, gambling was a popular recreational activity. However, there was a significant shift in government policy when restrictions were imposed to combat addiction. This situation changed in 2017 when a new president came into office and reopened the market. As a result, the online gambling scene has flourished, providing players with a wide selection of Gambia betting sites to choose from.

⏩ Sierra Leone: Despite a general lack of enthusiasm among the local population, the country permits gambling in all its forms. In addition, it does not have any specific laws in place to prohibit betting companies in Sierra Leone from accepting player registrations. As a result, operators have the freedom to offer their services to individuals without facing legal obstacles.

⏩ Portugal: The 2015 Decree-Law no. 66 played a crucial role in regulating and governing gambling activities. It is important to note that the government has implemented relatively high tax rates on betting sites operating within the country. As a result, only a limited number of brands have obtained a local license. The high tax burden has been a significant factor in shaping the landscape of online betting in Portugal.

The Future of Online Betting in Cabo Verde

The Cabo Verde bet scene is already thriving. The fact that it actually runs under a monopolistic state should not make us forget the overall picture; that it is a well-regulated sector on which the government bases much of its tourism. The pivotal year is 2025, when Macau Legend’s exclusive right to offer betting services expires.

At that point, we will see if the state decides to broaden the Cape Verde online gambling licensing system. And at the same time, we will see if and how many international operators will choose to enter the market. Up till then, it will most probably keep posing as one of the most welcoming gambling destinations.