The purchase of lottery tickets in The Gambia was rendered illegal when former President Yahya Jammeh enacted a sweeping ban on March 2, 2015. The ban included lotteries, casinos, and all forms of gambling, citing concerns over social welfare and exploitation of vulnerable populations (1).
This prohibition remained in effect until May 2017, when President Adama Barrow revoked the ban through a presidential decree, signaling a reopening of the lottery sector and a move to stimulate economic growth (2).
"Though former President Yahya Jammeh banned all forms of gambling in 2015, including lotteries and casinos, the incoming government lifted that ban in 2017. Since then, the industry has returned with a vengeance." (1)
Under the current legal regime, lottery operators must obtain licenses from the Gambia Revenue Authority and adhere to the stipulations of the 2017 presidential decree, including contributing a portion of ticket proceeds to social welfare programs, ensuring transparency, and implementing responsible gaming measures (2).
Source:
https://foroyaa.net/?p=66033
https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/275630/6/275630Suppl.pdf
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
