Lottery tickets exist in a legally ambiguous situation in Western Sahara, a disputed territory with complex political status. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) claims authority over Western Sahara and reportedly legalized online gambling in 2017, allowing gambling licenses for games of chance including lotteries. However, the regulatory framework remains unclear due to the territory's disputed status, with Morocco controlling approximately 70% of the region and the Polisario Front controlling the remainder (1).
The Western Sahara Management and Advisory Corporation (WSMAC) reportedly serves as the licensing authority for gambling operations, issuing licenses for organizations offering games of chance such as lotteries, poker, slots, and other gambling activities. Gambling licenses require meeting standards of good character, honesty, and integrity comparable to those required by financial institutions. However, many consider these licenses lacking real effect or legitimacy due to Western Sahara's status as a UN-designated "Non-Self-Governing Territory" (2).
"Although online gambling is supposedly legalized, and sites are freely allowed to operate, many consider these licenses far from having real effect or legitimacy."
The disputed territory's regulatory environment offers significant ambiguity reflecting broader political instability. Gaming companies operating under Western Sahara licenses reportedly benefit from no gambling tax obligations and limited regulatory restrictions. However, the practical legitimacy and international recognition of gambling operations, including lotteries, remain questionable given the territory's unresolved political status and lack of widespread international recognition as an independent state (1).
Source:
https://www.tetraconsultants.com/jurisdictions/western-sahara-gaming-license/
https://sahrawiarabdemocraticrepublicfinanciallicenses.com/gambling-companies/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
