New Betting Sites in Ethiopia (2026): What Is Really New After the Ban
Last updated: September 2026
If you are looking for new betting sites in Ethiopia, the honest answer in 2026 is different from a normal “top 10” list. All local sports-betting licences were revoked on 15 December 2025, and in July 2026 the Ethiopian Lottery Service confirmed that no sports-betting company currently holds a legal licence. So no new licensed Ethiopian bookmaker has launched since the ban.
What you do see are three kinds of “new” sites. This guide explains each one, so you can tell a real option from a risky copy.
Quick Answer
| New licensed Ethiopian bookmakers | None since 15 December 2025 |
| Market reopening | Government is preparing a regulated relaunch; no date announced (September 2026) |
| What “new” usually means today | Unlicensed local sites, international bookmakers, or fake copies of old brands |
| Safest approach | Check status and domain before you register or deposit |
1. Unlicensed Local Sites
Some local-looking sites still accept Ethiopian players in ETB, for example Jember Bet (daily cashback promotions) and Qwick Birr (casino and crash games). None of them currently holds an Ethiopian licence, and they can disappear without notice, as Jambo Bet and Gihon Betting did.
2. International Bookmakers
Large international bookmakers licensed abroad (usually in Curaçao) still accept players from Ethiopia and offer ETB accounts. They are not licensed in Ethiopia either, but they have operated for many years across Africa and usually offer bigger sportsbooks and live betting. Compare them in the table below.
3. Fake “New” Sites Using Old Brand Names
Several former official domains of Ethiopian bookmakers (for example Bet251, Axum Bet and Bravo Bet) now host third-party review websites, and some old names are used on copied login pages. If a “new” site uses a well-known closed brand, treat it as suspicious. See the closed betting sites list.
Bookmakers Available to Ethiopian Players
These established international bookmakers accept Ethiopian players and ETB accounts:
| 1win Aviator and other crash games plus a full sportsbook; large first-deposit bonus. | Visit 1win → |
| 1xBet Wide football and live-betting coverage with an ETB account. | Visit 1xBet → |
| Melbet Low minimum deposit and Amharic/English support. | Visit Melbet → |
Payment methods and offers change; open the cashier and confirm the method before you deposit. 21+ only. All Ethiopian sports-betting licences were revoked on 15 December 2025 and no operator is currently licensed in Ethiopia; the international bookmakers above are licensed abroad, not in Ethiopia. Check the legal status before you deposit, and gamble responsibly.
How to Check a New Betting Site in 2 Minutes
- Search the brand name + “licence” and check the date of the news.
- Check the domain: a real operator uses the same domain for login, app download and support.
- Make a small deposit first and test a withdrawal before playing bigger amounts.
- Never pay to a personal Telebirr or CBE Birr number.
- Read the official site safety guide.
When Will New Licensed Sites Appear?
In September 2026 local media reported that the government is preparing a regulated relaunch with a central digital monitoring system, and that banks and payment providers will be expected to block unlicensed platforms. When the regulator publishes a list of licensed operators, we will update this page and the status page.
Read our 1win Ethiopia review for one of the largest international options.
FAQ
Are there any new licensed betting sites in Ethiopia?
No. No sports-betting company has held an Ethiopian licence since 15 December 2025.
Which new betting sites accept Telebirr?
Some unlicensed local sites and several international bookmakers list Telebirr. Always confirm in the cashier; see betting sites with Telebirr.
Is it safe to join a new betting site?
Only after you check the domain, the payment methods and a small test withdrawal. Unlicensed sites give you no local consumer protection.