Ethiopia’s sports betting market has grown rapidly in recent years, drawing the attention of millions of young bettors across the country. Harif Sport has become one of the most recognized local platforms in this space, but prospective users often ask a critical question before signing up — is Harif Sport actually legal and properly licensed to operate in Ethiopia? Here is everything you need to know about the platform’s regulatory standing and what it means for bettors.
How Gambling Is Regulated in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s gambling industry is governed by the National Lottery Administration, a government agency that operates under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. The NLA was originally established in 1961 and was later re-established under Proclamation No. 535/2007, along with supporting regulations issued in 2009. In September 2021, the government introduced the Sports Betting Lottery Directive No. 172/2021, which provides more detailed rules specifically for sports betting operations.
Under Ethiopian law, only two forms of gambling are permitted — sports betting and lottery games. All other forms, including online casino games, poker, and slot machines, are explicitly prohibited and cannot be licensed. The NLA is the sole authority responsible for issuing operating licenses, monitoring compliance, and revoking permits when operators fail to meet regulatory standards.
Harif Sport’s Licensing Credentials
Harif Sport operates under Harif Sporting Services Plc and has historically held a license issued by the Ethiopian National Lottery Administration. The platform displays the license number ስ/ው/ብሎ/030/2011 on its official pages, and it has been widely described as one of the pioneer locally licensed betting operators in the country. The company is headquartered in Dire Dawa and has built its operations specifically around the Ethiopian market, accepting only Ethiopian phone numbers for registration and supporting local payment methods such as Telebirr, HelloCash, CBE Birr, and Amole.
Because Ethiopian law restricts betting licenses exclusively to Ethiopian nationals and locally formed companies, Harif Sport’s domestic ownership structure has historically placed it in a favorable regulatory position compared to international operators attempting to enter the market.
Recent Regulatory Developments
It is important for bettors to understand that Ethiopia’s sports betting landscape has undergone dramatic changes. In December 2025, the Ethiopian government revoked all sports betting licenses in the country, effective December 15, 2025. This sweeping action followed a federal investigation that uncovered widespread financial irregularities across the sector, including allegations of embezzlement, tax evasion, and illegal financial transactions among numerous operators.
The mass revocation affected both active operators and previously suspended companies. Earlier that month, 22 betting firms had already had their licenses suspended following intelligence reports. The government stated that the move was necessary to protect the public interest and national security. This means that at the time of writing, the licensing status of all Ethiopian betting operators — including Harif Sport — has been significantly affected by these enforcement actions.
What This Means for Ethiopian Bettors
Bettors in Ethiopia should stay closely informed about the evolving regulatory situation. While Harif Sport has a documented history of operating under NLA authorization and has maintained a reputation as a locally compliant platform, the December 2025 license revocations introduced a period of uncertainty across the entire industry. Any bettor considering using the platform should verify its current operating status directly and follow official announcements from the Ethiopian Lottery Service.
Ethiopia’s regulatory framework continues to develop, with the government exploring new taxation models and centralized monitoring systems. Until the licensing environment stabilizes and operators receive renewed authorization, Ethiopian bettors are encouraged to exercise caution and prioritize platforms that can demonstrate clear, up-to-date regulatory compliance.
