Egypt's Betting Marketing Ban and the Push to Criminalise Online Apps

Egypt has no licensed online sportsbook for its citizens to promote. Gambling has long been prohibited for Egyptians, and the laws were written for physical venues, not online betting. The gap has drawn offshore brands, heavy influencer marketing and now a legislative response. In 2026, regulators blocked most betting apps, and lawmakers drafted penalties reaching life imprisonment.

A Market Closed to Locals

Legal gambling in Egypt targets tourists. Land-based casinos may operate only for foreign passport holders using foreign currency. Digital platforms created a grey area, letting offshore brands such as 1xBet reach Egyptian users without licences or consumer protections.

Advertising rules follow the same line. Gambling advertising is generally prohibited unless it presents gambling as harmful or discouraged. Gambling sits alongside alcohol and sexual content among topics facing absolute or near-absolute ad bans.

Who Polices the Ads

The Supreme Council for Media Regulation is the main enforcer. The SCMR oversees print, broadcast and digital media, including ads, and can fine advertisers, suspend content or revoke advertising licences.

Other laws support the framework. Egypt's advertising rules rest on Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 and Decree No. 220 of 1976. The SCMR actively monitors content judged to offend religious or national values.

Influencer Marketing Triggered the Crackdown

Offshore brands tested those limits. 1xBet ran extensive Egyptian campaigns through influencers and digital media. After complaints and parliamentary directives, the app was removed from Google Play and the App Store in Egypt in September 2024.

Enforcement widened in 2026. MelBet faced similar action in early 2026 as part of a broader campaign against betting apps. In February 2026, the NTRA and SCMR were working to block about 80% of online betting apps, based on technical reports.

Criminal Penalties on the Table

Parliament now wants explicit online rules. In May 2026, Ahmed Badawi, chair of the House Communications and IT Committee, said the government would submit Cybercrime Law amendments criminalising online betting apps.

Penalties could be severe. In the most serious cases, involving organised crime or large-scale fraud, sentences could reach life imprisonment. The draft targets operators, agents and payment facilitators.

Marketing sits inside that scope. Reports on the draft cover people running, sponsoring or supporting betting apps. The measures would also stop blocked platforms returning under new domains or brand names and introduce penalties for users.

Where the Bill Stands

The legislation has not moved yet. As of late June 2026, the cybercrime amendments had not appeared on Parliament's agenda. Lawmakers describe the goal narrowly. Badawi said the focus is on stopping undesirable apps and closing the gaps that let them spread, not restricting technology in general.

What Sportsbook Marketers Face

No licensing route exists for a sportsbook to market legally to Egyptians. Any betting promotion aimed at locals runs into SCMR advertising rules today and, if the amendments pass, criminal exposure for sponsors and supporters.

Social media carries the highest risk. The 1xBet case shows that influencer campaigns drew parliamentary attention first, and app store removals followed.

A Closed Door, Now Locked Tighter

Egypt's betting marketing rules leave no space for local sportsbook promotion. With 80% of apps targeted for blocking and criminal amendments drafted, the only open question is how quickly Parliament acts.