Tunisia Tightens Gambling Rules to Protect Sports Integrity
Tunisia has taken a significant step toward restructuring its gambling and sports betting sector with the revision of a long-anticipated draft law. The updated framework, revealed by Minister of Youth and Sports Sadok Mourali, aims to strengthen regulatory oversight, combat illegal operations, and protect the integrity of sporting competitions.
The revised draft covers games of chance, money games, and sports betting, reflecting extensive work by government officials and public institutions. According to official statements, the framework has been adapted to international standards to address risks linked to manipulation and money laundering. This alignment signals Tunisia’s intent to modernise governance in a sector that has historically operated with limited clarity.
The draft legislation has now been submitted to the Prime Ministry and awaits review by the Council of Ministers, marking the next stage in the legislative process. Policymakers hope the reforms will close regulatory gaps that have allowed offshore operators to target Tunisian consumers despite strict controls on domestic casinos and lotteries.
Consultations held during 2024 involved multiple authorities, including the Central Bank and the Competition Council. Their participation underscores the government’s broader objectives of securing new revenue sources, strengthening fair competition, and ensuring institutional oversight across the betting ecosystem.
Several key elements of the law, such as licensing structures, taxation models, and rules governing remote gambling operators, have yet to be published. Industry stakeholders caution that the practical impact of the reform will only become clear during implementation, when compliance obligations and market entry conditions are defined.
Despite these uncertainties, the revised draft represents a potential turning point for Tunisia’s gambling industry. By prioritising regulatory control and sports integrity, the government is signalling a more structured and enforceable approach to managing a growing betting market.
