Egyptian authorities plan to begin blocking access to online sports betting platforms across the country within days, with action expected to target major offshore operators including 1xBet.
The announcement was made by MP Ahmed Badawy, head of the Communications and Information Technology Committee in the Egyptian Parliament, who said the move is part of a broader effort to tighten digital oversight and curb unregulated gambling activity.
Badawy explained that under a new legislative framework currently being drafted, electronic betting applications that do not comply with local requirements will be shut down permanently. The draft law also includes deterrent penalties for using banned betting apps and is designed to close loopholes that previously allowed such platforms to operate freely in Egypt.
Officials emphasised that any online platform operating in the country must have an accredited legal representative to ensure clear accountability for regulatory compliance. This requirement is intended to strengthen enforcement and protect the wider public from the social and economic risks associated with unregulated digital betting services.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact of online betting on society, particularly among young people, and represents one of the latest steps by Egyptian authorities to assert control over the online gambling space.
