The Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) has become aware of messages circulating across various digital platforms promoting the alleged sale of licenses for the operation of Games of Chance (Casinos), Online Games, and Social Games.
In light of these communications, and with the aim of safeguarding the legality, transparency, and integrity of the gaming sector, the Institute considers it appropriate to clarify the following for potential investors and the general public:
- Gaming licenses are administrative authorizations issued by the State to specifically qualified entities. They are not transferable assets, nor are they private property that can be freely bought or sold on the market.
- Any attempt to directly sell a license or transfer gaming operations outside the legally established procedures constitutes a serious violation of Law No. 17/24 of 28 October (Gaming Activities Law). Such actions may provide sufficient grounds for the immediate revocation of the license, in accordance with Article 32(2)(e) of the law.
- New investors may enter the gaming market only by acquiring shares in a company that already holds a valid gaming license. Such transactions are subject to prior review and approval by the Gaming Supervision Institute, in accordance with applicable legislation.
- Any individual or legal entity intending to acquire a qualified shareholding in a licensed gaming operator must first obtain authorization from the Institute. A qualified shareholding is defined as holding at least 10% of the company’s share capital or voting rights, in accordance with Article 16(1) and Article 3(ff) of the Gaming Activities Law.
- Any amendments to a company’s corporate structure resulting from the admission of new shareholders—including changes to share capital or management structure—also require the Institute’s prior approval. Failure to obtain such approval may render the changes legally ineffective under Article 17 of the law.
- Failure to obtain prior authorization, or failure to make legally required notifications, constitutes a serious or very serious offence. Violators may face fines and additional sanctions, including the suspension of voting rights and the compulsory closure of the business.
- Accordingly, the Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) warns that any offers to sell gaming licences have no legal validity and produce no legal effect before the Public Administration. Interested parties should refrain from making payments or entering into business commitments based on such advertisements, as they constitute irregular practices under Angolan law.
Anyone with questions regarding the legality of any transaction related to gaming operations should contact the Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) via email at: correspondencia.isj@minfin.gov.ao. Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) Luanda, 24 June 2026.
