Equatorial Guinea Ventures into the Digital Realm of Video Games
Equatorial Guinea, a small West African nation with a population of under 2 million, has taken a significant step forward in its economic development by officially entering the regulated global online gaming market.
In early August 2025, the country issued its master license, making online gaming an indisputable reality in Equatorial Guinea [1][2][5]. This move marks a pivotal moment for the nation, as it becomes Africa's latest regulated iGaming market, opening the door to a new world of entertainment.
The master license was awarded to Mascott Capital Partners, a licensing firm based in Cyprus. This gives Mascott a central role as the primary licensed operator or overseer under Equatorial Guinea's nascent iGaming regulations, positioning it as a key player in implementing and managing the market in accordance with the new legal guidelines [1][5].
Prior to this framework, online gambling was legal but largely unregulated in Equatorial Guinea. Land-based casinos and lotteries were already subject to regulation. However, with the formalization of the iGaming regulation, the government aims to generate revenue, provide consumer protection, and establish regulatory oversight [3].
Mascott Capital Partners will be responsible for issuing other licenses and ensuring compliance with local rules in Equatorial Guinea's online gaming market. Minister Burupu, the Minister of Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure, considers the launch of online gaming, online betting, and online casinos as one of the most significant measures taken by gaming regulators in the country's history [4].
The government of Equatorial Guinea celebrates the licensing of Mascott Capital Partners as a pivotal moment. Minister Burupu argues that online gaming will be important to diversifying the country's economy and attracting international investment in its digital sector [4].
Equatorial Guinea aims to become a reliable gaming licensing hub, similar to Curacao and Anjouan. The license awarded to Mascott Capital Partners is expected to cement Equatorial Guinea as a recognized online gaming market, potentially attracting more operators. However, it's important to note that crypto gambling remains illegal in Equatorial Guinea as of mid-2025, limiting the scope of digital asset use in online gaming sectors [3].
In summary, Equatorial Guinea's iGaming regulation is newly formalized, legal, and led by Mascott Capital Partners as the designated master license holder. This move signals a strategic development to formalize and control the online gambling market, and it's expected to bring numerous benefits to the small West African nation.
[1] Equatorial Guinea Issues Master License for Online Gaming [2] Equatorial Guinea Becomes Africa's Latest Regulated iGaming Market [3] Crypto Gambling Remains Illegal in Equatorial Guinea [4] Equatorial Guinea's Minister Burupu Hails Online Gaming Launch [5] Mascott Capital Partners Secures Equatorial Guinea's Online Gaming Master License
In the summer of 2025, Equatorial Guinea officially entered the global online gambling market by issuing a master license for online gaming, positioning itself as an official online casino destination [1][5]. Mascott Capital Partners, the master license recipient, will oversee the implementation and management of online gambling within the new legal guidelines, opening up opportunities for online betting and casinos [1][4].
