Last Updated: 10 march 2026
Cameroon is quietly but steadily emerging as one of the most intriguing African GEOs for iGaming, driven by fast-growing online adoption, a young audience, and increasingly clear regulations for both casinos and betting. For media buyers, this means the market isn’t saturated yet, traffic competition is still moderate, and operators are ready to pay for quality performance traffic under CPA and RevShare models.
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Cameroon is a textbook example of a “sleeping” market: land-based casinos, betting, and lotteries have been around for a long time, but in recent years, the shift has been actively moving online and toward mobile.
The country has a young demographic profile, with more than half the population of working age and a median age of around 19, making it a perfect fit for betting and online entertainment.
Around 12.4 million people use the internet, with network penetration at approximately 41.9% as of early 2025. The majority of traffic runs through 3G and 4G mobile networks, and most mobile connections are now broadband (3G, 4G, or 5G).
Telecom operators are actively expanding 4G infrastructure. MTN Cameroon alone had 7.56 million active mobile internet users by mid-2025 and continues to expand its coverage, directly fueling the growth of online betting and mobile casino usage.
For media buyers, the key advantage is that demand for betting and casino products is already established offline, while the online space remains relatively uncrowded by major global brands, unlike in Nigeria or Kenya. An overview like this is valuable for operators and affiliates because it helps to:
The foundation of all gambling regulation in Cameroon is Law No. 2015/012 of July 16, 2015, which establishes the rules for recreational games, money games, and games of chance, including casinos, betting, and public lotteries (source: Law No. 2015/012). This law is further detailed in Decree No. 2019/2300/PM of July 18, 2019, which specifically outlines the parameters and procedures for online gaming, including licensing and oversight.
Online gambling in Cameroon is treated as a separate category: the activity must take place exclusively through an online communication service, not via terminals in establishments open to the public. Online gaming as a business is legal, but only operators that have obtained authorization through the procedure established specifically for online gambling are permitted to operate.
The key regulatory bodies are:
The ministry is responsible for issuing permits and making formal licensing decisions, while the Agency handles day-to-day oversight, inspections, monitoring compliance with the rules, and proposing improvements to the regulatory framework.
Online gaming and other forms of gambling fall under an authorization-based regime. To operate legally, an operator must obtain a permit from the minister in charge of gaming, in accordance with Law No. 2015/012 and Decree No. 2019/2300/PM. The formal regulatory body overseeing the process is the Agence de régulation des jeux, which manages the procedure and is responsible for implementing policy.
Who can obtain a license: both local and foreign companies are eligible, subject to a number of conditions. For online operators, requirements include, among others: having a registered office in Cameroon, a bank guarantee of 200,000,000 XAF (~310,000 USD), certification of game rules and internal regulations by a bailiff, a domain name in the .cm zone, online payments through a licensed payment provider, compliance with personal data protection rules, and civil liability insurance.
Types of licenses (essentially authorizations) cover casinos, betting, lotteries, gaming halls, and online games, with each vertical having its own permit type and specific requirements regarding capital, guarantees, and technical infrastructure.
The specific amounts for state fees and annual levies depend on the operator category and are set out in the finance laws. However, in publicly available English-language sources, the exact figures for basic licensing fees are rarely cited and are typically described as “substantial bank guarantees and annual fees.” The validity period of authorizations is also defined by law and generally involves long terms with the possibility of renewal, provided all requirements are met.
As of 2025, the Cameroonian market has 18 licensed operators: 7 casinos, 7 betting and lottery companies, and 4 gaming machine halls.
Prominent local players frequently mentioned include Pari Mutuel Urbain Camerounais (PMUC), which is one of the oldest brands, operating since 1994 in horse race betting, and the National Lottery of Cameroon, which sells lottery tickets, including online products.
International brands are primarily present in the online segment, operating both within the local framework (through authorization) and from offshore jurisdictions while targeting Cameroonian players. Local companies draw strength from their market knowledge, offline presence, and player trust, but often lag behind global operators in UX, bonus mechanics, and game variety. Meanwhile, international brands typically have the upper hand in product quality and marketing, yet face challenges related to local payment systems and tax regulations.
The complete list of licensed operators is typically published on the websites of the relevant authorities (the Ministry, the Agence de régulation des jeux) or in official gazettes. English-language reviews mention that as of 2025, the list includes exactly 18 licensed entities, categorized by type of activity.
In Cameroon, alongside local operators, major offshore brands are gaining strong traction, primarily .com platforms with international licenses (such as Curaçao and others).
Looking at “top sites for Cameroon” reviews, the lists regularly feature 1xBet, Melbet, 22bet, Betwinner, as well as other .com brands with a focus on Africa that accept Cameroonian users and operate in XAF or multi-currency. Some rankings for Cameroonian players also mention Vbet, Premier Bet, Winabet365, Megapari, and similar international platforms oriented toward football and live betting.
Players choose these offshore platforms mainly for their wide range of markets, high odds, aggressive bonuses, crypto support, and popular e-wallets — options not always available from local operators. At the same time, starting in 2026, any major foreign digital platforms (including offshore online casinos and bookmakers with sufficient user base and turnover in Cameroon) will become subject to a 3% digital tax, which is already bringing them under the local fiscal framework.
The tax environment for gambling in Cameroon is actively shaped by annual finance laws. For 2025, under the Finance Bill, a special tax regime for online gambling has been introduced through the existing tax on money transfers. Transactions on electronic gaming and entertainment platforms are now subject to a 1% rate on the transfer amount, instead of the standard 0.2%, plus a fixed fee of 4 XAF per transaction.
Starting in 2026, an additional layer takes effect: a 3% digital tax for non-residents. The new Finance Law introduces a 3% levy on turnover for foreign digital platforms that have a significant economic presence (defined as at least 1,000 users in the country or revenue from Cameroonian clients exceeding 50 million XAF). This explicitly includes online casinos and betting sites operating cross-border. For major operators, transitioning to the “standard regime” is possible, where corporate tax is 30% on profits, but the 3% minimum on turnover remains the baseline until that threshold is reached.
For players, a tax on winnings was introduced in 2025. Law No. 2025/012 sets a 15% rate on net profits from betting, with the tax withheld by the operator. Players are not required to file declarations, making it a clear and transparent system for the mass audience.
The gray market is nothing new for Cameroon. For a long time, offshore sites accepted players freely without any local obligations. Now, the approach is changing: through the 3% digital tax and new rules on online payments, the state is gradually bringing even non-resident operators into visibility and under taxation.
Technically, the fight against illegal operators is built around:
Sanctions include fines, blocking of payment channels, and potential prosecution for violations of financial and gambling legislation. The key role here is played by the tax authorities and the Gaming Regulatory Agency, which coordinate actions with banks and mobile operators. For media buyers, it’s important to understand that the market is moving toward a model where authorized operators and transparent payment systems gain the advantage, while working with dubious schemes becomes increasingly risky in terms of payout stability and traffic retention.
The finance laws for 2025 and 2026 reveal a clear trend. The state is not aiming to “strangle” gambling, but rather to bring online turnover and digital platforms under control in order to expand the tax base. Strengthening oversight of payment aggregators and introducing a digital tax for non-residents are steps toward a more formalized and predictable market, where the fully regulated segment operates under clear and stable rules.
Given these trends, it can be expected that over the next few years Cameroon will continue to:
Gambling in Cameroon historically developed offline. Casinos and horse race betting through PMUC emerged as early as the 1990s, while offline bookmakers and lotteries gradually expanded across major cities. The online segment formally received a comprehensive legal framework with the adoption of Law No. 2015/012, and effectively became “technically legal” starting in 2019, partly driven by the introduction of online products by the state lottery and PMUC.
Player Demographics and Game Preferences
Cameroon is a very young country. Over 41% of the population is under 15, and about 56% are aged 15–64, with a median age of 19.1 years. The core iGaming audience consists of men aged 18–35 with low to middle incomes, active smartphone and mobile internet users, and accustomed to mobile money and microtransactions (source: Cameroon iGaming Market Research Report).
Players are drawn to the chance to quickly boost their balance through small-stakes betting, live betting on local and European leagues, and simple, easy-to-understand casino products (slots, crash games, roulette, and lottery-style formats). In the slots vertical, simple, visually engaging products adapted for mobile UX and fast sessions are gaining popularity, along with instant games where the bet-to-result cycle is minimal.
When it comes to sports betting, football is number one. Local players closely follow top European leagues (England, Spain, France), the Champions League, and the performances of Cameroonian and Nigerian players in Europe, as well as local championships (source: Cameroon sports betting section study). Combined accumulators, live betting, and boosted odds on top matches deliver strong conversion and retention, especially when landing pages and creatives are tied to specific events.
Esports is still a niche segment, but its share is growing, primarily through betting on popular international disciplines (football sims, MOBAs, and shooters), often via international brands that bring esports markets into the country. For media buying, this is more of an additional vertical alongside mainstream sports betting rather than a standalone primary focus.
Working payment solutions in Cameroon are the foundation of conversion. The market is heavily dependent on mobile money: MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, and other mobile wallets serve as the primary channel for deposits and withdrawals (source: Cameroon telecom and mobile money market report). Without integration with local mobile wallets, CR will drop sharply, as bank cards and traditional internet banking cover a significantly smaller portion of the audience.
Among international payment methods, cards (Visa/Mastercard) and global payment aggregators may still be used. However, in 2025, Cameroon introduced centralized control over payments for online gaming: licensed providers are now required to suspend accounts of aggregators working with online gambling outside the approved framework. This means it is far more advantageous for operators and affiliates to work with merchants and payment providers that officially support the gambling segment in Cameroon and comply with local regulations.
Crypto and P2P solutions are used by players as alternative deposit methods. Yet, the regulation of digital assets is stricter and less transparent, requiring operators to handle such methods carefully while adapting to the local context. Product localization must take into account not only language (French/English), but also the audience’s familiarity with mobile money, small-stakes betting in XAF, and a simple, clutter-free interface.
The market is formally regulated, but the online segment is still in a phase of active growth, with competition less aggressive than in more established African GEOs. This creates room for affiliates. Local operators are seeking new partners, international brands are entering and in need of quality performance traffic, and players are willing to try new platforms, provided the product is adapted to their habits.
Payouts for Cameroon are typically structured around CPA (for first deposit, verified player with minimum activity) and RevShare. Given that the market is still developing, exclusive offers with higher rates and flexible KPIs are often available, especially if you can demonstrate stable volume and strong retention. With moderate competition in SEO and paid social, the margin on traffic can be higher than in more saturated GEOs.
Key risks include:
At the same time, the opportunities are clear: the growth of mobile internet, a young population, the shift of players from offline to online, and the emergence of new deposit and withdrawal methods. Over the next three years, we can expect:
The main channels for acquisition are social media, streaming services, and influencers. The Cameroonian audience is highly active on social platforms and messaging apps, consuming video content and sports streams via mobile internet, making widgets, live banners, content marketing, and integrations with local streamers particularly effective.
Effective approaches include:
SEO tips: low competition for French long-tail queries specific to Cameroon, the opportunity to capture traffic through comparative reviews of local and international brands, as well as guides on mobile money, betting on local leagues, and explanations of taxes on winnings.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on local chat rooms, forums, and betting and casino communities. The top five influencers and thematic chats are constantly shifting, but the overall trend is clear: the main hubs of influence revolve around football conversations, local media, and Telegram or WhatsApp communities.
A typical media buyer case for Cameroon looks like this:
You choose a licensed operator with working mobile wallet integrations and a French-language interface, opt for a hybrid or RevShare model, build a mobile-first landing page, embed educational content (such as how to top up via MTN/Orange and how the 15% tax on winnings works), and launch the campaign through targeted social media ads and content networks. From there, you scale via SEO and influencers, optimizing for retention and deposit frequency.
Cameroon is a young, growing, and still not fully tapped iGaming market, where online casinos and betting are gaining momentum alongside the expansion of mobile internet and mobile money. Regulation is already in place through Law No. 2015/012 and the 2019 decree, now complemented by new finance laws focused on taxation and payment flow oversight, making the market more transparent and predictable for white operators.
For affiliates, this GEO offers a strong balance. Demand for betting and casino products is high, online competition remains moderate for now, and operators provide attractive CPA and RevShare terms against a backdrop of growing player LTV. By carefully managing payment integrations and localization (while staying attuned to the trend of tighter oversight of digital platforms) Cameroon can become a stable and profitable addition to an African traffic portfolio in the years ahead.
Cameroon is a “sleeping” market with established offline demand for casinos, betting, and lotteries, but with a relatively open online and mobile segment. It has a young audience, rapidly growing mobile internet access, and still moderate competition. This makes it an attractive entry point for media buyers: demand exists, but the market is not yet saturated or dominated by top-tier brands.
Gambling is regulated by Law No. 2015/012 and Decree No. 2019/2300/PM, which legalize casinos, betting, lotteries, gaming halls, and online games as a separate category. Policy and authorizations fall under the responsibility of the ministry in charge of gaming, while day-to-day control and oversight are handled by the Agence de régulation des jeux, which effectively operationalizes regulation and monitors the market.
Online operators require authorization from the minister. This involves having a local registered office, a bank guarantee of 200,000,000 XAF, a .cm domain, certification of game rules, integration with a licensed payment provider, data protection compliance, and civil liability insurance. As of 2025, the official registry includes 18 licensed operators, covering casinos, betting and lottery companies, and gaming machine halls. Local flagship operators include PMUC and the National Lottery, while offshore .com brands like 1xBet and 22bet serve Cameroonian players through international licenses.
For online gambling, a higher tax on money transfers applies: 1% of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee of 4 XAF, compared to the standard 0.2%. Starting in 2026, foreign digital platforms with a significant presence in Cameroon will also pay a 3% digital tax on turnover, while players are subject to a 15% tax on net winnings, withheld by the operator. The fight against illegal operators is based on controlling payment flows and registering digital platforms. Banks and mobile providers block payments that bypass the centralized system, gradually pushing gray schemes out of the market.
The market is still growing, so both local and international operators are actively seeking partners and are willing to pay via CPA, RevShare, and hybrid models, often with exclusive terms based on volume and retention. To launch, you need a licensed operator with working mobile wallets (MTN/Orange), a French-language interface, mobile-first landing pages explaining deposits and the tax on winnings, targeted social media ads, plus content and SEO tailored to French-language queries. Scaling involves influencer outreach and community engagement, while continuously monitoring changes in tax and payment regulations.
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