Egypt is preparing to launch a sweeping crackdown on online gambling platforms, with authorities set to begin shutting down and blocking betting apps across the country, as reported by Egypt Independent.
MP Ahmed Badawy, head of the Communications and Information Technology Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives, said the move will target apps such as 1xBet and similar platforms that have grown in popularity despite operating illegally. He stressed that once blocked, no gambling app will be permitted to resume operations under any circumstances.
Badawy confirmed that the government is drafting new legislation designed to impose deterrent penalties on companies that promote betting or gambling. The goal, he said, is to eliminate the legal loopholes that previously allowed such apps to proliferate. The forthcoming law is expected to give regulators stronger tools to act swiftly against digital platforms violating national rules.
He emphasised that Egypt is not opposed to technological advancement or the country’s ongoing digital transformation. However, he stated that innovation cannot come at the expense of social stability, adding that harmful online practices must be met with firm and decisive action.
Under the new regulatory framework, every electronic platform operating in Egypt will be required to appoint an accredited legal representative who can be held accountable for violations. Badawy said this measure will ensure clearer liability, improve enforcement and strengthen oversight of digital services.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to create a safer online environment for Egyptian users and to curb illegal digital activities that officials believe pose risks to public welfare.
Officials say the crackdown is part of a broader plan to regulate Egypt’s digital space and strengthen user protection
