Egypt’s parliament is preparing legislative changes that would directly criminalise online betting applications, as part of a broader update to the country’s Cybercrime Law that also targets cyber extortion and the spread of online misinformation.

The proposed amendments are expected to be submitted after Eid al-Adha, according to statements made by Ahmed Badawi, who chairs the House of Representatives’ Communications and Information Technology Committee. The initiative forms part of a wider push to update legislation in response to rapid digital expansion and the growing influence of online platforms.

Badawi told Al-Shorouk that current legal frameworks already punish illegal electronic applications used in cybercrime, but do not explicitly address online betting services. The planned revisions aim to close that gap by naming electronic gambling directly within the law and introducing significantly stricter penalties.

In the most serious cases, particularly those linked to organised criminal groups or large-scale fraud, penalties could extend to life imprisonment, according to parliamentary discussions referenced by senior committee figures.

Expanding scope of cybercrime enforcement

The draft changes extend beyond gambling to include broader digital offences. Lawmakers are also targeting cyber extortion and the deliberate spread of false information online. These updates are intended to reflect changes in how digital platforms are used and misused across Egypt’s gambling market.

According to Egyptian Streets, Badawi said proposed provisions would cover content designed to spread misleading narratives or create what he described as “a climate of despair” in the public space. Under the revisions, individuals who publish or share such material could face criminal penalties.

The legislative effort comes amid ongoing national debates over internet regulation, rising online fraud cases, data security concerns, and the impact of social media on younger users.

While gambling is broadly prohibited for Egyptian citizens under existing law, current legislation was designed primarily for physical venues. The Civil Code voids gambling contracts, and the Penal Code criminalises gambling activity, with limited exceptions for foreign visitors in licensed hotel casinos.

However, enforcement has struggled to keep pace with digital developments. Many users continue to access offshore betting platforms using virtual private networks and foreign payment channels. Existing legal tools do not specifically address online betting applications, which has created regulatory challenges for authorities.

Authorities have also pointed to the presence of Arabic-language betting platformsoperating from overseas jurisdictions as a growing concern, particularly where they are promoted through social media and influencer marketing.

Blocking measures and enforcement campaigns

In parallel with legislative work, Egyptian authorities have been implementing technical blocking campaigns targeting online betting services. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation have been working to restrict access to a large proportion of gambling applications operating in the country.

Some estimates cited in parliamentary discussions suggest that a majority of such platforms have already been targeted through blocking measures. Specific apps, including well-known international operators, have previously been removed from major app stores following regulatory complaints.

Lawmakers have emphasised that the objective is not to restrict general digital services, but to eliminate platforms viewed as harmful or illegal under national law. Additional enforcement actions have also targeted similar platforms in recent years as part of broader regulatory efforts.

Penalties and proposed enforcement structure

Separate legislative proposals discussed within the parliamentary committee provide an indication of potential penalty structures under consideration. These include prison terms and financial fines scaled according to involvement, ranging from intermediaries and agents to platform operators and financial facilitators.

Under these proposals, individuals assisting betting operations could face multi-year prison sentences and substantial fines, while those managing or operating platforms could receive even heavier penalties. Payment facilitators may also face shorter custodial sentences and financial sanctions.

Although the government is preparing its own amendments rather than adopting existing drafts, committee discussions suggest that similar enforcement tiers may be reflected in the final version of the law.

Authorities are also expected to address unresolved questions surrounding virtual private network usage, payment intermediaries, and potential liability for users accessing restricted services. No official legal text has yet clarified these areas.

The draft amendments are still pending formal submission to parliament. While earlier statements suggested they would be introduced following Eid al-Adha, no official timetable has been confirmed for debate or approval.