The Gambling Laws of Arabic Countries

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Gambling is often viewed as a form of speculation or chance and is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. It is believed to lead to financial risks, addiction, and social harm. As such, most Arab countries have strict laws that prohibit or severely restrict gambling activities. Let’s take a closer look at the rules and regulations. 

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Contents

A general overview of the gambling laws of Arab countries

In general, gambling is largely prohibited in most Arab countries due to Islamic laws that prohibit or restrict activities considered to be contrary to Islamic principles. However, online gambling platforms like بت فا are highly popular across various Arab countries. 

The gambling laws in Arabic countries typically apply to both offline and online gambling and cover various forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, lottery, online gambling, and other games of chance. 

Penalties for violating gambling laws in Arab countries can be severe and may include fines, imprisonment, and other legal consequences. Additionally, many Arab countries also block or restrict access to online gambling websites to enforce their gambling laws.

However, it’s important to note that some Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, have exceptions for certain types of gambling activities. For example, in the UAE, gambling is strictly prohibited except for in designated areas such as the Dubai World Trade Center and certain luxury hotels, which are allowed to operate casinos exclusively for foreign tourists.

Similarly, in Qatar, only certain forms of gambling, such as charity lotteries, are allowed.

It’s essential to thoroughly research and understand the specific gambling laws and regulations of each Arab country if you are planning to engage in any form of gambling activity within the region. Always comply with the local laws and regulations to avoid any legal repercussions.

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Gambling laws in various Arab countries- how they differ

Take a look at the specific gambling laws in different Arab countries below. 

Algeria

Online betting is not legalized in the country, but players are rarely prosecuted for playing on foreign websites. Some lotteries are offered in Algeria, but other forms of gambling are prohibited by law. The Pari Sportif Algerien is the regulatory body overseeing the national lottery.

Bahrain

In Bahrain, online gambling is not legal or regulated, and there are no land-based venues offering gambling options. Lotteries were once legal, but currently, there are no legal options for gambling in the country, and there are no regulatory bodies overseeing gambling in Bahrain.

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Egypt

In the country, online betting is unregulated, with many foreign operators accepting Egyptian players. There are licensed casinos in Egypt, but only foreign passport holders can enter these venues. However, sports betting and lotteries are entirely legal, while casino gambling is legal for foreigners. The Lottery Coalition operates lotteries in Egypt, while the Egyptian Tourism Authority oversees casino gambling.

Iran

In Iran, online betting is illegal, and many foreign gambling websites are blocked. There are no forms of land-based gaming available in the country, and all forms of gambling are outlawed, with no regulatory bodies overseeing gambling.

Jordan

There are no online betting sites based in the country, but players are not blocked from accessing foreign gambling sites. While casino gaming has been considered in the past, there are no offline betting facilities currently operating in Jordan, and all forms of gambling are illegal. There is no regulation of gambling in Jordan.

Kuwait

In Kuwait, there is no online betting available, and players who participate on foreign sites can be prosecuted. There are no forms of brick-and-mortar betting available in Kuwait, and all forms of gambling are considered illegal. There is currently no regulation of gambling in Kuwait.

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Lebanon

Legal online betting is limited to an officially licensed site in the country, while the Lebanese government attempts to block access to foreign betting sites. The Casino du Liban is the only venue allowed to offer gambling legally in Lebanon. Along with casino gambling at the Casino du Liban, a national lottery and a regulated online sports betting site are also legal. The Lebanese government regulates gambling through monopolies, allowing only the Casino Du Liban to offer land-based gambling, while La Libanaise des Jeux is the only company permitted to offer betting online.

Libya

In Libya, online betting is illegal, with the government banning online gambling sites. There are no land-based betting facilities available in Libya, and all forms of gambling are considered illegal, with no regulatory bodies overseeing gambling.

Morocco

Online lottery tickets are legally available for purchase in Morocco, and players can access online gambling sites in foreign countries. Several brick-and-mortar casinos are in operation in Morocco, and lotteries and sports betting are available in the country. Almost all types of gambling are legal in Morocco, including casino gambling, sports betting, and lotteries, both online and offline. Online gambling is not regulated, and the national lottery is run by Loterie Nationale.

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Oman

In Oman, there are no forms of online gambling offered, and the government attempts to block gambling-related content, though many foreign sites are still available. There are no brick-and-mortar gambling establishments available in Oman, and there are no forms of legal gambling offered in the country, with no regulatory bodies overseeing gambling.

Qatar

In Qatar, online gambling is considered illegal, though many foreign sites accept players from the country. Qatar does not allow for any form of land-based gambling, and there is virtually no legal gambling in the country. However, Qatar Duty Free does run several raffles that work similarly to lotteries. With no legal gambling, there are no regulatory bodies overseeing betting in Qatar.

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Saudi Arabia

There are no legal forms of online betting in Saudi Arabia. 

Gambling laws in Arab countries vary significantly, with some countries having strict regulations. In contrast, others have more relaxed or no regulations at all.