Gambling in Arab Countries

The world’s online gambling industry has continued to be on the rise in recent years. However, the religious and cultural outlook in most Arabian countries means that gambling is mostly frowned upon. Despite this, tourists and Arabian citizens with dual citizenship can engage in safe gambling activities. In my most Arabic countries is gambling illegal but only locally. Online casinos with legal licenses accept Arabic players.

The Sharia (Islamic) law is applied differently in most Arabic countries. In this article, we will write about gambling restrictions in specific Arabic countries and how residents can gamble online safely no matter how strict the rules are. You will find here everything you need to know to start playing in legal online casino, as anonymous as possible and safely (your money will be possible to deposit and withdraw safely).

Gambling Regulations in Arab Countries

Whether it is sports betting or online casino gaming, gambling in Arab countries is regulated differently. While some countries may impose an outright ban, some other countries are more lenient. We will write about the gambling regulations in the following Arabic countries:

• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Egypt
• Iran
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Morocco
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Tunisia
• UAE
• Yemen

Gambling in Algeria

The only form of gambling that is fully allowed in Algeria is the Pari Sportif Algérien (PSA) which is the state-approved lottery. Any other form of gambling is considered illegal in the region.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Algeria

Online casinos accepting players from Algeria

Sports Betting in Algeria

Generally, sporting activities like football, volleyball, and handball are very popular in Algeria. However, online sports betting in Algeria is illegal in the country. Players can place bets on horses at the race track as this is the legal form of sports betting allowed in the country.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Algeria

Online gambling is prohibited in Algeria and there are no state laws regulating it. However, many foreign online casinos welcome users from the region. And on those offshore websites, usually you cannot bet with the local currency Algerian Dinar (DZD). You have to use other currencies like USD, EUR, or cryptocurrency. Offline casinos are completely prohibited.

Gambling in Bahrain

All forms of gambling, especially public gambling are prohibited in Bahrain. The penal code recommends 3 months imprisonment for anyone caught gambling publicly.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Bahrain

Online casinos accepting players from Bahrain

Sports Betting in Bahrain

Like other forms of gambling, sports betting is prohibited in Bahrain. Despite this, many people bet online in Bahrain every day. This is mainly because the country is more interested in shutting down illegal operators and does not care so much about private citizens engaging in online gambling.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Bahrain

Online and offline casino gaming are prohibited in Bahrain. While the country’s laws mostly talk about public and offline gambling, it doesn’t talk about online gambling. Many foreign casinos allow Bahrain residents to sign up for their sites. It is important to note that most online casino websites are blocked by ISPs in Bahrain.

Gambling in Egypt

It is not strange that, Egypt has a relaxed policy when it comes to gambling, unlike most Arabic countries. The Egyptian Tourism Authority regulates gambling for tourists while the Lotteries Coalition manages lotteries in the country.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Egypt

Online casinos accepting players from Egypt

Sports Betting in Egypt

The Egyptian national football team is the most successful at the continental level so it is not strange that football is a popular sport. However, the country doesn’t have specific laws regarding sports betting but it is illegal for anyone to take bets. People still bet on sports but they keep it anonymous.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Egypt

There are 20+ land-based casinos in Egypt. These casinos are to cater for the gambling needs of tourists who visit. However, it is generally illegal for Egyptians to engage in gambling activities. Also, there are currently no laws against online gambling but it is frowned upon.

Gambling in Iran

Iran is one of the most influential Arabic countries in the world, therefore, it’s not strange that it is strict with Islamic values. All forms of gambling are illegal under the Iran Penal Code. The penalty for being caught is 1-6 months imprisonment or 74 lashes. When one is found guilty of online gambling, only one of the two is applied. However, for offline gambling, the two punishments are given as it is considered more serious.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Iran

Online casinos accepting players from Iran

Sports Betting in Iran

Iran has many sports leagues that function properly. While the majority of sports betting websites are blocked by the Internet Service Provider’s (ISP’s) content control software, people still bet on their favorite sports by using global bookmakers.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Iran

There are no offline casinos in Iran and anyone found operating one will face serious punishments. Online casino gaming is also prohibited in the country so anyone engaging in such activities must be very discrete about it.

Gambling in Jordan

While gambling is illegal in the country, it doesn’t appear to be the major concern of the authorities. Although there have been arrests for obvious cases and up to 3 months prison sentence being served by the culprits. However, lotteries are legal in Jordan, as regulated by law enforcement.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Jordan

Online casinos accepting players from Jordan

Sports Betting in Jordan

There is a massive following of sports like football, combat sports, basketball, and others in Jordan. Betting on sports is popular, and most of the bookmakers used are global ones. It is important to note that you won’t find any physical sports betting store in Jordan, as all forms of gambling apart from lotteries are illegal in the country.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Jordan

There have been talks to build land-based casinos, especially for tourists in Jordan but the plans fail. Even though online casino activities are largely frowned upon, offenders are not given serious punishments. There are illegal casinos that accept the Jordanian Dinar but they are mostly dishonest. So it’s better to play at other casinos that are duly licensed internationally.

Gambling in Kuwait

Kuwait is one of the world’s wealthiest nations per capita, primarily due to its significant oil reserves and well-developed petroleum industry. Being an Arabic nation, the country frowns upon gambling.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Kuwait

Online casinos accepting players from Kuwait

Sports Betting in Kuwait

Even though there are many popular sporting activities that people enjoy in Kuwait, sports betting in the country is illegal. So there are no land-based bookies but punters still use other means to discretely place bets. The authorities mostly prosecute underground gambling dens and not private individuals who engage in online sports betting.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Kuwait

There are no land-based casinos in Kuwait and because of the government’s constant anti-gambling stance, it is unlikely to change anytime soon. Online gaming is also illegal. However, a lot of people still play games at international online casinos.

Gambling in Lebanon

The country is quite relaxed about gambling as the country allows limited forms of it. However online gambling is prohibited in the country.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Lebanon

Online casinos accepting players from Lebanon

Sports Betting in Lebanon

Sports are a huge part of Lebanese culture and sports betting is also quite popular. Even though the activity is illegal, people still engage in the services of bookmakers that are properly registered in other jurisdictions. There are no Lebanese land-based bookmakers or online betting sites.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Lebanon

Gambling laws are quite mixed in Lebanon. Online casinos are neither regulated nor legally permitted, but there hasn’t been any instance of prosecution for engaging in gambling on foreign sites. However, offline gambling is legal even though there is only one true land-based casino in Lebanon which is Casino du Liban.

Gambling in Libya

Libya is an Arabic country located in North Africa and whose territory is majorly covered by the Sahara desert. Sharia law is the law in the country and since gambling is Haram, it is an illegal activity. And because of the current state of affairs of the country, it is generally difficult to understand the laws. Some illegal gambling activities go on in popular markets in the country.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Libya

Online casinos accepting players from Libya

Sports Betting in Libya

There is a high demand for gambling in Libya and sports betting is not left out. Even though sports betting has been prohibited long before the civil war, it’s not strange to find agents who operate illegally in popular cities. However, people who prefer to engage in safe online sports betting can use properly licensed foreign bookies.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Libya

There are no land-based casinos in Libya as gambling goes against the laws of Islam. Despite this, you are likely to find people selling lottery tickets even though some of them turn out to the fake. People with better financial standings are more likely to gamble at foreign-based online casinos.

Gambling in Morocco

Morocco is popular for being one of the countries with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Thus, making it a great tourist destination. This could be one of the reasons why restricted gambling is permitted in the country. There are many casinos in Morocco, and the country is relaxed when it comes to online or offline gambling.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Morocco

Online casinos accepting players from Morocco

Sports Betting in Morocco

Sports betting is a good pastime activity in Morocco as it is very popular. Even though there are no laws supporting it, there are also no laws prohibiting it. Most of the sports betting is done on football matches.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Morocco

Morocco is the top gambling destination in North Africa as there are many land-based casinos in operation. While online gambling is restricted, people still engage in playing games at safe online casinos that have been licensed in other jurisdictions.

Gambling in Oman

Oman has a long history of maritime trade and seafaring. Its capital, Muscat, has been a significant trading port for centuries. Being an Arabic country, gambling activities are generally illegal. It is punishable by law with a 1-3 year prison sentence. However, gambling activities still take place discretely.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Oman

Online casinos accepting players from Oman

Sports Betting in Oman

Whether it be online or offline, sports betting is illegal in Oman. However, people who discretely bet online are likely to bet on sports like cricket, horse racing, bullfighting, handball, football, and others.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Oman

There are no land-based casinos in Oman as gambling is an illegal activity. Online gambling is also illegal in the country. People who engage in it have to use safe international online casinos that accept Omani residents.

Gambling in Qatar

Qatar is easily one of the richest Arabian nations. It got a better reputation after successfully hosting the Fifa 2022 World Cup which is considered the best. Gambling is illegal in Qatar but punters and casino lovers still find their way to bet and play their favorite games online without interference from the authorities.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Qatar

Online casinos accepting players from Qatar

Sports Betting in Qatar

Sports betting is illegal as the laws do not permit it. So you won’t find land-based bookmakers or online betting sites that cater to only Qatar residents. However, you can discretely engage in the services of safe offshore bookmakers.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Qatar

There are no land-based casinos in Qatar. However, some online casinos allow users from Qatar to sign up. Players who enjoy playing casino games usually do so discretely. The government will not try to restrict things that individuals do on their own.

Gambling in Saudi Arabia

Known for its oil, wealth, and affluence, Saudi Arabia is one of the most important Arabian nations. Being the country where the holy city – Mecca is located, it is not strange that gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Saudi Arabia

Online casinos accepting players from Saudi Arabia

Sports Betting in Saudi Arabia

Sports betting is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The activity is not allowed either offline or online as many barriers are keeping it that way. However, many people, especially visitors engage in online betting activities when they are in the country.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Saudi Arabia

Again, gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia and that includes playing casino games. However, the  Al Murjan Hotel of Jeddah offers what is similar to a casino hotel. There are Belote clubs that host Belote tournaments which is a card game. Sometimes people illegally gamble while playing it. Online casinos are also illegal but it is possible to play at offshore casinos.

Gambling in Tunisia

Despite Tunisia being over 98% Muslim, the country doesn’t mix religion with politics. While other forms of gambling are prohibited, land-based casinos are completely legal. This is probably because the Tunisian economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Gambling activities are mostly illegal for persons who resident in Tunisia

Read more about:

Online gambling in Tunisia

Online casinos accepting players from Tunisia

Sports Betting in Tunisia

The country does not support sports betting but there is little chance of being prosecuted if you engage in it online and privately. This can be done by registering on foreign betting sites that accept Tunisians. The sports people mostly bet on include football, basketball, tennis, etc.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Tunisia

As long as you possess a foreign passport, you will be admitted into any gambling establishment in the country. Unlike most Arab countries, Tunisia does not outrightly ban online casinos. So it is unlikely that the government tries to do anything to persons who engage in private online casino activities.

Gambling in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its impressive skyline dominated by modern architectural marvels, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. All forms of gambling are illegal in the UAE. This means anyone who plans to engage in them must do so secretly.

Read more about:

Online gambling in UAE

Online casinos accepting players from UAE

Sports Betting in UAE

Sports betting being a gambling activity is illegal. So, you won’t find a land-based betting platform to place bets at. However, you can engage in online betting by using offshore bookmakers. Online betting is also illegal in the UAE.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in UAE

There are no land-based casinos in the UAE because of the strict no-gambling policies. Gamers may be able to engage in online casinos, but it is also an illegal activity in the UAE. However, the government is not interested in banning individuals but rather gambling operators.

Gambling in Yemen

Yemen is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance among Arab countries. Gambling in Yemen is mostly viewed from cultural lenses rather than legal ones. There’s nothing in the Yemeni Penal Code about gambling but it is generally considered an illegal activity.

Read more about:

Online gambling in Yemen

Online casinos accepting players from Yemen

Sports Betting in Yemen

Sports have a reasonable level of popularity in Yemen. While sports betting is not very popular, people still engage in it, especially online. This can be done by registering and playing at offshore bookmakers.

Playing Real Money Casino Games in Yemen

There are no land-based casinos in Yemen nor are there online casinos that are legally approved by the authorities. However, people still engage in various online activities, especially with the use of cryptocurrencies.

5 Reasons Why it is Better to Bet Online for Arabic Players

In most Arabic countries, gambling is considered illegal and in some jurisdictions, it is met with severe punishments. Because of this, it is necessary to bet online with foreign online casinos and sports books. This is because they are safe, secure, and properly licensed. Here are the five top reasons why Arab players should gamble or bet online.

1. The use of a VPN to play from different locations
2. Use of E-wallets and cryptocurrencies for payments
3. Online casino reviews = check if the casino is trustable
4. Casino bonuses
5. Responsible gambling features

VPN to Play in Online Casino

VPNs allow you to access websites that would have been normally restricted in your region. You can learn how to use VPN to safely access online casino websites by making a simple search online. Still don’t know what casinos to play at? Check our online casinos where you can use VPN. Here are some of the most popular VPNs to use:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• CyberGhostVPN

E-wallets and Cryptocurrencies to Play in Online Casino

Because of the gambling restrictions in Arabian countries, it will be unwise to use payment methods that may reveal your identity. This is why we recommend the use of e-wallets and cryptocurrencies as they are faster, reliable, and above all can keep you anonymous.

E-wallets that you can use:

• Neteller
• Skrill

Cryptocurrencies you can use:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Bitcoin Cash
• USDT
• Litecoin
• Dogecoin
• Binance Coin

You can also check our crypto only online casinos.

Read Trustable Online Casino Reviews

Trustable casinos are properly licensed, have attractive bonuses, have large game catalogs, and above all, they are properly licensed. You can check our trustable online casinos to get the very best ones for players in your country. These casinos have been properly verified by gambling experts.

Online Casino Bonuses

To ensure that you get the best gaming experience, we charged our gambling experts to find the best casino bonuses that you can enjoy. You can check our casino bonuses for players in your country. These bonuses have very reasonable bonus terms and conditions.

Important FAQs