Middle East: Learn About Local Gambling Laws Before Your Visit

When visiting a foreign country, knowing the local laws and culture can mean the difference between an amazing good and a bad vacation.

The Middle East is likely one of the regions with a culture that differs significantly from that of many parts of the Western world. These range from how to greet a stranger to dress code and interactivity between men and women. Another area with significant differences is gambling traditions. While most of the world considers gambling to be entertainment, the Middle East takes a different stance, and gambling is prohibited in several Arabic countries.

Different Arab countries have different gambling laws. While legal in some countries, online casino gambling, sports betting, and wagering at brick-and-mortar venues, as well as anything else involving real money, are generally prohibited in the Middle East. Even in jurisdictions where gambling is legal, it is sometimes heavily regulated or only available to foreign tourists. Together with Tariq Al-Badr from Arabic Casinos we've put together a brief overview of the legal situation regarding gambling in some of the most popular Arabic tourist destinations.

Use our mini-guide to learn what's legal in the region so you know how to avoid getting into any legal difficulties while on your dream vacation.

Gambling Legislation by Country

While land-based gambling is illegal in most of the region, online betting is legal in some countries in limited forms. Morocco and Lebanon are two of the Arab states with the most permissive gaming regulations. Here, players can access government-approved lottery websites to buy tickets. Lebanon also allows sports betting. It is important to note that these are exceptions to the general online betting rules in the Middle East. Most countries here continue to show little to no interest in legalizing the activity in the future.

Despite the government's efforts to prevent Middle Easterners from having access to foreign internet casinos, it is still safe for Middle Easterners to place bets on foreign betting sites. Governments can take a number of actions, such as blocking gambling websites or arresting gamblers who place wagers online. Many gamers from Arab nations continue to use online gambling platforms in a secure manner despite these stringent regulations. This is made feasible by authorized foreign casinos, safe banking practices, and VPNs that let players maintain their anonymity while playing.

Countries With Permissive Gambling Laws

Morroco and Lebanon

While online gambling is largely permitted in Lebanon, there is just one website that has a legitimate license that was granted by the authorities. Officials are working to restrict access to international gambling platforms at the same time. Morocco allows a range of gambling activities, including lotteries, sports betting, and online and offline betting. Tickets are purchased online to allow customers to wager on lotteries online. Additionally, players have access to international online gaming sites.

Countries Where Domestic Players Can Access Foreign Sites

Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar

There are several international sites that allow players from Bahrain even though Bahrain neither accepts nor regulates any type of online gaming. Although there isn't a formal online gambling law in Egypt, several foreign operators do allow Egyptian gamers on their websites. Lotteries and sports betting are both authorized. Jordan is another nation where locals cannot access any legitimate and authorized domestic online gambling websites. However, locals have access to foreign gaming websites.

Online gambling is not available in Kuwait. The use of foreign websites for gambling is still permitted, but doing so may result in legal action if discovered. Even though several foreign platforms now accept players from Qatar, internet betting is not permitted in Qatar. Gambling regulation is not handled by any organization in Qatar.

Countries Where Gambling Is Outlawed

Libya, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, UAE

In Libya, where government officials have banned internet betting platforms, betting online is against the law. Online gambling is officially not permitted in Algeria. Meanwhile, those who prefer to gamble on overseas websites almost never face legal action. Another Middle Eastern nation that does not provide any legal forms of online gambling for domestic players is Saudi Arabia. Foreign betting sites have also been banned by authorities, despite the fact that some of them accept Saudi Arabian players.

All types of online gambling are severely prohibited in the United Arab Emirates despite Wynn resorts recently giving the approval to operate a casino at Wynn Marjan, their next resort to be developed in Ras Al Khaimah. A number of gamers who placed bets online have already faced legal action from the government. Iran has extremely strong laws against online gambling that forbid both offline and online gambling. Additionally, authorities restrict a significant number of overseas gaming websites.

Overseas Gambling Sites On The Internet For Arab Players

Despite being banned in several countries, more and more Arabic-speaking players have started to search for online gambling options. As a result, there are several European iGaming operators that welcome players from Arab countries. These operators are licensed overseas, in UK, Malta or Gibraltar, and offer their gaming platforms in a variety of languages, including Arabic. Fully licensed and trustworthy overseas online casinos like BetFinal Casino, 888 Casino, and YYY Casino are just some of the most popular choices. They all offer a fair gaming experience with 24-hour customer support, advanced payment methods that allow discreet and oftentimes anonymous gameplay, and versatile casino libraries catering to all types of players. YYY Casino currently welcomes players with a first deposit bonus of up to $2200. BetFinal displays a welcome bundle of up to $1350 on new players' first four deposits, while 888Casino offers up to $2000 in welcome bonuses.

When visiting any of the countries mentioned in this guide, or any other country in the Middle East, please be aware that violating the countries' gambling laws can result in a severe penalty. Watching locals gamble either locally or on the internet, does not imply gambling is legal in that particular region. Local citizens may know where the great zone exists but as a tourist, it is strongly recommended to avoid any gambling activities while in the region. This includes logging in to an existing account at the online gambling site you may be using while at home.