This page gives a general overview of gambling laws in Arab countries as of 2026. It is for information only and is not legal advice. Laws and their enforcement change — always check the current rules in your country before you gamble, and never gamble where it is prohibited for you.
United Arab Emirates
Gambling is prohibited under the UAE federal penal code unless it is licensed. In 2023 the UAE created the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which licenses commercial gaming and lotteries. The UAE Lottery is licensed, and in 2024 the first commercial gaming licence was granted for the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Online casinos are not licensed for UAE residents.
Saudi Arabia
All forms of gambling are prohibited under Islamic law as applied in Saudi Arabia. There are no licensed casinos, lotteries or betting operators.
Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman
Gambling is prohibited in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, and there are no licensed online casinos or bookmakers serving residents.
Egypt
Land-based casinos operate in hotels but, by law, only foreign passport holders may play; Egyptian citizens are barred. Online casinos are not licensed locally.
Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria
Morocco has licensed land-based casinos and state-run lottery and sports betting, but no local licences for online casinos. Tunisia’s casinos are intended for foreign visitors, with state-run sports betting. In Algeria gambling is heavily restricted to state-run games.
Lebanon
Casino du Liban holds the state monopoly on gaming in Lebanon, including the right to operate online gaming. Other operators are not licensed.
Iraq and Jordan
Gambling is prohibited in Iraq and Jordan, apart from limited state-approved lotteries in Jordan. Online casinos are not licensed in either country.
What this means for players
- Using an international casino or a VPN does not change the law that applies to you.
- Banks in the region often block gambling payments, and disputes with offshore casinos are hard to resolve locally.
- If you are unsure, do not play. Read our Responsible Gambling guide for help and support.