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Is Gambling Legal in Saudi Arabia?

Prohibited
All forms of gambling are strictly forbidden under Sharia law; violations are criminal offenses with severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority No regulatory authority; prohibition enforced by general law enforcement and judiciary
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Prohibited
    Online Casinos Prohibited
    Betting Prohibited
    Online Betting Prohibited
    Lotteries Prohibited
    Poker Prohibited

    Highlights

    • All forms of gambling, including land-based and online, are strictly prohibited under Saudi law.
    • The prohibition is rooted in Sharia law, which classifies gambling as haram (forbidden) and enforces severe penalties.
    • There is no licensing regime for gambling operators; no legal gambling businesses can be established or registered.
    • Penalties for gambling include heavy fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets or winnings.
    • The government actively blocks access to gambling websites and apps using advanced internet filtering technology.
    • No taxation framework exists for gambling winnings, as all gambling activities are illegal and unregulated.
    • Efforts to circumvent restrictions, such as using VPNs to access foreign gambling sites, are also illegal and closely monitored.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      Gambling in Saudi Arabia is strictly prohibited under the country’s legal framework, which is fundamentally based on Islamic law (Sharia). The core legal structure governing gambling consists of:
      • Sharia Law (Islamic Law): The primary source of all legislation in Saudi Arabia, including the prohibition of gambling. The Quran explicitly forbids all forms of gambling (referred to as maysir or qimar), and this prohibition is reflected in national law. The religious basis for this prohibition is found in verses such as Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219) and Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91), which condemn gambling as harmful and unethical.
      • Anti-Cybercrime Law: Online gambling is also prohibited under the Anti-Cybercrime Law, which criminalizes the operation, promotion, and facilitation of gambling activities via electronic means. This law empowers authorities to monitor, block, and take legal action against online gambling platforms and users.
      • General Penal Code Provisions: Engaging in or facilitating gambling activities, whether online or offline, constitutes a criminal offense under Saudi law. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets associated with gambling.
      • Communications and Internet Regulations: The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) enforces strict internet filtering and blocks access to all gambling-related websites and applications.
      There are no exceptions or carve-outs for any form of gambling, including lotteries, sports betting, casinos, or online gambling. The prohibition is comprehensive and applies to both residents and visitors.

      Regulatory Authority

      Saudi Arabia does not have a dedicated gambling regulatory authority due to the absolute prohibition of gambling. Instead, oversight and enforcement are carried out by various government bodies, including:
      • Religious Police (Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice): Responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with Sharia law, including the prohibition of gambling activities.
      • Ministry of Interior: Oversees criminal investigations and enforcement actions against individuals and groups involved in gambling.
      • Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC): Monitors and blocks access to gambling websites and applications, and enforces internet restrictions related to gambling.
      • Judicial Authorities: Responsible for prosecuting and adjudicating gambling offenses under Sharia and national law.
      These authorities collectively ensure the strict enforcement of the gambling prohibition in all forms throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

      License Types

      Gambling Licensing System in Saudi Arabia

      Saudi Arabia does not have a gambling licensing system. All forms of gambling—whether land-based or online—are strictly prohibited under the country’s legal framework, which is based on Islamic (Sharia) law. As a result, there are no procedures, authorities, or mechanisms for issuing licenses for any gambling activities within the Kingdom.

      Types of Gambling Licenses Available

      • No gambling licenses are available for any activity, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, online gambling, or gaming machines.

      Application Process

      • There is no application process for gambling licenses, as such licenses do not exist in Saudi Arabia.

      Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility

      • No duration, renewal, or eligibility criteria are defined, since gambling licenses are not issued under any circumstances.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • There are no official fees, costs, or financial requirements for gambling licenses, as the licensing system is non-existent.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses

      • No requirements are established for obtaining or maintaining gambling licenses, because all forms of gambling are categorically forbidden.

      Summary Table

      Aspect Status in Saudi Arabia
      Types of Licenses None available
      Application Process Not applicable
      Duration & Renewal Not applicable
      Eligibility Not applicable
      Costs & Fees Not applicable
      Key Requirements Not applicable
      In conclusion, Saudi Arabia does not operate any system for the licensing of gambling activities. Any attempt to organize, promote, or participate in gambling is subject to strict legal penalties, and there are no legal avenues for obtaining a gambling license of any kind.

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators

      Gambling is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia under Sharia law. As a result, there is no legal framework for the operation of gambling businesses, whether land-based or online. Because all forms of gambling are illegal, there are no tax rates established for gambling operators, regardless of the type of gambling activity (such as casinos, sports betting, lotteries, or online gaming).

      Basis for Taxation

      • No legal gambling operations exist in Saudi Arabia; therefore, there is no basis for taxation such as Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), turnover, or any alternative method for gambling operators.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Since gambling is not permitted, there are no tax reporting, filing, or payment procedures for gambling operators.
      • There are no tax authorities or designated government bodies responsible for collecting gambling-related taxes in Saudi Arabia.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, or Special Provisions

      • There are no tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators, as all gambling activities are outlawed.
      • Any revenue or assets derived from illegal gambling are subject to confiscation by authorities, and individuals or entities involved may face significant fines and imprisonment.

      Summary Table: Gambling Operator Taxation in Saudi Arabia

      Aspect Status in Saudi Arabia
      Legal Tax Rates None (all gambling is illegal)
      Taxation Basis (GGR, Turnover, etc.) Not applicable
      Reporting & Payment Procedures Not applicable
      Tax Incentives/Exemptions Not applicable
      In conclusion, Saudi Arabia does not have any taxation system for gambling operators because gambling is entirely prohibited. Any involvement in gambling activities is subject to criminal penalties, not taxation.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      There are no formal age restrictions or identification requirements for gambling in Saudi Arabia because all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited. As a result, there is no legal framework for verifying player age or identity for gambling activities, whether online or land-based. Any attempt to participate in gambling, regardless of age, is considered illegal and subject to severe penalties.

      Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

      • All forms of gambling are completely banned, including but not limited to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, poker, and online gambling platforms.
      • There are no exceptions for any specific types of games or betting activities; the prohibition is absolute and extends to both private and public gambling, as well as online and offline formats.
      • Possession or use of gambling devices is illegal, with significant fines imposed for each device found in use for gambling purposes.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Advertising or promoting gambling services in any form is strictly forbidden.
      • This prohibition covers all media channels, including television, radio, print, online platforms, and social media.
      • Promotion of gambling websites, apps, or related content is considered a criminal offense and is actively monitored and prosecuted by authorities.
      • Authorities employ advanced internet filtering and monitoring to block access to gambling-related content and advertisements.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • There are no responsible gambling programs or player protection measures in place because all gambling is illegal and unregulated.
      • The government’s approach to player protection is based entirely on prohibition and enforcement, aiming to prevent gambling-related harm by eliminating access to gambling opportunities altogether.
      • Penalties for engaging in gambling include fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of funds or assets linked to gambling activities.
      • Authorities actively monitor internet usage and block gambling websites and applications; attempts to circumvent these blocks (e.g., using VPNs) are also illegal and subject to prosecution.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • No gambling venues, whether land-based or online, are permitted anywhere within Saudi Arabia’s borders.
      • There are no designated areas or exceptions for gambling activities; the ban applies nationwide, including all cities and regions.
      • Internet service providers are required to block access to all gambling-related websites and applications across the entire country.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1932 Establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Islamic (Sharia) law becomes the foundation of all legislation, including the prohibition of gambling.
        1960s Saudi authorities reaffirm the prohibition of all forms of gambling, aligning with Islamic principles and increasing public awareness of the ban.
        2001 Saudi police conduct high-profile raids on illegal gambling operations, including the arrest of individuals running an underground gambling club in Riyadh connected electronically to a foreign casino.
        2007 Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) begins systematically blocking access to online gambling websites as internet usage rises in the Kingdom.
        2018 Significant arrests of expatriates for organizing illegal gambling activities in private residences, demonstrating ongoing enforcement efforts.
        2024 Saudi Arabia increases fines for illegal gambling devices, with penalties ranging from approximately $26,753 to $107,015 per device, reflecting a tougher stance on enforcement.
        2024 Government intensifies monitoring and blocking of online gambling platforms and VPNs used to circumvent restrictions, leveraging advanced cybercrime laws and technology.

        Requirements

        Technical and Operational Requirements for Gambling Operators in Saudi Arabia

        Saudi Arabia has a strict prohibition on all forms of gambling, both offline and online, under Sharia law. As a result, there is no legal framework for the licensing or operation of gambling businesses within the Kingdom. Consequently, there are no officially established technical or operational requirements for gambling operators, including those related to software certification, technical standards, data protection, anti-money laundering, or responsible gambling tools.

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • No legal gambling operators are permitted; therefore, there are no recognized software certification or technical standards for gambling platforms.
        • All gambling-related software, platforms, and applications are considered illegal and are subject to removal and blocking by authorities.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

        • There are no specific data protection or privacy requirements for gambling operators, as such operations are not allowed.
        • Saudi authorities actively block access to gambling websites and apps, and monitor internet activity to enforce the prohibition.
        • No requirements exist regarding the location of servers for gambling operations, as all such activities are banned.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • There are no AML or KYC compliance procedures for gambling operators, because all gambling activities are illegal and unregulated.
        • Any involvement in gambling operations is prosecuted under criminal and cybercrime laws, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

        • No financial reporting, auditing, or record-keeping requirements exist for gambling operators in Saudi Arabia, as the operation of such businesses is strictly prohibited.
        • Financial transactions related to gambling are monitored and may be subject to investigation and enforcement actions.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • There are no technical requirements for responsible gambling tools, as all forms of gambling are illegal and no legal operators exist within the Kingdom.
        In summary, due to the absolute prohibition of gambling in Saudi Arabia, there are no legal technical or operational requirements for gambling operators. Any attempt to offer gambling services—online or offline—is subject to severe legal penalties and active enforcement by Saudi authorities.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

        • Ministry of Interior: www.moi.gov.sa | Phone: +966-11-401-1111
        • Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST): www.citc.gov.sa | Phone: +966-11-461-8000 | Email: info@citc.gov.sa
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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 18 April 2025