All forms of gambling, including online gambling, are completely illegal in Jordan.
Gambling prohibition is rooted in Islamic law, which is strictly enforced across the country.
There is no licensing framework for gambling operators; no licenses are issued for any gambling activity.
No legal distinction exists between land-based and online gambling—both are equally banned.
Penalties for gambling can be severe, including fines and imprisonment for both operators and players.
There are no current political or legislative initiatives to legalize or regulate gambling in Jordan.
Foreign gambling sites are also illegal, and access to them is often blocked by local authorities.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
Gambling in Jordan is comprehensively prohibited under the country’s legal framework. The primary basis for this prohibition is the application of Islamic law (Sharia), which is integrated into Jordan’s national legal system. There are no specific statutes or separate gambling acts that regulate or permit gambling activities in Jordan. Instead, the general prohibition is enforced through the Penal Code and other legislative instruments that criminalize all forms of gambling, including land-based and online gambling. The absence of any dedicated gambling legislation means that all gambling activities are considered illegal by default, and there is no legal distinction between different types or forms of gambling.
Regulatory Authority
Jordan does not have a dedicated gambling regulatory authority or commission. Oversight and enforcement responsibilities fall under general law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. These authorities are responsible for upholding the prohibition on gambling as mandated by the Penal Code and other relevant laws. There are no government bodies tasked with regulating, licensing, or supervising gambling activities, as all such activities are strictly forbidden.
Enforcement of gambling prohibitions is managed by law enforcement agencies.
Judicial authorities handle prosecution and adjudication of gambling-related offenses.
License Types
Gambling Licensing System in Jordan
Jordan does not operate any gambling licensing system for any form of gambling activities, including land-based casinos, online gaming, sports betting, or lotteries. The country’s legal framework, influenced by Islamic law, strictly prohibits all forms of gambling. As a result, there are no official procedures, application processes, or regulatory authorities responsible for issuing gambling licenses in Jordan.
Types of Licenses Available
No licenses are available for any gambling activities in Jordan.
This includes, but is not limited to, casino operations, sports betting, lotteries, poker rooms, and online gambling platforms.
Application Process
There is no application process for gambling licenses in Jordan, as no such licenses are issued or recognized by any governmental authority.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
No licenses exist; therefore, there are no provisions regarding license duration, renewal conditions, or eligibility criteria for operators.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
There are no licensing costs, fees, or financial requirements, as the licensing system for gambling does not exist in Jordan.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses
No regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are defined for gambling operators, since all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited and unlicensed in Jordan.
Gambling Tax
Gambling Operator Taxation in Jordan
Jordan does not have a taxation system for gambling operators because all forms of gambling, including online and land-based operations, are strictly prohibited under national law. The country enforces a complete ban on gambling activities, and there are no licensed gambling operators within its jurisdiction.
Tax Rates for Gambling Operations
There are no tax rates for gambling operators in Jordan, as gambling is illegal and no licenses are issued for such operations.
Basis for Taxation
No basis for taxation exists (such as Gross Gaming Revenue, turnover, or other metrics) because no gambling operations are legally permitted.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
There are no tax reporting or payment procedures for gambling operators, as the activity is not recognized or regulated by the authorities.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, or Special Provisions
No tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions apply to gambling operators, as the legal framework does not allow for any form of gambling business.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
All forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in Jordan. As a result, there are no legal gambling venues or platforms where age verification or identification requirements for players are implemented. There are no established minimum age requirements for gambling because such activities are not permitted under any circumstances.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
All forms of gambling are banned, including but not limited to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, online gambling, and any other games of chance or skill involving wagers.
Online gambling is explicitly prohibited, with no exceptions or legal loopholes for any type of remote or internet-based betting.
No licenses are issued for any gambling operations, and there are no regulated or government-approved gambling games or activities.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising or promoting gambling services is strictly forbidden. This includes both domestic and foreign operators targeting Jordanian residents.
There are no legal gambling products or services that can be marketed to the public, and any attempt to advertise gambling can result in severe penalties.
Online and offline marketing campaigns related to gambling are not allowed under any circumstances.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
There are no responsible gambling measures in place, as all gambling is illegal and not subject to regulation or oversight.
No player protection programs, self-exclusion lists, or support services for problem gambling are provided or recognized by authorities.
Any individual found participating in or facilitating gambling activities is subject to legal penalties, rather than being offered support or protection.
Geographic or Location Restrictions
Gambling is prohibited nationwide, with no exceptions for specific regions, cities, or designated areas.
No physical venues (such as casinos, betting shops, or lottery retailers) are permitted to operate anywhere within Jordan's borders.
Online gambling platforms are also blocked and considered illegal regardless of the location of the operator or the player.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1946
Jordan gains independence; Islamic law becomes a foundational influence on national legislation, including prohibitions on gambling.
1951
Jordan enacts its Penal Code, which explicitly criminalizes all forms of gambling activities, reflecting strict adherence to Islamic principles.
1970s–1980s
Enforcement of anti-gambling laws intensifies, with authorities cracking down on both public and private gambling activities.
1990s
Jordan reaffirms its prohibition on gambling, including a ban on casinos and betting shops, amid regional discussions on tourism and economic development.
2001
Jordan updates its Penal Code, maintaining strict prohibitions against all forms of gambling, including the use of technology for gambling purposes.
2010s
Authorities begin targeting online gambling activities, blocking access to gambling websites and increasing penalties for violations.
2020s
Jordan continues to enforce a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling, including online gambling, with no indication of regulatory liberalization or licensing frameworks.
Requirements
Technical and Operational Requirements for Gambling Operators in Jordan
Currently, all forms of gambling, including both land-based and online operations, are strictly prohibited in Jordan. There is no legal framework for the licensing, regulation, or operation of gambling businesses. As a result, there are no officially established technical or operational requirements for gambling operators in Jordan. The following sections clarify the status of each area typically covered by such requirements:
Software Certification and Technical Standards
There are no government-mandated software certification processes or technical standards for gambling platforms, as all gambling activities are illegal and not subject to regulation.
No official authorities or third-party labs are recognized for certifying gaming software in Jordan.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
No specific requirements exist for data protection or privacy measures related to gambling operations, as such activities are not permitted.
There are no stipulations regarding the physical location of servers used for gambling services.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
There are no AML or KYC requirements for gambling operators, as the operation of such businesses is not legal or regulated in Jordan.
No reporting or compliance obligations are enforced for gambling-related transactions.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
There are no financial reporting, auditing, or record-keeping requirements for gambling operators in Jordan, as no such businesses are allowed to operate legally.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Technical Implementation
No technical requirements or standards for responsible gambling tools (such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, or reality checks) are mandated by Jordanian authorities, since gambling is not permitted.
Sources
Primary Regulatory Authorities
There are no dedicated gambling regulatory authorities in Jordan, as all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited under national law.
For official government information and legal inquiries, refer to the Government of Jordan's main portal: https://jordan.gov.jo
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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.
