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Is Gambling Legal in Sudan?

Prohibited
All forms of gambling, including online and land-based, are strictly prohibited under Sudanese law with no licensing framework or regulatory authority.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority None
    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 online and land-based, are strictly prohibited under Sudanese law.
    • There is no dedicated gambling act, regulatory authority, or licensing framework for gambling in Sudan.
    • Gambling bans are rooted in Sharia law, which has governed Sudanese legislation since 1983.
    • No licenses are issued for any gambling operators; both local and foreign operators are illegal.
    • There are no specific gambling-related tax laws or provisions for taxation of winnings or operators.
    • No legal gambling age is defined, as all gambling activities are banned by law.
    • Despite the prohibition, some Sudanese residents access offshore gambling sites, but prosecution is possible if caught.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The legal framework governing gambling in Sudan is defined by a strict prohibition on all forms of gambling. Sudanese law, rooted in Islamic Sharia principles, categorically bans gambling activities, whether conducted individually or as a business. There is no dedicated Gambling Act or equivalent statute; rather, the prohibition is embedded within broader legal and religious codes that form the basis of Sudan’s legal system. This prohibition extends to all types of gambling, including land-based casinos, sports betting, lotteries, skill games, and online gambling. The legal documents do not provide for any regulatory or licensing framework for gambling activities, reflecting an absolute legislative ban.

      Regulatory Authority

      Sudan does not have a dedicated regulatory authority or governmental body responsible for the oversight or regulation of gambling. Because all forms of gambling are expressly prohibited by law, there is no official regulator, licensing board, or supervisory agency for gambling operations in the country. Enforcement of the prohibition is generally managed through the broader law enforcement and judicial system, as part of the implementation of Sharia-based legal codes.
      • No specialized gambling regulatory authority exists in Sudan.

      License Types

      Gambling Licensing System in Sudan

      Sudan does not have a gambling licensing system. All forms of gambling, including land-based and online activities, are strictly prohibited under Sudanese law. As a result, there are no legal provisions for the issuance of gambling licenses, no regulatory body overseeing gambling operations, and no official procedures or requirements for obtaining or maintaining a gambling license in Sudan.

      Types of Licenses Available

      • There are no types of gambling licenses available in Sudan for any gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, or online gambling.

      Application Process

      • No application process exists for gambling licenses, as gambling is entirely prohibited.
      • There are no authorities or regulatory bodies designated to accept or review gambling license applications.

      Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility

      • There are no licensing durations, renewal conditions, or eligibility criteria because no licenses are issued or recognized.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • There are no costs, fees, or financial requirements associated with gambling licenses, as the activity is not permitted or regulated.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses

      • There are no requirements or ongoing compliance obligations for gambling operators, since gambling is not legally recognized or allowed in Sudan.
      In summary, Sudan does not provide any legal framework for the licensing of gambling activities. All forms of gambling are prohibited, and no licensing procedures, fees, or regulatory requirements exist for operators. Any gambling activity conducted within Sudan is unlicensed and illegal under current laws.

      Gambling Tax

      Gambling Taxation System in Sudan

      Sudan prohibits all forms of gambling under its national laws, including both land-based and online gambling. As a result, there is no legal gambling market in Sudan and no official taxation system for gambling operators.

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operations

      • There are no tax rates established for gambling operators in Sudan, as all gambling activities are strictly prohibited.

      Basis for Taxation

      • No basis for taxation (such as Gross Gaming Revenue, turnover, or other metrics) exists for gambling operations, due to the complete prohibition of gambling.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • There are no tax reporting or payment procedures for gambling operators, since such activities are illegal and unregulated in Sudan.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, or Special Provisions

      • No tax incentives, exemptions, or special tax provisions apply to gambling operators in Sudan, as the law does not recognize or regulate any form of gambling business.
      In summary, Sudan does not have a taxation system for gambling operators because all gambling is prohibited by law, and no regulatory or fiscal framework exists for such activities.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • There are no officially established age restrictions for gambling in Sudan, as all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited under national law and Shariah principles.
      • Because gambling is illegal, there are no legal requirements or frameworks for verifying the age or identity of players in Sudan.
      • International online gambling platforms that accept Sudanese players typically require users to be at least 18 or 21 years old and may request identification, but these requirements are not enforced or recognized by Sudanese authorities.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • All forms of gambling are explicitly prohibited in Sudan, including but not limited to:
        • Land-based casinos and betting shops
        • Online casinos and online betting platforms
        • Lotteries, poker, and all forms of skill or chance-based games for money
        • Sports betting, including on both local and international events
        • Arcades and any other gambling-related establishments
      • There are no exceptions or legal loopholes for any specific gambling activities or games; the prohibition is total and comprehensive.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • All advertising and marketing of gambling services is strictly forbidden in Sudan.
      • There are no legal gambling operators, so no lawful advertising can occur within the country.
      • Promotion of foreign gambling websites or services is also prohibited and may be subject to penalties under Sudanese law.
      • There are no legal provisions for responsible gambling advertising, as all forms of gambling promotion are banned.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Sudan does not have any responsible gambling requirements or player protection measures in place, as gambling itself is not permitted.
      • There are no self-exclusion programs, support services, or harm minimization initiatives recognized or regulated by Sudanese authorities.
      • Operators found to be offering gambling services to Sudanese residents are not subject to any local responsible gambling obligations, as such operations are illegal.

      Geographic or Location Restrictions

      • Gambling venues of any kind are not permitted anywhere within Sudanese territory.
      • There are no designated zones or exceptions for gambling establishments; the ban is nationwide and applies to all regions and cities.
      • Online gambling platforms are also prohibited from operating within Sudan or targeting Sudanese residents.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1885 Establishment of the Mahdist state in Sudan, which enforced strict Islamic principles, including the prohibition of gambling.
        1898 British conquest of Sudan ended the Mahdist state; colonial legal systems were introduced, but gambling remained largely restricted due to prevailing Islamic norms.
        1956 Sudan gained independence; Islamic values continued to shape national laws, with gambling remaining socially and legally disfavored.
        1983 Introduction of Sharia law nationwide; gambling explicitly prohibited under the new legal code as part of broader Islamization policies.
        1989 Military coup brought Omar al-Bashir to power; strict enforcement of Sharia law continued, maintaining the ban on all forms of gambling.
        2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed, but gambling prohibitions remained unchanged in the northern (now Republic of Sudan) legal framework.
        2019 Transitional government formed after the ousting of Omar al-Bashir; no significant changes to gambling regulation, with prohibitions still in force.
        2023 Sudanese laws continue to prohibit all forms of gambling, both land-based and online, with no regulatory framework or licensing system in place.

        Requirements

        Technical and Operational Requirements for Gambling Operators in Sudan

        All forms of gambling, including both land-based and online operations, are strictly prohibited in Sudan. There is no legal framework, licensing regime, or regulatory authority governing gambling activities. As such, there are no official technical or operational requirements for gambling operators in Sudan. The following sections summarize the situation regarding the main areas of technical and operational compliance:

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • There are no recognized or mandated software certification requirements for gambling platforms, as all gambling operations are illegal and unregulated.
        • No technical standards are established or enforced for game fairness, random number generation, or system integrity.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • Sudan does not have dedicated data protection laws or a data protection regulator.
        • No specific requirements exist regarding the storage, processing, or localization of player data for gambling operators.
        • There are no privacy or cybersecurity standards applicable to gambling operations in the country.

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

        • There are no AML or KYC obligations imposed on gambling operators, as gambling is not a recognized or permitted business activity.
        • No reporting requirements or transaction monitoring standards are in place for gambling-related financial activities.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • There are no financial reporting, auditing, or record-keeping requirements for gambling operators in Sudan.
        • No regulatory authority exists to oversee or enforce any such standards in the gambling sector.

        Responsible Gambling Tools and Technical Implementation

        • No responsible gambling obligations or technical requirements exist for self-exclusion, player protection, or harm minimization tools.
        • There is no infrastructure or regulatory support for implementing responsible gambling measures.
        Summary: Sudan maintains a total prohibition on all forms of gambling. As a result, there are no technical or operational compliance requirements for gambling operators. Any gambling activity is conducted outside the scope of Sudanese law and without regulatory oversight or protection.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        • There are currently no official regulatory authorities or government bodies overseeing gambling regulation in Sudan.

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

        • Ministry of Justice: info@moj.gov.sd | +249 183 777 539
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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