It's generally believed that all Muslim countries ban gambling, as it's against the religion. However, many Middle Eastern countries are now creating legislations to control online casinos.
First, it's clear that it may be impossible to completely block all casinos, as users have access to VPNs. Thus, it makes sense to legalize and control online gambling. Second, there's an obvious change in views toward gambling in many Muslim countries.
Sill, users should select Arab-friendly online casinos with safety measures that protect clients. This post offers tips to find online casinos available in Arabic that are legal and safe. We will also guide you in the right direction to find a safe platform if you are a Sci-Fi lover like us.
Online Gambling in the Middle East: Cultural and Religious Aspects
Most people know that gambling is frowned upon by Muslims. However, there are changes now, specifically toward the acceptance of this entertainment type.
Some Arab people already gamble and don't consider this a sin, as they're engaging in it only for entertainment, not to gain money. Let's explore important legal and religious aspects in several big countries in the Middle East.
Legal Factors
Middle Eastern countries have different views and laws for gambling. Some regions have already been adapting new legislation, as they understand that players will continue seeking ways to access this entertainment type. Others still ban gambling, including online.
Here's a table that illustrates how major countries in the Middle East view this topic:
|
Country |
Online casino status |
Explanation |
|
Egypt |
Restricted / legal for tourists |
Egypt permits casino gambling for tourists, but not locals. Still, it's unclear if the local gambler gets a punishment. |
|
Jordan |
Unclear / legal gray area |
Jordan prohibits most gambling activities but doesn't specifically regulate online gambling. Some players access foreign sites. That's why it's important to play at casinos with licenses from international regulators. |
|
Kuwait |
Illegal |
Kuwait bans gambling. The government detects and blocks access to online casinos. It also has penalties for players and owners of casinos. |
|
Lebanon |
Legal (with license) |
Lebanon allows online sites if they have certificates. The government regulates these services. |
|
Qatar |
Illegal |
Qatar fully bans gambling. The country blocks gambling sites and penalizes gamblers + those promoting this behavior. |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Illegal |
Saudi authorities prohibit all types of gambling. They block websites + punish violators. It's important to understand that a user not only may have to pay a fine, but be imprisoned. |
|
Turkey |
Illegal (except IDDAA sites) |
Turkey bans private online casinos. However, sites controlled by IDDAA are allowed to offer online sports betting. |
|
UAE |
In transition / regulating |
The UAE's legislation is in progress. The country launched the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023. |
As you see, countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia penalize gamblers if they're caught during this activity, even when playing/betting online. Other countries have more mild regulations and allow users to visit international casinos. The UAE and Lebanon have the most mild rules, so users access entertainment legally.
Culture and Religion
Most countries in the Middle East are opposed to gambling because of Islamic views. They consider it as "haram," which means forbidden and morally damaging.
The Quran and Hadith condemn gambling, and several governments (as shown in the table) have bans with penalties. Society views gambling as shameful, dishonorable, and irresponsible.
Most countries block gambling sites and punish violators. However, online casinos and VPN usage means that it's not as easy to detect gambling activity, and to outright ban everything. That's why many Middle Eastern countries legalize gambling to have some control.
Considerations When You Choose an Online Casino
Arab users must check several aspects before selecting a casino. Users shouldn't trust random sites with reviews that claim they're scammers or with promises that are highly unlikely (like big bonuses, claims to win huge rewards, etc.).
Here's a list of a few factors you should consider:
- Arabic language. A reliable casino works in Arabic and offers native-speaking support. This shows that the site actually targets Arab users and doesn't just accept them for profit.
- Valid license. The license should be from local governments if the country has legislation, or from an international regulator.
- Solid reputation. Users should always check independent reviews. A popular casino with many satisfied players usually respects clients. Note that there might be negative reviews, as players have different opinions, but you should definitely avoid a website if users repeatedly say it's a scam.
- Different games. The casino ought to have several genres of games, so every player finds what they like.
- Top software providers. Games must come from certified companies like NetEnt, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Microgaming, etc. These companies test their products and make fair games.
Users should also select casinos with bonuses having realistic wagering requirements. Other important aspects are local payments, mobile versions/apps, and a convenient design.
Safety Tips When You Play
Users in the Middle East must play responsibly, especially where gambling laws are unclear. It's also necessary to protect yourself from scammers, even in countries where laws regulate online gambling. So, here's a few tips for safety and well-being:
- Play at licensed websites. Gambling sites with certificates undergo checks. They don't scam users and fairly resolve disputes.
- Use only trusted payment options. Never share financial info on shady websites for gambling. Use casinos that accept Visa, Mastercard, or local safe payments in the country.
- Don't connect to public Wi-Fi networks. Hackers may access your information and use that data to steal your money via unprotected networks. Connect via private Wi-Fi networks or use the internet from your mobile operator.
It's not recommended to play if the country outright forbids gambling. However, if you risk it, use proper VPN options, not the free services. Otherwise, you risk your data getting leaked, so eventually, your government may catch you gambling.
