Gambling Prohibitions: World Countries and Legislation

Online gambling seems to be a very exciting activity for customers all around the world. Millions of people spend countless hours on their favourite casino and sports betting sites. However, it isn’t always allowed to gamble on some events. Over the previous decades, gambling legislation has notably changed and some countries still consider gambling illegal. To learn more about the betting prohibitions, here you can find an overview of certain countries.

Cambodia

For a long period in the past, Cambodian citizens were known for gambling addiction. This made the government change the policy and prohibit gambling in 1996. Private lotteries organized by the government are still allowed and available in 5 forms. Foreigners who arrive in Cambodia can bet in casinos dedicated for these purposes.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates have adopted strict legislation regarding gambling. Everyone who engages in the activity risks being imprisoned for up to 2 years. Other Islamic countries are less strict but still reserved for various betting forms.

Singapore

The Singapore Remote Gambling Act prohibited all forms of online gambling, with some obvious exemptions. It includes two betting operators – Singapore Turf Club and Singapore Pools which received permission in 2016. As for land-based operators, they are generally prohibited with some exemptions granted by the government.

Qatar

Qatar is the country with the strictest gambling legislation. It forbids all forms of betting including sports gambling, which is unusual. Local citizens are organizing underground betting activities which could result in serious consequences for caught players.

North Korea

North Korea controls the lives of people who reside in the country. It prohibits all forms of gambling including online and offline betting. Foreigners who come in North Korea as part of the guided tour can visit Pyongyang casino venue.

Lebanon

Lebanon is another country which strictly prohibits all sorts of gambling involvement. Online casinos which run the activity despite the prohibition can be blocked. However, the country allows one online casino and one land-based operator to perform betting operation. Individuals can also take part in a casino ship tour which takes to international waters where gambling is allowed.

Traveling in Those Countries

As you can see, foreign countries usually don’t involve international customers with betting prohibition. It means that visitors can engage in betting activity independent of local legal prescriptions. However, it is recommended to check the legal norms before visiting foreign casinos as you don’t want to risk potential fines and imprisonment.

Source:

“The Countries Where gambling is Illegal”, Zoltan Tundik, europeangaming.eu, May 3, 2019.