Online casino gambling is strictly prohibited in Iran under the country's Islamic legal framework, which considers all forms of gambling as forbidden activities (1)(2). The Islamic Republic of Iran's legal system, heavily influenced by Sharia law since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, categorizes gambling as "haram" or one of the greatest sins in Islamic teachings. Article 705 of the Islamic Penal Code explicitly states that gambling by any means is forbidden, making online casino operations and participation illegal throughout the country.
The Iranian government actively enforces these gambling prohibitions through multiple measures, including website blocking, financial transaction monitoring, and criminal prosecutions (1). Law enforcement agencies have implemented strict measures to block access to gambling websites, with authorities having blocked numerous online gambling portals in recent years. The government also monitors financial transactions related to online gambling activities and has dismantled major international gambling networks operating within Iranian borders, such as the high-profile Nitro Bet case.
"Gambling by any means is forbidden and the offenders shall be sentenced to one to six months' imprisonment or up to 74 lashes."
Despite the severe legal penalties, which include imprisonment ranging from one to six months or up to 74 lashes for gambling offenses, many Iranians continue to access offshore gambling sites through various technological means (1)(2). The digital age has created enforcement challenges for Iranian authorities, as offshore operators can provide services through VPNs and cryptocurrency transactions that are difficult to trace. However, the government has shown no signs of relaxing its stance, with some proposed legislation even suggesting harsher penalties, including potential death sentences for large-scale online gambling operators, though such extreme measures have not become law.
Source:
https://iranhrdc.org/islamic-penal-code-of-the-islamic-republic-of-iran-book-five/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-iran/
Last updated: 20-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
