Online casinos are completely illegal in Saudi Arabia under the country's strict interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). The Kingdom prohibits all forms of gambling, including online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and casino games. This prohibition is deeply rooted in religious principles, as gambling is considered "haram" (forbidden) in Islam and is described in the Quran as "abhorrence" and "the work of Satan" (1).
Saudi Arabia operates under an absolute monarchy established in 1932 and adheres to Sharia law, which takes its guidance from the Quran. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), formerly known as CITC, actively monitors and blocks access to gambling websites using advanced internet filtering technology. The government employs sophisticated censorship infrastructure to identify and restrict any online activities that contravene the nation's anti-gambling laws (2).
"Gambling is illegal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Punishments for gambling in the country vary from fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets."
The penalties for violating gambling laws in Saudi Arabia are severe and include hefty fines, imprisonment up to six months or more depending on the severity of the offense, and confiscation of assets or winnings. As of 2024, the country has increased basic fines for illegal gambling devices to range from $26,753 to $107,015. The government enforces these laws through various bodies including the Ministry of Interior for criminal investigations and the Religious Police for monitoring compliance with Sharia law (1). Despite these strict measures, some residents attempt to access offshore gambling sites using VPNs, though such activities remain illegal and are closely monitored by authorities (2).
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_Saudi_Arabia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications,_Space_and_Technology_Commission_(Saudi_Arabia)
Last updated: 20-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
