Countries Where It’s Illegal to Play Online Casinos

While gambling is a popular pastime and a significant industry in many parts of the world, including New Zealand where it's regulated, there are numerous countries that take a much stricter stance. For various cultural, religious, and social reasons, certain nations have outright banned or severely restricted gambling activities, both online and in physical establishments. For New Zealanders planning to travel or simply curious about global gambling laws, understanding these prohibitions is crucial.

The decision to prohibit gambling often stems from a desire to prevent potential societal problems like addiction, financial hardship, and organised crime. In some regions, religious doctrines play a primary role in shaping these laws. Let's explore some of the countries where gambling is either completely illegal or heavily controlled.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, a hub of luxury and innovation in the Middle East, maintains a strict prohibition on all forms of gambling, including online casinos and luck-based games. This ban is deeply rooted in Islamic law, which considers gambling a sin. While the country is known for its opulence, its legal framework regarding gambling remains firm.

An interesting exception sometimes applies to international waters; gambling on a ship is generally permissible as long as it is actively sailing and not anchored within UAE territory. However, for land-based activities, the penalties for engaging in gambling are severe, potentially including up to two years in prison and fines reaching approximately NZD 8,900.

Qatar

Much like its neighbour, the UAE, Qatar enforces a stringent ban on both physical and online gambling activities. The primary reason for this prohibition is religious, aligning with Islamic principles. Even activities that might be considered less conventional forms of gambling, such as horse racing, are typically not permitted in a betting context.

Despite these strict laws, underground gambling operations do exist in some areas, often facilitated discreetly. However, the risks are high. Individuals caught participating in illegal gambling in Qatar can face penalties of at least three months in prison and fines of around NZD 1,300.

Poland

In Poland, the approach to gambling is somewhat nuanced. While the Polish populace enjoys sports, the country's gambling laws are quite restrictive. The only widely legal form of gambling is sports betting, which is regulated and permitted. However, other forms of gambling, particularly those offered by private online casinos, are largely banned.

This means that while Poles can legally place bets on their favourite sports, they cannot access a broad range of casino games or other luck-based activities through private operators within the country's jurisdiction.

Kuwait

Kuwait, another nation in the Middle East with strong Islamic traditions, maintains some of the region's most unyielding anti-gambling laws. The penalties for gambling are significant: a first offence can lead to three months in prison, with repeat offences potentially resulting in up to two years of incarceration.

Unlike some neighbouring countries that have shown signs of slightly relaxing certain aspects of their laws, Kuwait has largely upheld its historical strictness regarding casinos and other forms of gambling. Interestingly, while traditional casino games are heavily prohibited, activities like camel and horse racing are treated more leniently, often supported through riding schools and instructors, indicating a cultural distinction in how different forms of competition are viewed.

Turkey

Turkey's gambling laws, established in 1998, mirror those of Poland in some respects. The vast majority of gambling activities are banned, with the notable exception of sports betting. This means that while Turkish citizens can legally engage in betting on sporting events, other forms of casino-style gambling, both online and offline, are prohibited.

Violations of these laws can lead to substantial financial penalties, with fines reaching approximately NZD 11,000, and in some cases, imprisonment. The government maintains a firm stance against unregulated gambling to protect its citizens and uphold public order.

North Korea

North Korea stands out with one of the world's most restrictive gambling environments for its own citizens. The local population is strictly forbidden from participating in any gambling activities. However, the country operates a unique system where gambling is permitted exclusively for tourists, typically within designated, state-controlled facilities.

This dual standard allows the state to generate revenue from tourism while maintaining tight control over its citizens' activities. For locals who defy the ban, the penalties are severe, including fines of around NZD 6,700 (based on the original USD conversion) and the possibility of imprisonment. This highlights the extreme measures taken to regulate and restrict gambling within its borders.

The global landscape of gambling laws is incredibly diverse. While New Zealanders enjoy a regulated environment, it's clear that many countries view gambling through a very different lens, often imposing strict prohibitions for deeply held cultural, religious, or political reasons. For anyone travelling internationally, understanding and respecting these local laws is paramount to avoid serious legal repercussions.