Online poker is illegal in Algeria under the country's strict gambling prohibition laws. The Algerian Civil Code explicitly bans all forms of gambling and betting, with poker specifically falling under this comprehensive prohibition (1). This ban extends to both land-based and online poker activities, making participation in poker games unlawful for Algerian residents.
Algeria's gambling laws are deeply rooted in Islamic Sharia principles, which consider gambling activities as sinful and prohibited. The legal framework provides very limited exceptions, primarily for horse racing and certain regulated sports betting activities as outlined in Article 612 of the Civil Code (2). However, poker does not fall under these narrow exemptions and remains completely prohibited.
"The Algerian civil code prohibits gambling and betting however horse racing betting and sports betting are exempted. Lotteries and raffles are subject to very strict regulations which only authorize their organization under certain conditions."
The prohibition applies to all forms of poker, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and other variants, whether played online or in physical locations. While some foreign online poker platforms may technically be accessible to Algerian players, engaging with these sites violates local law and may result in legal consequences. The government maintains strict enforcement of these gambling prohibitions, reflecting the country's commitment to Islamic legal principles that view gambling as harmful to society.
Source:
https://legalpilot.com/country/algeria/
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/algeria
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
