Online poker is illegal in the Cayman Islands under the Gambling Act of 1963, which prohibits all forms of wagering and gambling activities. The act was revised in 2016 to increase penalties for gambling violations, with fines now reaching $40 for wagering or up to 2 months imprisonment in default (1). All forms of commercial gambling are prohibited except for non-profit raffles, making the Cayman Islands one of the most restrictive gambling jurisdictions in the Caribbean.
The Cayman Islands Government has recently strengthened its anti-gambling stance with the Gambling (Amendment) Bill 2022, which significantly increased penalties for illegal gambling activities. The government has acknowledged that illegal lotteries are being run by international crime syndicates and generating between $30 million and $50 million annually (2). This has prompted authorities to enhance enforcement measures and impose much stiffer penalties to combat organized illegal gambling operations.
"The increased sanctions and fines for a range of illegal gambling offences contained in the new Bill intend to serve as a very strong deterrent to those who would seek to engage in these activities."
Despite the comprehensive legal prohibitions, enforcement against individual players accessing international online poker sites remains limited due to resource constraints. However, the government has made it clear that all forms of gambling, including online poker, are technically illegal for residents. The authorities primarily focus on targeting illegal operators rather than individual players, but participation in online poker still carries legal risks under the territory's strict gambling laws, which have been consistently strengthened over recent years.
Source:
https://mcgrathtonner.com/archives/847
https://www.gov.ky/public-consultations/gambling-bill
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
