Online poker is illegal in Cuba under the current governmental framework that has prohibited all forms of gambling since 1959. The prohibition stems from Law 86 (Ley 86) enacted on February 20th, 1959, which effectively banned all gambling activities as part of the broader campaign to dismantle what the Castro government viewed as capitalist excesses associated with the previous Batista regime (1). Cuba currently does not operate any formal gambling licensing system, and all forms of gambling including casinos, lotteries, and online gambling remain prohibited under Cuban law.
There are no regulatory authorities in Cuba responsible for gambling oversight, as the government maintains a complete prohibition on all gambling activities (2). The Cuban government views gambling as a symbol of exploitation and foreign influence, associating casinos and gambling with the wealthy elite while the majority of Cubans remained disadvantaged. This ideological opposition to gambling has remained consistent throughout Cuba's socialist government, with no legal frameworks or application procedures established for any form of gambling licensing.
"Cuba currently does not operate a formal gambling licensing system. All forms of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, and online gambling, are prohibited under Cuban law."
Despite the official ban, underground gambling activities persist in Cuba, particularly through illegal lotteries known as "la bolita," which remains one of the most popular illegal games on the island alongside cockfighting. The Cuban government's battle against gambling has limited but not eliminated these activities, as local communities often tolerate neighborhood betting operations. However, for online poker specifically, Cuba remains completely inaccessible as a legal jurisdiction, with no viable regulatory framework for operators and significant legal risks for anyone attempting to provide or participate in online gambling services within Cuban territory.
Source:
https://legalpilot.com/country/cuba/
https://www.liveincuba.com/live-in-cuba/chapter-iv/26-gambling.html
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
