Online poker in Djibouti operates in a legal gray area with limited regulatory framework and complex cultural considerations. While land-based gambling is legal in Djibouti with several licensed casinos operating in the capital city, online gambling including poker remains largely unregulated (1). The country has regulations that impose fines of 10,000 francs for operating unlicensed gambling establishments, indicating that a licensing process exists for land-based operations, but specific laws governing online poker activities are unclear.
The regulatory oversight for gambling activities in Djibouti falls under government jurisdiction, though no dedicated gambling authority has been established specifically for online operations (2). Gambling activities in Djibouti are complicated by cultural and religious considerations, as the majority of the population is Muslim and Islam generally prohibits gambling activities. This creates a distinction between what may be legally permissible for tourists and international visitors versus what is culturally acceptable for local residents.
"Gambling activities in Djibouti are illegal for the locals due to cultural and religious norms. The majority of the population is Muslim, and Islam generally prohibits conducting gambling activities."
The current online gambling landscape in Djibouti lacks comprehensive regulation, with no specific licensing process for online poker operators and no player protections for online gambling activities. Since there is no established regulatory framework for online gambling, operators face uncertainty about legal compliance, and players have no recourse or protection through official channels. The absence of clear legislation means that while online poker is not explicitly prohibited, it operates without government oversight or consumer protection, creating potential risks for both operators and players in the jurisdiction.
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/djibouti
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-djibouti/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
