Online poker in Egypt operates in a legal gray area with complex restrictions based on citizenship status. While land-based casinos exist, only foreign citizens are allowed to play in casinos, as modern gaming laws in Egypt maintain significant restrictions for Egyptian nationals (1). The online gambling industry is not particularly well regulated in Egypt, which means international online poker platforms are accessible, though there are currently no licensed and regulated poker sites based within Egyptian jurisdiction.
The regulatory oversight for gambling activities in Egypt falls under various government authorities, though no specific dedicated gambling regulatory body exists for online operations. The Egyptian government's official services are coordinated through the Ministry of Interior, which manages various administrative functions including oversight of activities that may include gambling enforcement (2). However, Egypt's Penal Code, under Article 271, prohibits the practice of gambling for Egyptian citizens, specifically referring to casinos and similar gambling establishments.
"There are no laws against online gambling in Egypt, but there are no regulations for licensing online gambling sites either."
The absence of specific online gambling legislation creates a complex situation where Egyptian residents can technically access international online poker sites, but without legal protection or regulatory oversight. While the Egyptian Penal Code prohibits gambling activities for Egyptian citizens, the lack of specific online gambling laws means enforcement remains unclear. Foreign tourists and non-Egyptian residents face fewer restrictions, but all players operate without the benefits of regulated gambling protections such as responsible gaming measures, dispute resolution, or licensed operator oversight that exist in properly regulated jurisdictions.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/egypt
https://emoves.moi.gov.eg/en
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
