Online poker operates in a legal gray area in Gambia, as the country has no specific laws addressing online gambling activities. While gambling in the Gambia has been publicly declared illegal , this prohibition primarily applies to land-based establishments, and there is no licensing process for both online gambling and land-based operations (1). The absence of explicit online gambling legislation means that Gambians can access foreign poker sites, though they do so without legal protection or government oversight.
The situation is complicated by Gambia's predominantly Muslim population, with nearly 95% of citizens practicing Islam, which generally prohibits gambling activities. However, the country has no law prohibiting online gambling , creating uncertainty about the legal status of internet poker (2). Players are not protected by the government when it comes to online gambling and must participate at their own risk, as there is no regulatory framework to ensure fair play or dispute resolution.
"The Gambia has no licensing process for both online gambling and land-based establishments. Players are not protected by the government when it comes to online gambling."
Despite the unclear legal framework, many Gambians access international online poker platforms without explicit government interference. Foreign internet casino sites are typically blocked from establishing operations within the country, but individual access to offshore platforms remains technically possible. The lack of legitimate gambling laws creates a situation where players must exercise caution and select only reputable international platforms that use reliable payment methods and have proper licensing in their home jurisdictions.
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/gambia
https://nannews.ng/gambling-legislative-changes-in-the-gambia-important-information-for-players/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
