The legal framework for online poker in Haiti exists in a significant grey area due to outdated legislation that predates the internet era. The country's laws on games of chance were established long before online platforms became prevalent, and as a result, there are no specific statutes that explicitly prohibit or regulate online poker. This lack of clear legislation means that while the activity is not officially sanctioned, it is also not expressly illegal for Haitian citizens to participate in online poker games hosted by international operators.
Haiti's broader commercial legal framework has not kept pace with modern technology, which contributes to the lack of online gambling oversight. According to a Trade Policy Review by the World Trade Organization, the country's legislative framework for key areas like telecommunications is outdated, and specific legislation for electronic commerce is largely absent (2). This legislative gap means there are no established procedures for licensing, regulating, or taxing online poker, leaving the entire sector to operate outside of any formal government control.
"Haiti’s legal and regulatory frameworks are not sufficiently transparent. The government does not publish proposed laws and regulations for public comment. This lack of transparency and access to legal texts presents a major challenge for businesses, especially those in more modern sectors like e-commerce".
This absence of a modern legal framework for online activities creates an environment of uncertainty. The U.S. Department of State notes that Haiti's overall regulatory system lacks transparency and that a legal framework for e-commerce is not well-developed (1). For online poker players, this translates to a complete lack of local consumer protection. Should any disputes arise with an offshore gaming site, players have no recourse through Haitian legal or regulatory channels, placing the onus of risk entirely on the individual.
Source:
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/haiti/
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp321_e.htm
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
