Poker and all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in Indonesia. The country banned gambling in 1993, defining it as a game of chance with uncertain luck and absence of required skills (2). No form of online casino or poker is legally allowed under Indonesian law (1). Indonesia operates as one of the world's strictest anti-gambling jurisdictions, with no legal casinos, poker rooms, betting shops, or bingo halls currently operating within the country (1).
Online poker falls under Indonesia's comprehensive gambling prohibition despite not being explicitly regulated within the law (2). According to a 2021 joint decree from the government and police, online gambling encompasses advertising, operating, bookmaking, playing, and possessing gambling accounts (2). Violations carry severe penalties of up to 10 years in prison, reflecting the stringent prohibition norms (2). The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs actively blocks gambling websites and affiliated payment accounts (2).
"Violations are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, reflecting the stringent prohibition norms in Indonesia. However, while online gambling falls under the law, it is not explicitly regulated within Indonesian law."
Despite strict enforcement measures, online gambling persists in Indonesia with significant participation. Approximately 4 million Indonesians engaged in online gambling in 2023, losing an estimated $20 billion (2). The government blocks gambling websites at the ISP level and removes online gambling content regularly (1). Between October 2024 and September 2025, the Ministry removed 2.1 million pieces of online gambling-related content (1). Indonesia's predominantly Muslim population and religious opposition from scholars strongly influence the prohibition stance, making legalization unlikely (2).
Source:
https://richads.com/blog/online-gambling-in-indonesia-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://360info.org/indonesia-has-to-hold-or-fold-on-online-gambling-ban/
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
