Online poker is completely illegal in Kuwait under the country's strict gambling laws. Kuwait does not permit any form of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, poker, lottery, and other gaming activities (1). The prohibition applies equally to both residents and tourists, with no exceptions for any type of gambling activity within the country. Kuwait's legal framework, rooted in Islamic Sharia law, classifies gambling as haram, meaning forbidden.
The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait enforces all laws regarding gambling through its Criminal Investigations Department, which actively monitors both physical and online gambling operations (1). Kuwait does not issue gambling licenses and has no regulatory framework to support legal gambling operations of any kind. Despite strict enforcement, offshore online gambling platforms remain accessible to Kuwaitis through virtual private networks, though participation remains illegal and carries significant legal penalties.
"Even though Kuwaiti law forbids gambling, such activities and illegal web betting are on the rise. Illegal gambling operators and their agents are becoming increasingly smarter - they go online to avoid detection."
Under Article 205 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, convicted gamblers face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine (2). The law defines gambling as any act where earning or losing money depends on luck, which includes lotteries and poker games. Security officers regularly conduct crackdowns on gambling activities throughout Kuwait, with authorities intensifying investigations amid growing reports of online gambling.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-kuwait
https://kuwaittimes.com/business-luck-illicit-gambling-kuwait
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
