Online poker is unregulated in Lesotho, with no laws or regulations regarding online gambling currently in place (1). The country has a thriving land-based gambling industry with multiple casinos operating, regulated by decades-old laws established before the internet was invented. Land-based poker is legal and available at licensed casinos, particularly in the capital city of Maseru, which features 14 table games including poker options (1).
The Lotteries and Betting Act of 1984 provides the framework for gambling in Lesotho, with the Lesotho Gambling and Betting Control Board serving as the licensing authority (2). The board regulates conformity with existing laws, handles operator licensing, and promotes responsible gambling education. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate in any gambling activities, with this age restriction designed to minimize exposure of minors to gambling risks (2).
"No laws or regulations regarding online gambling exist in Lesotho. They do have a thriving land-based industry with multiple casinos operating."
Currently, there are no official protections for online gamblers in Lesotho, though the government does not prosecute those who participate in offshore online gambling (2). Players can access international online gambling websites but do so without legal safeguards. The government and police have never shown any interest in pursuing people who gamble on the internet, and future regulation may follow an extension of the land-based licensing processes (1).
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/lesotho
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-lesotho
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
