Online poker is illegal in Libya, where all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited under Articles 492-495 of the Libyan Penal Code. The ban on gambling originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s following a military coup led by Muammar al-Gaddafi that overthrew King Idris (1). The new leadership implemented numerous policy changes including an outright ban on all gambling activities, which remains in effect today.
Islamic law heavily influences Libya's gambling prohibition, as it states that gaining wealth from gambling is unlawful for Muslims (2). Those caught engaging in illegal gambling face fines between 10 to 50 Libyan dinars and imprisonment ranging from one month to six months. No licensing process exists for any type of gambling in Libya, and there are no legal casinos or poker rooms operating within the country (1).
"All forms of gambling are illegal in Libya. There's a bit of history as to why this is the case."
Despite the strict ban, authorities primarily target illegal domestic gambling operations rather than individual players accessing offshore sites (2). Few online gambling sites are blocked in Libya, allowing some access to foreign operators, though participation remains illegal and carries legal risks. There are no forms of player protections for online gambling, and enforcement remains unlikely given limited government resources focused on more pressing issues (1).
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/libya
https://online.worldcasinodirectory.com/libya
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
