Online poker in Luxembourg operates in a legal grey area where the Ministry of Justice regulates and issues permits for gambling activities. Online casino gaming, poker, and most forms of online gambling are prohibited except for activities offered by the state monopoly operator, Loterie Nationale. The gambling regulatory framework was significantly updated in 2009, confirming the state monopoly and providing the legal basis for expanding into sports betting and online lottery services (1).
The main law governing gambling in Luxembourg is the Gambling Law from April 20, 1977, which establishes the framework for all gaming operations. All types of poker can only be offered in land-based casinos under this legislation. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for issuing licenses to private operators seeking to offer casino games, lotteries, and sports-betting products, though online operations remain tightly controlled (2).
"As for the online gambling business, the existing laws do not differentiate between land and online games. Thus, they are subject to the same rules that apply to ground operators. In practice, the only legal online brand in Luxembourg is the National Lottery."
Luxembourg's online marketplace remains largely unregulated, with the government choosing not to block foreign online casino or poker sites. However, this does not mean such operators are licensed or regulated within Luxembourg. Players can access international poker platforms, but these operate outside Luxembourg's regulatory framework. The state maintains its monopoly position while allowing de facto access to offshore gambling services for residents.
Source:
https://legalpilot.com/country/luxembourg/
https://www.gga.org.ge/en/world/40
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
