Poker is officially prohibited in Mali, as all forms of gambling are considered illegal under the country's laws influenced by Islamic faith. There is no legal framework that allows or regulates gambling activities within Mali, and the government does not receive tax revenue from any gambling industry. Underground land-based gambling facilities exist but are illegal and unsafe to attend (2).
The legal framework of Mali regarding gambling is ambiguous, with no single regulating authority dealing specifically with online gambling. All laws regulating gambling fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finances, though they have not taken direct measures to regulate online casinos. There are no specific laws in Mali concerning online poker or licensing procedures for gambling operators (1).
"The laws in Mali, as well as in some other African countries, are increasingly dominated by the Islamic faith. It means that online gambling in Mali is (and has always been) totally prohibited. In fact, all forms of gambling are considered illegal here, including poker, lottery, sports betting."
Despite the prohibition, many Malians access international online poker platforms without prosecution from authorities. The government does not block access to foreign gambling websites, creating a grey area where players can use offshore sites. International casinos accepting Malian players operate outside the country's jurisdiction and are typically licensed by authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Kahnawake Gaming Commission (1).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-mali/
https://www.slotsup.com/online-casinos/mali-ml
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
