Online poker is illegal in Mauritania due to the country's strict adherence to Islamic law, which prohibits all forms of gambling (1). The Islamic Republic of Mauritania bases its legal system on Sharia principles derived from the Quran, which explicitly forbids gambling and games of chance. This religious prohibition has been institutionalized through the nation's Penal Code, making gambling activities explicitly prohibited for both citizens and tourists visiting the country.
The government of Mauritania does not issue gambling licenses to any operators, and there are no legal casinos or gambling establishments operating within the country (1). Internet service providers in Mauritania are required to block access to gambling websites to prevent residents from engaging in these illegal activities. The focus of the Mauritanian government remains on enforcing the comprehensive ban and ensuring that residents do not participate in any form of gambling.
"Like most African-Muslim countries, Mauritania implements anti-gambling laws to follow the teachings of the Quran. That is why there are no casinos in the country. Mauritania's ordinance does not mention the ban on online gambling. Regardless, the country generalizes the law to prohibit it."
As gambling is completely banned in Mauritania under the 1983 Penal Code, there is no legal gambling age established (2). Residents of any age are prohibited from participating in gambling activities, whether in-person or online. While the ordinance does not explicitly mention online poker, authorities interpret the law broadly to include all internet-based gambling platforms, making access to foreign poker sites illegal for Mauritanian residents.
Source:
https://legalitylens.com/what-is-the-legality-of-gambling-in-mauritania/
https://playtoday.co/blog/guides/countries-where-gambling-is-illegal/
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
