Poker is now completely illegal in Mongolia following sweeping legislative changes enacted in 2025. The State Great Khural passed amendments to the Law on Permits on May 30, 2025, which fully prohibit all forms of online gambling, betting games, and paid lottery activities (1). This comprehensive ban criminalizes both land-based and online poker operations, marking a dramatic shift from Mongolia's previously ambiguous stance on gambling activities.
The new legislation establishes criminal liability for individuals who organize gambling activities or act as agents by providing bank accounts, phone numbers, digital currency, or digital accounts for such operations (1). Historical context reveals that Mongolia briefly permitted casinos when the State Great Khural approved a casino law in 1998, but it was quickly repealed due to corruption allegations. A draft law on casinos was resubmitted in December 2022 to support tourism development, but this initiative was ultimately superseded by the 2025 prohibition (2).
"The amendments to the Law on Permits fully prohibit all forms of online gambling, betting games, and paid lottery activities. Accordingly, under the amendments to the Criminal Code, legal grounds have been established to hold those who organize such activities criminally liable."
Players accessing international online poker platforms now face an uncertain legal environment as Mongolia enforces its nationwide gambling ban. The Law on Infringement establishes liability for entities that advertise paid lotteries, betting, or gambling, particularly targeting those who encourage young people to participate (1). With the effective date of July 1, 2025, facilitating any form of gambling activity in Mongolia attracts legal action according to the country's Criminal Code, leaving no legal avenue for poker participation.
Source:
https://www.montsame.mn/en/read/370904
https://www.parliament.mn/en/nn/29415/
Last updated: 09-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
