Poker is strictly illegal in Qatar under all forms, both online and offline, based on Islamic law and the Qatari Penal Code (1). The law prohibits all gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, and online gambling, with any activity resulting in winning or losing something considered gambling and thus prohibited in the country (1). Qatar operates under a legal system established by Islamic law, which views gambling as immoral and sinful, potentially bringing problems like addiction and financial ruin to society.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Culture and Sports are responsible for enforcing gambling laws and ensuring there are no illegal or underground gambling activities in Qatar (1). Articles 274, 275, 276, and 277 of the Qatari Penal Code define gambling as any game in which the probability of gain and loss depends on luck rather than controlled factors (2). The government works closely with internet service providers to block access to international betting and online casino sites, with these blocks updated regularly to target popular operators.
"Article 275 of Qatari Penal Code states that penalties imposed for gambling are fines of no more than three thousand Qatari riyals and/or imprisonment for up to three months."
Anyone involved in illegal gambling practices faces up to three months imprisonment and a fine of QAR 3,000, with penalties increasing to QAR 6,000 and six months imprisonment if gambling occurs in public spaces (2). Despite these strict prohibitions, illegal poker games are common practice, usually performed at private homes owned by foreigners, with organizers withholding 10% of players' winnings (2). The government has made blocking gambling websites a top priority to prevent expansion of unregulated markets, though enforcement against individual home gamblers remains less severe than against organized operations.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-qatar/
https://www.casinonewsdaily.com/qatar/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
