Poker is strictly illegal in Saudi Arabia under Islamic law, with all forms of gambling completely banned throughout the Kingdom (1). Saudi Arabia adheres to Sharia law, which takes guidance from the Quran and categorizes gambling as maisir, described as abhorrence and the work of Satan (1). The government enforces this religious and legal stance with serious penalties for those caught engaging in any gambling activities, whether at terrestrial establishments or virtual platforms (2).
Offenders caught gambling in Saudi Arabia may face imprisonment of up to six months or more depending on the severity of the offense, along with public flogging as part of corporal punishment (1). The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission actively monitors and blocks access to over 5.5 million undesirable websites, with the majority of gambling platforms falling under this category (1). Penalties include substantial fines, imprisonment, confiscation of assets, and deportation for expatriates involved in gambling activities (2).
"Under Sharia law, gambling is viewed as promoting speculation, addiction, and financial exploitation, which conflict with the principles of justice and ethical behavior."
Despite strict prohibitions, some Saudi residents access foreign betting sites using Virtual Private Networks to bypass government censorship, though this practice remains illegal and dangerous (1). The government's cybercrime units have sophisticated tools to track unauthorized access and ensure the prohibition is enforced even in digital spaces (2). Reports of Saudi citizens being prosecuted for placing bets online with overseas operators are rare, suggesting enforcement focuses more on organized gambling rings rather than private individual gamblers, though using VPNs provides no immunity from potential legal consequences.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-saudi-arabia/
https://sdlccorp.com/post/what-are-the-tax-implications-of-online-gambling-winnings-in-saudi-arabia/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
