Poker is strictly illegal in Somalia under all forms, both online and offline, based on Islamic law that designates gambling as haram, meaning forbidden (1). Somalia is a Muslim-dominated country where nearly 95% of the population is Muslim, and Islamic laws play a huge role in defining the basic law and order of the country (1). No licenses have been issued for gambling activities, and there are no systems or procedures for companies to even apply for gambling licenses in Somalia.
The National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorist Financing Commission formally announced a nationwide ban on all gambling activities on November 16, 2023, including online betting services (2). The Federal Government of Somalia enforced this ban on November 22-23, 2023, making it clear that neither Somalis nor foreigners are permitted to gamble within the country or on international sites while in Somalia (2). There is no regulatory body overseeing gambling in Somalia, as all gambling activities fall under illegal activities sanctioned by local governing authorities under stern Islamic laws.
"The laws concerning gambling in Somalia are clear as night and day; it is completely illegal. In the making of laws within the country, religious beliefs have a great standing."
Players who attempt to access offshore online gambling websites operate entirely outside the law with no government regulation or protection (1). Since no licensing board or regulatory body exists for gambling in Somalia, no protection policy for players is in place, and those who gamble online expose themselves to significant risks (1). Given Somalia's deeply inculcated Islamic values and the government's reaffirmation of prohibition aligned with Islamic law, there is no hope for changing gambling laws any time soon.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-somalia/
https://legalpilot.com/country/somalia/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
