Poker is legal in Suriname both online and at land-based casinos, provided operators obtain a license from the Gaming Supervision and Control Board (1). The Surinamese government regulates gambling through the Ministry of Justice and Police, with the GSCB responsible for licensing, supervising, and controlling all gambling activities in compliance with legislation (1). Suriname has embraced online gambling, allowing licensed operators to offer online casino games including poker to residents, while offshore operators without local licenses are prohibited from marketing their services.
The Gaming Supervision and Control Board enforces compliance with gambling legislation through regular inspections of licensed premises, investigations of illegal gambling activities, and monitoring online gambling operations (1). The GSCB is committed to safeguarding public welfare by implementing policies to reduce problematic gambling issues such as addiction and financial devastation (1). Licensed operators must demonstrate financial stability, transparency, proof of monetary investment in gambling facilities, and implementation of responsible gambling practices to obtain approval.
"The GSCB is committed to safeguarding public welfare by introducing policies aimed at reducing problematic issues arising from gambling, such as addiction and financial devastation."
Land-based casinos offering poker are located primarily in Paramaribo, with operations open to both locals and tourists under strict regulations including age limits and responsible gaming requirements (2). The minimum age for all gambling activities in Suriname is 18 years, with licensed casinos required by law to verify age and prevent underage gambling (2). The Gambling Act was enacted in 1996, legalizing all forms of gambling and allowing locals to participate, while the Suriname Gaming Board was established in 2009 to oversee licensing and regulation of land-based casinos.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-suriname/
https://legalpilot.com/country/suriname/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
