Online poker is illegal in the Syrian Arab Republic. The government does not issue gambling licenses to any operators, and most forms of gambling are prohibited under Syrian law due to conservative social and religious factors rooted in Islamic principles (1). Syria enforces a strong ban on online gambling, with authorities blocking access to offshore gambling platforms and prohibiting residents from betting on the internet, despite some attempting to access sites through VPNs.
The Ministry of Finance governs gambling activities in Syria, specifically overseeing the state-run lottery, which is the only legal form of gambling permitted in the country (1). Law enforcement agencies, including the Syrian police, actively monitor and shut down illegal gambling operations. Individuals convicted of organizing or participating in illegal gambling face heavy fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets, while those using VPNs to access online gambling sites risk legal action.
"Syria also enforces a strong ban on online gambling, similar to most other Middle Eastern countries. The government blocked access to a number of offshore gambling portals. It is illegal for residents of Syria to bet on the internet."
Syrian authorities recently arrested a 13-member network involved in organizing illegal online gambling through the platform Ichancy, following an exposé that highlighted its harmful impacts on vulnerable youth (2). The operation resulted in the confiscation of laptops, significant cash amounts, and vehicles used for transporting participants and handling winnings. The crackdown underscores the government's commitment to enforcing gambling prohibitions, as online gambling has led to financial ruin and social consequences for many Syrians amid the country's ongoing economic crisis.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-syria/
https://npasyria.com/en/118676/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
