Online poker is strictly forbidden in Tunisia under current gambling laws. The country has not issued any permit for online gambling operators, and the government blocks access to offshore casino sites (1). While Tunisia does allow land-based casinos, they are strictly regulated and targeted primarily at tourists, with local citizens prohibited from accessing these establishments. The state maintains a highly restrictive stance on gambling due to cultural and religious factors rooted in Islamic principles.
The Ministry of Finance regulates overall gambling activities in Tunisia, overseeing both lotteries and casinos (1). Tunisian tax legislation has started addressing online gambling activities by creating a 25 percent withholding tax on gambling and online gambling, despite the lack of formal regulatory framework (2). Local authorities participate in enforcement of gambling laws, primarily focusing on unauthorized gambling activity, with disciplinary action against unauthorized operations involving stiff penalties including fines and possible imprisonment.
"Online gambling in Tunisia is strictly forbidden. The country has not issued any permit for online gambling operators so far, and the cyber gates are closed for offshore casino sites."
The 1974 Tunisian Gaming and Lottery Act bans all forms of gambling in the country, with limited exemptions granted for land-based casinos serving foreign patrons exclusively (1). While some Tunisians access offshore gambling portals through alternative routes such as VPNs, this practice remains illegal and carries risk. By 2024, no meaningful signals indicate changes to gambling laws in the near future, with the government maintaining its conservative stance balancing tourism interests with cultural values and showing little political will to regulate online gambling activities.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-tunisia/
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/tunisia
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
