Online poker operates in a highly disputed and ambiguous legal environment in Western Sahara. Online gambling became lawful in this disputed territory in 2017, though the overall regulatory framework remains unclear due to the territory's contested political status (1). Western Sahara, officially called the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, is recognized by the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, creating significant legal uncertainty regarding the legitimacy and enforcement of gambling licenses issued there.
The Western Sahara Management and Advisory Corporation is responsible for licensing gambling operators and regulating the sector since 2017 (1). WSMAC offers two types of licenses for organizing gambling operations and conducting gambling transactions, with the licensing process typically taking 8-12 weeks from application submission. However, online gambling is currently not regulated in Western Sahara according to legal experts, meaning it is best to seek legal advice before engaging in such activities (2).
"Although online gambling is supposedly legalized, and sites are freely allowed to operate, many consider these licenses far from having real effect or legitimacy."
Gaming companies operating under Western Sahara licenses benefit from a favorable taxation policy with no taxes on gambling activities (1). The territory offers low annual licensing fees and minimal restrictions compared to traditional jurisdictions, though these advantages come with significant reputational and legal risks. Operating an online poker site in Western Sahara is subject to specific regulations and licensing requirements, but the disputed nature of the territory means such licenses may lack international recognition and enforceability beyond its borders (2).
Source:
https://www.tetraconsultants.com/jurisdictions/western-sahara-gaming-license/
https://lawzana.com/gaming-lawyers/western-sahara
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
