Online poker is strictly illegal in Yemen under both state law and Sharia law, which forms the basis of the country's legal system. All forms of gambling, including betting, lotteries, and casino games, are completely banned with no legal exceptions (1). Yemen's adherence to Islamic doctrine means gambling is condemned as haram or forbidden, and this prohibition extends to online gambling with internet service providers ordered to block access to all gambling websites.
The Ministry of Interior supervises Yemen's legal and regulatory framework, ensuring strict enforcement of gambling laws (1). Local authorities and religious leaders also play important roles in enforcing Islamic laws against gambling. The Yemeni Constitution was amended in 1994 to reaffirm Sharia law as the basis for all legislation, explicitly banning gambling activities nationwide (2). Yemen intensified enforcement in the 2000s with periodic police crackdowns on underground gambling operations and public awareness campaigns.
"The Yemen state law has completely banned gambling, and so has the Sharia law, on which the country bases its legal system. According to Sharia, betting on chances or the lottery or playing in casinos is not allowed."
Yemen implements some of the strictest gambling legislation worldwide, offering no legal avenue for any form of gambling activity (1). Foreign operators are prohibited from offering services to Yemen residents, and gambling transactions face significant scrutiny from authorities. As of 2024, Yemen shows no signs of revisiting or relaxing gambling laws, with ongoing conflict and political turmoil meaning economic priorities remain focused on humanitarian issues rather than legalizing gambling (2). The country's total prohibition reflects deeply rooted religious and cultural values.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-yemen/
https://legalpilot.com/country/yemen/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
