Online Gambling In Jordan – Should You Play At The Casino?

Posted: September 14, 2023

Updated: September 14, 2023

All forms of gambling apart from the state-run lottery are strictly forbidden under Sharia law in Jordan. However, of all the Arab countries, Jordan has a pretty laid back attitute towards players who are caught betting, both online and for real. But, in truth, it's probaly better if you refrain from all form of gambling actiities whilst you're there.

Jordan, an Arab Muslim nation, is governed by strict Sharia laws, and has a unique stance on online casinos that you need to be aware of. If you’re seeking information about the top online casinos in Jordan, you’re in the right place. Follow our Gamingzion.com guide to discover the ins and outs of online gambling in Jordan.

Getting Acquainted With Online Gambling In Jordan

The topic of gambling in Muslim countries is invariably sensitive, and Jordan is no exception. The observance of Sharia Law in Jordan means that most forms of gambling are strictly prohibited. However, the enforcement of religious laws varies among Islamic nations, and Jordan is relatively more lenient in its approach. This leniency is evident in the acceptance of a state-owned weekly welfare lottery, which has made gambling slightly less stigmatized compared to neighboring Muslim countries, albeit to a limited extent.

Jordanian Regulations On Casino Gambling

Under the Jordan Penal Code (Articles 393 and 394), all forms of land-based and online gambling in Jordan are officially prohibited. Nonetheless, the government has displayed minimal interest in regulating foreign internet content, allowing many players to access international casino websites from within Jordan. From a Jordanian standpoint, these are “offshore” casinos. Some of these, like one of the top online casino sites in the UK, 22Bet Casino, even offer Jordan as a selectable location during registration, enabling players to enjoy their favorite casino games on the best online casino platforms available in Jordan.

It is worth noting that players must be at least 18 years old, and in some cases, 21, to verify their casino accounts and participate in online gambling activities. Given the overall ban on gambling in Jordan, there is no specific legal gambling age established within the country.

It’s important to recognize that the majority of Jordanians strongly oppose all forms of gambling, viewing them as not only religiously offensive but also socially detrimental. Jordanian citizens are legally obligated to report any instances of wrongdoing, and most reports of minor infractions originate from public denunciations. If reported for online gambling in Jordan, most first-time offenders typically face relatively small fines.

Online Gambling In Jordan – Making Deposits

For players in Jordan, especially those using a VPN, ensuring security and confidentiality ranks high on their list of priorities when it comes to online gambling. Consequently, the preferred methods for depositing funds into their online casino accounts are e-wallets, with credit cards being a less favored option, as e-wallets align better with stringent security and anonymity standards. Jordanian banks tend to cancel transactions that appear to be related to gambling activities.

Online Gambling In Jordan With The Jordanian Dinar

It’s quite rare to find online casinos in Jordan that accept the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) as a currency. Consequently, players who want to take part in online gambling in Jordan typically convert their currency into more widely recognized options, such as US Dollars or Euros, for use in online gambling.

Online Casino Games in Jordan

The top-tier online casinos in Jordan offer an extensive selection of casino games to cater to various preferences. Whether you’re a fan of games of chance, like slots, or games of skill, such as blackjack, there’s something to suit every type of online gambler. When you’re online gambling in Jordan, many casinos also provide free-play options, allowing you to practice without spending any money.

Jordanian State Run Lottery

In the Kingdom of Jordan, there exists a state-sponsored welfare lottery held every ten days at 8 pm. Tickets for this lottery cost 3 JOD each and can be purchased from street vendors. Most of the proceeds from ticket sales are directed towards charitable causes, and the lottery provides employment opportunities for ticket sellers. Despite a population of nearly 7 million adults, only 100,000 tickets are typically sold.

Prize amounts in this lottery range from 1,000 JOD to 40,000 JOD. However, it’s worth noting that the lottery faces opposition from many Jordanians on religious grounds. Major Jordanian banks also organize lotteries based on customer deposits to encourage them to switch banks, and online Arabic forums often discuss strategies for managing money to increase the chances of winning.

Mobile Gambling In Jordanian Online Casinos

All online casino websites ensure a top-notch mobile gambling experience when online gambling in Jordan, whether accessed directly through a mobile browser or via dedicated gambling apps. These Jordanian online casino platforms optimize all their games for use on portable devices.

Licensing And Support For Online Gambling In Jordan

In the absence of physical casinos in Jordan, there are no locally issued licenses available. Nevertheless, reputable online offshore casinos operating in Jordan are invariably licensed by respected regulatory authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. These licensing bodies impose rigorous standards and regulations that must be strictly adhered to.

These ensure the integrity and fairness of the games, the secure handling of your personal and financial information, and the timely payment of your winnings. When you initially sign up for online gambling in Jordan, you’ll typically be required to provide your banking and personal information as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This often involves submitting personal documents such as a driver’s license or passport, as well as proof of residence.

Moreover, virtually every reputable casino like 22Bet Casino accepting players from Jordan now offers live customer support, available around the clock. Given that playing online casino games with real money can occasionally lead to various issues, having 24/7 live support is essential. Swiftly resolving your concerns with a live agent ensures you can return to enjoying your gaming experience without undue delay. Furthermore, it’s expected that these casinos offer email support with a commitment to rapid response times.

Land-Based Casino Endeavors And Legal Gambling

The history of land-based casinos in Jordan is a dhort story in itself. In 2003, an initial attempt to establish a new casino met with failure due to insufficient government support. Subsequently, in 2007, the Higher Council of Tourism made another attempt, proposing to restrict casino access to tourists in an effort to placate opponents. Regrettably, the project took a nosedive from this point onward.

According to online gambling news in the UK, an illicit arrangement was forged with a UK company to construct a casino in Sweimeh, located on the eastern shores of the Dead Sea. However, news of corruption leaked out, inciting public outrage and sparking mass protests. The government teetered on the brink of collapse. Owing to the questionable actions of certain former ministers, the concept of land-based casinos was shelved, and the likelihood of casinos opening in Jordan remains remote for the foreseeable future.

Final Thoughts – Online Gambling In Jordan

Despite Sharia law’s strict prohibition of gambling in Jordan, there is a state-run lottery aimed at supporting charitable causes. However, the lottery is not popular among the majority of the population, who would prefer no gambling activities in the country. Occasionally, bingo is used at a local level to raise funds for good causes and foster community collaboration. It’s worth noting that neither the lottery nor bingo offers substantial rewards for winners, emphasizing their charitable nature.

In summary, all forms of online gambling in Jordan are prohibited, but there are international online casinos catering to Jordanian players. However, be wary of telling anyone local that you are gambling, as almost every Jordanian has a poor opinion of those who take part in gambling games. If you’re thinking of using a VPN, then be sure to check the casino’s terms and conditions, as in many cases, VPNs are banned. At the end of the day, we suggest that it’s probably better to forget about gambling if you’re in Jordan. Respect the local culture and sensibilities.