Gambling Laws in Iran

There is no legal gambling in Iran, as of May 2019. Throughout Iranian history, the legality of gambling depended on the current regime in power. Before the 1979 Islamic Iranian revolution, gambling was permitted, and the Shah owned four out of the eight casinos in the country. Currently, gambling is illegal as the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Article 654, Section 12 is the main source of gambling legislation in the country. Although it is not explicitly prohibited, the article of this code make online gambling in Iran, also illegal. There is strict internet control over gambling websites, and playing at those that offer online casinos or online poker is subject to a variety of penalties.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Iran? No. Gambling, including online gambling, is considered to be illegal in Iran, according to the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Article 654, Section 12.

Online Casinos in Iran

Games of chance in Iran have a century-long tradition. However, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, gambling in the country became prohibited under the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Consequently, there are neither casinos nor online casinos in Iran, and no Irani online casino licenses are on the offer. However, and even though there is an active blockage on any online gambling content, illegal access to internet casino sites from Iran is frequently reported by many European online casino providers.

Online Poker in Iran

Online poker sites in Iran are also illegal, although there are no specific Irani online poker laws. But the general prohibition on gambling coming from the application of the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran holds for this game too.

Online Lottery in Iran

Several forms of modern lotteries did have some roots in Iran before 1979. However, due to the Islamic Revolution, which made all forms of gambling illegal, they lost any public presence as gambling games, but also as games for charity purposes. In this way, as of May 2019, there are also no online lotteries in Iran, even though there are no separate Irani lotto laws.  

Online Bingo in Iran

As it is the case with the other forms of gambling, online bingo sites in Iran are not legal. Although there are no specific Irani online bingo laws, the general prohibition on online gambling in the country, according to the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, holds for this game too.

Online Sports Betting in Iran

Online sportsbook sites in Iran are not legal. Online betting falls under the general prohibition on gambling coming from the application of the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is penalized. Although there is an active blockage on online gambling content, illegal access to internet sportsbook sites from Iran is frequently reported by many European online sportsbooks. Moreover, and due to its popularity, several sites licensed in Malta do offer content in the Persian language for Iranian bettors.

Online DFS in Iran

There are no online DFS sites in Iran. Although the status of Daily Fantasy Sports is a frequent topic of discussion between lawmakers worldwide, it is plausible to suppose that this game, notwithstanding the status, will also fall under the prohibition coming from the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran.