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Gambling and online casinos in Algeria
Algeria is a country with a strict ban on all forms of gambling, including casinos, bookmakers and online gambling.
The ban is based on Islamic Sharia and is enshrined in criminal law. The state adheres to a strict line: gambling is contrary to the religious and moral norms of society.
Since independence in 1962, Algeria has not legalized a single casino,
and in the era of digitalization, it only strengthened control over the Internet and international transactions,
to suppress the participation of citizens in offshore gambling platforms.
Religious and legal basis
Islam in Algeria has the status of a state religion,
and the Constitution (Article 2) enshrines the principle:The Quran and Sunnah strongly condemn gambling (maysir) as a manifestation of "satanic activity" leading to deception and loss of dignity.
Avoid them to succeed"
(Surah Al-Ma'ida, ayat 90)
These norms became the basis for a complete ban on gambling in the country.
Legislation and punishments
Algerian Penal Code and special morality laws
provide for strict sanctions for organizing and participating in gambling.
Main provisions:1. Article 194 of the Penal Code -
prohibits the organization of any luck-based games, including private bets.
2. Article 198 -
punishes participation in gambling with a prison term of up to 2 years.
3. Act No. 09-04 (on cybercrimes) -
qualifies online gambling as "spreading immoral practices over the Internet."
Possible punishments:Any attempts to legalize gambling in the country
perceived as a violation of Islamic identity and met with public condemnation.
Historical context
During French colonization (1830-1962)
in Algeria there were casinos and salons for European settlers,
especially in Algeria and Oran.
After independence, all these establishments were nationalized and closed,- and the lucrative tourism sector has been refocused
on cultural and historical tourism without elements of excitement.
Houari Boumediene's regime (1965-1978) finally consolidated
Islamic socialism that excluded gambling- as "a symbol of capitalist decline."
Current situation
Today, Algeria does not have a single official casino or bookmaker.
All forms of gambling - including lotteries, poker, bingo and online betting -
prohibited and controlled by the state.
However, there is underground activity on the Internet:- citizens use VPNs and proxies to visit offshore sites;
- deposits are made through cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Tether, Tron);
- calculations are carried out using international electronic wallets (Skrill, Jeton, AstroPay);
- popular sites: 1xBet, Stake, BC. Game, BetWinner, Roobet.
According to North Africa Digital Risk Report 2024,
about 250,000 Algerian users visit offshore casinos every month,
and the volume of shadow online gambling is estimated at $400 million per year.
Control and cyber surveillance
The state is actively fighting Internet gambling:- The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications blocks suspicious sites;
- The National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) monitors VPN traffic;
- The prosecutor's office periodically initiates cases against the administrators of Telegram groups,
- offering "football betting" or "lotteries."
However, due to poor technical equipment and a high level of digital literacy of young people,
locks are done in minutes.
Economic and social dimension
Algeria has one of the largest economies in North Africa,
which is based on oil and gas.
Gambling is considered a harmful and unnecessary element of Western culture,- and religious leaders strongly oppose
any attempts to discuss or legalize them.
However, there is a debate in the country among economists,- proposing in the future to allow limited zones of gambling tourism
- on the coast, exclusively for foreigners,
following the example of Egypt or Tunisia.
In the meantime, the government is taking a tough anti-position,- supporting a course towards "Islamic morality and social stability."
Online gambling and cryptocurrencies
Despite state bans,
online gambling continues to exist thanks to cryptocurrencies.
Algeria officially banned the use and mining of cryptocurrencies (2018),
but the USDT and Bitcoin market continues to develop illegally.
Typical schemes are:- buying cryptocurrency on Binance P2P or Telegram exchanges;
- deposits with offshore casinos in USDT TRC-20;
- withdrawal of profits through P2P transactions.
Crypto gambling has become a "gray zone" for part of the population,
where there is no direct control and surveillance.
Cultural perception
Public opinion in Algeria regarding gambling is extremely negative.
Imams and spiritual leaders regularly decry excitement at Friday sermons,- and state media links gambling
- with "the moral decline and influence of the West."
- Algeria, Oran, Constantine -
- perceives online gambling as a form of entertainment,
- rather than as a "sinful act."
"I don't drink or smoke, but I love risk. For me, betting is not a sin, but a way to try my luck"
Prospects
Short-term: Fully maintaining the ban on all forms of gambling.
Medium-term: the possible appearance of discussions on the legalization of "game zones" for tourists.
Long-term: Partial liberalization of online gambling is unlikely before a change in policy.
Experts believe that liberalization may be possible- only under international pressure or economic necessity,
but so far Islamic doctrine remains the dominant basis of politics.
Algeria is one of the most conservative countries in the region
regarding gambling and online gambling.
The state relies entirely on Sharia,- banning all forms of excitement as "immoral and harmful."
and spiritual violation of the foundations of society.
Still, in the era of VPNs and cryptocurrencies,
even the strictest bans can't completely stop players.
Algeria remains a country where there is no official casino,
but virtual betting has already become a secret part of modern life.
