Gambling and online casinos in Somalia

Somalia is one of the most religiously conservative countries in Africa,

where gambling in all forms is completely prohibited.

The country lives according to the principles of Islamic law (Sharia),

and any activity related to gambling,

seen as a violation of religious norms and moral standards.

Despite this, in the context of the growing Internet and cryptoeconomics

an unofficial online gambling market is gradually forming in Somalia,

based on foreign sites and anonymous payment systems.

Historical context

Before the 1991 civil war in Somalia, there were

small private clubs and lotteries aimed at foreigners.

However, after the collapse of the state and the introduction of Sharia jurisdiction

all types of gambling were banned as "haram" (forbidden by Allah).

Since then, no law has revised this ban.

Gambling in the country is officially equated

to financial fraud, usury and drug trafficking.

Legislation and regulation

At the legislative level, gambling is prohibited:

The Somali Penal Code (Article 505) explicitly prohibits any form of money gambling;
Sharia Law applied by the courts,
qualifies gambling as a violation of religious and social order;
The Ministry of Information and Communications controls the blocking of sites,
related to casinos and betting.

Main provisions:

a complete ban on organizing and participating in gambling;
punishment - fine, imprisonment or community service;
advertising and promotion of gambling services are also prosecuted;
foreign companies are prohibited from providing gambling services in Somalia.

Online gambling

Online gambling, like land casinos,

is officially banned in Somalia,

but technically, it is not possible to fully control Internet activity.

With the development of mobile networks and VPN services

residents of the country get access to foreign sites,

e.g. 1xBet, Stake, BetWinner, BC. Game и 22Bet.

Features:

VPN usage (mainly via Kenya and Ethiopia);
anonymous cryptocurrency wallets (Bitcoin, Tron, USDT);
participation in Telegram bots with game chats;
limited access via mobile operators Hormuud and Somtel.

East Africa Digital Report 2024,

approximately 30-40 thousand Somalis

regularly visit offshore gaming sites,

despite the current bans.

Social and religious context

Somalia is a country with almost 100% Muslim population,

where Islam defines all aspects of life:

from legislation to public morality.
Gambling is condemned as a form of "sinful enrichment" (haram wealth),
together with alcohol and usury.

💡 Religious leaders and imams actively oppose gambling,
considering it "a source of family destruction and morality."

At the same time, among young people, especially in cities

Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Bosaso,
digital entertainment is spreading,

including sports simulators and virtual lotteries without cash bets.

Economic context

Due to religious and political restrictions

the gambling sector in Somalia does not contribute to the economy.

However, experts note that

illegal online betting and private prediction pools
can bring turnover up to $5-7 million per year,

mainly through crypto transactions.

The government, seeking to avoid conflicts with the Islamic community,

does not take steps towards legalization,

but also lacks the technical ability to completely block VPN traffic.

Prospects

In the foreseeable future, the legalization of gambling in Somalia is impossible.

The country adheres to the constitutional principle of the Islamic state,

where sharia takes precedence over civil law.

However, experts on East Africa note,

that when the political situation stabilizes
and financial infrastructure development
Somalia may consider limited regulation model

for foreign investors in tourist areas.

The market potential for liberalization is estimated at $25-30 million per year,

primarily due to online gambling and crypto games.

Somalia is a country with a complete ban on gambling,

based on religious and moral principles.

Casinos, lotteries, betting shops and online betting

officially banned, and their organization is punishable by law.

However, there is interest in gambling,

especially among the younger generation,

which finds workarounds through VPNs and cryptocurrencies.

💡 Today, gambling in Somalia is a shadow of the digital age,
existing between strict religious norms
and the growing desire of the population to be part of
global online entertainment culture.