Gambling and online casinos in Sudan

Sudan is a country with deep-rooted Islamic traditions, where gambling is completely prohibited by law.

Gambling is considered a violation of Sharia, and any form of betting, casinos and lotteries are equated with crimes against morality.

However, interest in gambling remains unofficial, especially among young Internet users.

Legislation and regulation

Under the 1991 Sudanese Penal Code (Criminal Act 1991)

and the subsequent amendments of 2008 and 2015, gambling is qualified as haram (prohibited) under Islamic law.

• all forms of gambling are prohibited, including online and offline;
• organizing or participating in gambling is a criminal offense;
• fines and imprisonment are applied depending on the severity of the violation;
• sites of foreign casinos and bookmakers are blocked;
• gambling advertising is strictly prohibited.

Supervision over the implementation of the law is carried out by

The Ministry of the Interior and Sharia courts, which control information flows, including Internet resources.

No legal market

• casinos, gambling halls or official clubs;
• national lotteries or bookmakers;
• licensed online gambling operators.

The state does not consider legalizing gambling, as this is contrary to the Sharia constitution, enshrined after 1989 and confirmed by the latest reforms.

Unofficial forms of gambling

Despite the bans, the domestic shadow gambling market exists.

• card games and bets between individuals held secretly in cafes or private homes;
• access to offshore casinos via VPN and proxy servers;
• sports and esports betting through international sites
• (1xBet, Stake, BC. Game), often using cryptocurrencies.

• high youth unemployment;
• interest in fast profits via the Internet;
• weak control over VPN and crypto transactions;
• the spread of smartphones and cheap mobile Internet.

Middle East Digital Gambling 2024 estimates that up to 200,000 Sudanese users regularly visit offshore sites despite the risk of being blocked or fined.

Online gambling and cryptocurrencies

In recent years, new channels for bypassing restrictions have appeared.

Sudanese actively use cryptocurrencies for international transfers, and some of these funds go to deposits in online casinos.

• using Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) to bid anonymously;
• participation in international platforms registered in Curaçao and Costa Rica;
• transfers via Binance P2P and Telegram bots;
• gaming applications masquerading as "competitive platforms."

️ However, such actions are completely illegal and are not protected by any legal guarantees.

In the event of a conflict with the operator, the player cannot go to court.

Economic and social context

Since gambling is banned, it does not contribute to Sudan's economy.

• capital outflows from the country;
• involving young people in addiction and fraudulent schemes;
• increased control by religious structures.

Public organizations and imams are actively campaigning against gambling sites, emphasizing spiritual harm and financial risks.

Prospects

The legalisation of gambling in Sudan is unimaginable for the foreseeable future.

The state adheres to Islamic principles in legislation, and any attempts at liberalization will cause social conflict.

However, growing digitalization, interest in cryptocurrencies and online commerce may in the long run stimulate a discussion about the creation of a regulated online zone, where state control will be combined with economic benefits.

Sudan is one of Africa's strictest gambling jurisdictions.

Any form of gambling is prohibited by law and religion, and players and organisers face punishment.

However, illegal online gambling exists, mainly through VPNs and cryptocurrency channels, reflecting the growing interest of the population in digital entertainment.