Gambling and online casinos in Sudan

Sudan is a country with deeply rooted Islamic traditions,

where gambling is completely illegal.

Gambling activity is considered a violation of Sharia,

and any form of betting, casinos and lotteries amount to crimes against morality.

However, interest in gambling remains at an unofficial level,

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 classified as haram (prohibited) under Islamic law.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• 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

• Ministry of the Interior and Sharia Courts,

which control information flows, including Internet resources.

---

No legal market

In Sudan, no:

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

The state is not considering legalizing gambling,

• since this is contrary to the sharia constitution,

fixed after 1989 and confirmed by the latest reforms.

---

Unofficial forms of gambling

Despite the bans, the domestic shadow gambling market exists.

The most common:

• card games and bets between individuals,
• conducted 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.

The main reasons for the activity of the illegal sector:

• 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,

up to 200,000 users from Sudan regularly visit offshore sites,

despite the risk of blocking or fines.

---

Online gambling and cryptocurrencies

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

Sudanese actively use cryptocurrencies for international transfers,

and part of these funds goes to deposits in online casinos.

Popular schemes:

• 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 guarantee.

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

---

Economic and social context

Since gambling is prohibited,

they do not contribute to Sudan's economy.

On the contrary, the illegal market creates risks:

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

Public organizations and imams

• actively campaign 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 would cause social conflict.

However, growing digitalization,

• interest in cryptocurrencies and e-commerce
• can stimulate discussion in the long run
• on the creation of a regulated online zone,

where state control would be combined with economic benefit.

---

Sudan is one of Africa's strictest gambling jurisdictions.

Any form of gambling is prohibited by law and religion,

and players and organizers are penalized.

However, illegal online gambling exists,

• mainly through VPNs and cryptocurrency channels,

reflecting growing public interest in digital entertainment.