Gambling and online casinos in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the countries with an absolute ban on gambling.

The state, based on the principles of Islamic law (Sharia), considers gambling as a grave sin and a crime against religion.

Any activity related to casinos, betting or online gambling is strictly prohibited and punishable under criminal laws.

After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, control over digital and financial transactions was strengthened, and any manifestations of "non-moral entertainment" - including gambling - were outlawed.

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Religious and legal basis

Islamic law, on which Afghanistan's legal system is based, categorically prohibits "maysir" (gambling) as a form of sinful enrichment.

The ban is confirmed in the Qur'an (Surah Al-Ma'ida, verses 90-91), which states that excitement is "bad from the devil, leading to enmity and hatred."

Laws and judicial practice in the country fully follow this doctrine.

Even symbolic games for money or items, including card tournaments, are considered a violation of Sharia.

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Legislation and punishments

Main provisions:

• gambling is a criminal offence;
• organization of casinos, bets or lotteries - a serious violation of Sharia;
• participation in a game for money - punishable by a fine, prison or public punishment;
• advertising, mediation and promotion of gambling - are equated with promoting sin;
• online gambling is classified as an "act that undermines public morality."

After 2021, the Taliban expanded penalties for "non-moral acts":

• for organizing gambling - imprisonment for up to 10 years or corporal punishment;
• for participation - a prison term of up to 2 years and fines;
• for using the Internet for betting - blocking devices and arrest.

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Real situation

Despite the formal ban, there is a shadow gambling market in the country, especially in major cities - Kabul, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Online gambling has become a new form of underground entertainment, especially among young people and the diaspora.

The main features of the underground market:

• access via VPN and offshore sites;
• deposits through cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Tether, Tron);
• settlements in US dollars or Pakistani rupees;
• illegal Telegram channels where sports betting is organized (especially cricket and football);
• use of foreign brands - 1xBet, BetWinner, Stake, working through mirrors.

According to independent IT sources, about 300 thousand users from Afghanistan visit offshore casinos monthly, despite the complete blocking of domains.

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Control and interlocks

Control over the Internet and online activity in the country is tight.

After 2021, the "Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice" received the authority to monitor the digital behavior of citizens.

Providers are required to block gambling sites, pornography and Western media.

For visiting prohibited sites, users can be called for a "warning conversation."

Electronic payment services and international cards (Visa, MasterCard) do not work in the country, which actually makes legal online gambling impossible.

However, control is imperfect: young users use VPNs, TORs and crypto wallets to play on foreign sites.

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Cultural context

Gambling in Afghanistan is not only forbidden by religion, but also socially taboo.

The society considers gambling a manifestation of "Western decline" and a threat to Islamic values.

Nevertheless, in an informal environment there are games without money bets - chess, backgammon, dominoes, dice, which are perceived as leisure, not excitement.

Provinces with more liberal ways sometimes host "secret lotto" or private card games, but they remain extremely rare and risky.

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Online gambling and cryptocurrencies

Despite the bans, cryptocurrencies have been a "lifeline" for those seeking access to online gaming.

Since the 2020s, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether (USDT) have been used to circumvent banking restrictions.

Through them, Afghans connect to offshore casinos and make deposits anonymously.

However, the authorities regularly block crypto platforms and arrest intermediaries.

In 2023, several cases of detentions of users who transferred cryptocurrency "to offshore gambling structures" were recorded.

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Economic aspect

The absence of a regulated gambling market deprives the country of potential income.

Experts believe that with legalization (for example, in the form of "tourist zones")

Afghanistan could attract foreign investment and tourism, as Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan do.

But with the current ideological policy, this is impossible in principle.

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Prospects

There is no chance of legalizing gambling in Afghanistan.

Even discussing this topic in public space can be regarded as propaganda of Western values.

In the coming years, the state will continue to tighten control over the Internet and cryptocurrencies in order to stop illegal forms of online gambling.

However, under the influence of globalization and VPN access, underground players will remain part of the hidden digital economy.

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Afghanistan is an example of a state where gambling is prohibited at all levels: religious, legal and cultural.

Any form of gambling is perceived as a crime against Islam, and severe penalties are provided for participation or organization.

Today, Afghan gambling is a shadow, VPN and cryptocurrency, in a world where risk can cost not only money, but also freedom.