Gambling and online casinos in Iran

Iran is one of the world's toughest states on gambling.

Any form of gambling - from card games to online casinos - is illegal under the Quran and criminal law.

The ban here is not only legal, but also religious in nature, being part of the Islamic doctrine of Sharia, enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Nevertheless, despite the complete ban, there is a wide underground culture of betting and online gambling in the country, especially among young people using VPNs and cryptocurrencies.

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Religious and legal basis

Islam in Iran defines the state and legal system, and gambling (Arabic maysir or qimar) is considered a sin and a crime against Allah.

The ban is established on the basis of the Qur'an (Surah "al-Ma'ida," Ayat 90-91), where excitement is declared "the bad work of Satan."

The Iranian Constitution (Art. 4) requires that all laws comply with Sharia law, so gambling, like alcohol, is a priori illegal.

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Legislative framework

Main regulations:

1. The Criminal Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Articles 705-713) - prohibits the organization, participation and promotion of gambling.

2. The Law on Crimes Committed Using Computer Systems (2009) equates online gambling with cybercrime.

3. The Law "On Printing and Advertising" (1986) - prohibits the promotion of any gambling services.

4. The Law "On the Activities of Internet Providers" (2002) - obliges to block sites with gambling content.

Key points:

• casinos, bookmakers and online gambling are completely prohibited;
• participation in gambling for money is a criminal offense;
• advertising and mediation are equated with "aiding in sin";
• government agencies are required to block domains and IPs related to gambling content;
• punishment - a prison term of up to 6 years, a fine and confiscation of property.

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Real situation

Despite formal bans, gambling continues to exist in underground and digital form.

Online betting and crypto casinos operating through offshore sites and Telegram bots are especially actively developing.

Key trends:

• players use VPN and proxies to bypass filtering Internet traffic;
• deposits are made through cryptocurrencies (Tether, Bitcoin, TRON);
• Telegram has become the main channel for illegal betting and advertising;
• popular brands (1xBet, Mostbet, BetWinner, Stake) work through mirrors and anonymous gateways;
• offshore sites adapt the interface to Farsi and accept rials (IRRs).

According to experts, the annual volume of shadow gambling in Iran exceeds $500 million, with up to 2 million people participating in online games at least once.

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Control and interlocks

Internet space in Iran is controlled by:

• FATA Police (Iran Cyber ​ ​ Police) - monitors sites and participants;
• Ministry of Culture and Islamic Orientation - filters content;
• Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies - carries out technical blocking;
• Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) - investigates cases of financing illegal casinos.

Punishments:

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Exceptions

Unlike most Islamic countries, Iran does not allow even "entertaining" or "symbolic" money games.

The only exception is lotteries and draws without a cash contribution held by state companies or religious foundations (charity events, draws of apartments and cars).

For example, the national lottery "Imam Khomeini Relief Committee" is not considered gambling, since its purpose is "donation and assistance to those in need," and not the profit of the participants.

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Social and cultural aspect

Gambling in Iranian society is perceived as immoral and Western.

Participation in them is condemned not only by law, but also by the community - up to the loss of social status.

However, in recent years, among young people and the IT generation, interest in betting on sports, e-sports and cryptocasino has been growing, which reflects a general contradiction between strict norms and digital globalization.

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Economic aspect

Iran is losing significant funds due to the complete criminalization of gambling.

According to independent analysts, annually up to $1 billion flows from the country to offshore online casinos through cryptocurrency transactions.

Some economists propose the creation of regulated platforms for foreigners, following the example of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, in order to receive foreign exchange earnings and control flows.

However, this idea contradicts the foundations of Islamic ethics and does not yet have political support.

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Prospects

At the moment, the prospect of legalizing gambling in Iran is zero.

Any attempts to discuss this topic are met with severe rejection by the spiritual leadership and the Council of Guardians of the Constitution.

However, growing pressure from the digital economy and the crypto market may force the authorities to develop a system of control, rather than complete denial.

It is expected that in the future there may be limited licenses for offshore iGaming companies aimed at foreigners and tourists, but not at Iranian citizens.

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Iran is one of the most closed countries in the world in matters of gambling.

All forms of gambling are prohibited by law and religion, and their organization and participation are severely punished.

Iran remains an example of an absolute ban on Sharia gambling, where the only legal "risk" is only participation in the state charity lottery.