Comprehensive List of Countries Where Gambling is Illegal

Gambling, an age-old form of entertainment, has been a subject of debate and controversy worldwide. While many countries have embraced gambling as a source of revenue and leisure, there are still several nations where gambling remains illegal. This article provides a comprehensive list of countries where gambling is prohibited, along with reasons behind their stance on this issue.

1. Saudi Arabia

Gambling is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, as it is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. The country's religious laws dictate that all forms of gambling are illegal, and authorities have been known to crack down on illegal gambling activities.

2. North Korea

In North Korea, gambling is illegal, and the government has taken strict measures to prevent its spread. The country's leadership believes that gambling can lead to corruption and social problems, so it remains banned.

3. Bhutan

Bhutan, a small Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, has banned gambling to preserve its cultural values and promote social harmony. The government believes that gambling can lead to addiction and corruption, which are detrimental to the nation's well-being.

4. Brunei

In Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation, gambling is illegal due to its Islamic heritage. The country's leaders have taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

5. Qatar

Gambling is illegal in Qatar, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has implemented strict measures to ensure that gambling is not practiced within its borders, and violations can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.

6. Yemen

In Yemen, gambling is prohibited due to its Islamic heritage. The country's religious laws dictate that all forms of gambling are illegal, and authorities have been known to enforce this ban rigorously.

7. Iran

Gambling is illegal in Iran, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken strict measures to prevent gambling activities, and violations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Gambling is illegal in the UAE, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to heavy fines and imprisonment.

9. Somalia

In Somalia, a country with a predominantly Muslim population, gambling is illegal. The country's religious laws dictate that all forms of gambling are forbidden, and authorities have been known to enforce this ban rigorously.

10. Mali

Gambling is illegal in Mali, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

11. Morocco

Gambling is illegal in Morocco, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has implemented strict measures to prevent gambling activities, and violations can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.

12. Algeria

In Algeria, a predominantly Muslim country, gambling is illegal. The country's religious laws dictate that all forms of gambling are forbidden, and authorities have been known to enforce this ban rigorously.

13. Tunisia

Gambling is illegal in Tunisia, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to heavy fines and imprisonment.

14. Libya

Gambling is illegal in Libya, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has implemented strict measures to prevent gambling activities, and violations can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.

15. Egypt

In Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country, gambling is illegal. The country's religious laws dictate that all forms of gambling are forbidden, and authorities have been known to enforce this ban rigorously.

16. Eritrea

Gambling is illegal in Eritrea, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

17. Somalia

Gambling is illegal in Somalia, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

18. Yemen

In Yemen, a country with a predominantly Muslim population, gambling is illegal. The country's religious laws dictate that all forms of gambling are forbidden, and authorities have been known to enforce this ban rigorously.

19. Iran

Gambling is illegal in Iran, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken strict measures to prevent gambling activities, and violations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

20. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Gambling is illegal in the UAE, as the country follows Islamic law. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam. Illegal gambling activities are subject to heavy fines and imprisonment.

Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Why is gambling illegal in Saudi Arabia?

A: Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia due to its Islamic heritage. The country follows Islamic law, which considers gambling haram (forbidden).

2. Q: Can tourists gamble in North Korea?

A: No, tourists cannot gamble in North Korea. The government has taken strict measures to prevent gambling activities within the country.

3. Q: How does the government enforce the ban on gambling in Bhutan?

A: The government of Bhutan enforces the ban on gambling by conducting raids on illegal gambling establishments and imposing fines on individuals caught engaging in gambling activities.

4. Q: What are the penalties for gambling in Brunei?

A: In Brunei, penalties for gambling include heavy fines and imprisonment. The government has taken a strong stance against gambling, considering it a sin in Islam.

5. Q: Can citizens of the UAE legally participate in gambling activities?

A: No, citizens of the UAE cannot legally participate in gambling activities. The country follows Islamic law, which considers gambling a sin, and authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent its spread.