Sports betting is completely illegal in Iraq under the Iraqi Penal Code of 1969, which prohibits all forms of gambling activities throughout the country (1). This comprehensive ban includes both land-based and online sports betting, with the government actively blocking access to international gambling websites and maintaining strict enforcement measures against gambling operations.
The legal framework in Iraq is heavily influenced by Islamic Sharia law, which categorizes gambling activities as forbidden, despite the official separation of church and state (2). Iraq does not have any legally operating casinos, licensed sportsbooks, or even a national lottery, making it one of the most restrictive gambling jurisdictions in the Middle East.
"All forms of gambling (maisir) are illegal in Iraq, according to the 1969 Penal Code of Iraq."
The Iraqi government maintains active measures to prevent citizens from accessing online gambling platforms, including international sportsbooks that attempt to serve Iraqi customers. While enforcement of online gambling laws can be challenging due to technological limitations, the legal prohibition remains absolute. Unlike some neighboring countries that have established regulated gambling frameworks, Iraq has shown no indication of considering legalization or regulatory reform for sports betting or other gambling activities.
Source:
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=57206&p_country=IRQ&p_count=232&p_classification=01.04&p_classcount=5
https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/uploads/res/document/irq/1969/penal_code_html/Iraq_The_Penal_Code_1969ENG.pdf
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
