Sports betting in Israel is tightly controlled under a state monopoly, with all forms of gambling prohibited except those explicitly authorized by law. Only two public bodies—the State Lottery (Mifal HaPais) and the Israeli Sports Betting Board (Toto)—are permitted to offer wagering on sporting events (1).
Under the Israeli Penal Law (5737–1977), gambling is generally an offense, but special statutes carve out legal exceptions for state-run lotteries and sports betting. The Penal Law does not authorize private operators, and any change to the scope of sports betting must be approved by both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Culture and Sport (1)(2).
“The State Lottery (“Mifal HaPais”/Lotto) and the Israeli Sports Betting Board are the only two institutions permitted to sell gambling products in Israel, while private organizations are forbidden to conduct any form of gambling, including the running of casinos.” (2)
The Israeli Sports Betting Board, established under a 1967 law, operates under ministerial oversight and holds exclusive rights to sports wagering. Its license does not require periodic renewal but any modifications to the types of bets offered must receive formal approval, ensuring that the state retains full regulatory control (2).
Online sports betting remains effectively banned, as the Attorney General’s 2005 directive ordered the closure of all unauthorized internet gambling operations. No legal framework exists for private or offshore platforms, reinforcing the state monopoly on sports wagering (1).
Source:
https://www.gov.il/blobFolder/dynamiccollectorresultitem/israel-mer-2013/he/periodic-docs_Israel_MER_2013.pdf
https://al.boi.gov.il/media/ik1opu5b/%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8-1.pdf
Last updated: 28-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
