Sports betting remains strictly illegal in the Syrian Arab Republic under current national legislation (1). The Syrian government has implemented comprehensive prohibitions on all forms of gambling activities, including sports wagering, casino operations, and private betting establishments. These restrictions reflect the country's conservative approach to gambling regulation, influenced by both religious considerations and government policy frameworks that view betting activities as potentially harmful to society.
The legal framework governing gambling in Syria has been in place since the 1970s, when authorities formally banned most gambling activities due to political pressures and religious influences (2). Syria's predominantly Sunni Muslim population and Islamic legal principles have shaped these restrictive policies, as gambling is generally prohibited under Islamic law. The government has maintained these strict prohibitions even during periods of political transition, with no legal casinos, sports betting shops, or lottery operations currently permitted within the country's borders.
"Most forms of gambling are banned in Syria; the government has forbidden casinos, sports betting, and private gambling operations due to political pressures and religious considerations."
While online gambling activities technically fall under the same legal prohibitions, enforcement of these restrictions remains limited due to ongoing political and economic challenges (1). The Syrian government has not established any regulatory framework for licensed online betting operations, leaving both domestic and international gambling sites operating in a legal gray area. Citizens who choose to engage with offshore betting platforms do so at their own legal risk, as the government maintains that all forms of gambling remain prohibited regardless of whether they are conducted online or through physical establishments.
Source:
https://www.pokerlaws.org/asia/syria/
https://stj-sy.org/en/syria-the-minister-of-justice-powers-in-transitional-government-reform-imperatives-and-legal-constraints/
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
