Online bingo is illegal in Eritrea and is not regulated or licensed by the government (1). Although no specific law explicitly prohibits online gambling, Eritrean law is heavily influenced by Islamic principles that consider all forms of gambling prohibited under Sharia law (1). The country does not have an institutional framework or licensing procedures for any gambling activities, and consequently, all forms of gambling, including online bingo, casino games, sports betting, and lotteries are effectively banned (2).
Eritrea has no separate regulatory body overseeing gambling activities, making it one of the few African countries without a dedicated gambling authority (1). While the Ministry of Finance and local law enforcement technically oversee financial and public behavior matters, they do not extend regulations to online gambling licensing or oversight (1). Sharia courts, which govern family and personal matters for the Muslim population comprising about 40 percent of Eritrea, explicitly prohibit gambling under Islamic law, further reinforcing the nationwide ban (1).
"Gambling is legal in Eritrea since it is not banned by the Constitution of Eritrea or Penal Code; however, Sharia law plays an important role. Sharia courts extend their competence to family and personal matters, which affects the gambling activities concerning the Muslim population. Thus, gambling is prohibited by Sharia law, which only complicates the legal framework of the industry."
Although some Eritreans may access offshore online bingo platforms through international sites, doing so technically operates in a legal grey area with no government protections or player safeguards (2). Participants face serious legal risks including potential fines and imprisonment if caught by authorities, and the uncertainty surrounding enforcement leaves players vulnerable despite authorities historically showing limited enforcement against individual gamblers (2). The Eritrean government's strict adherence to Islamic law principles and cultural values makes it highly unlikely that online bingo or any gambling regulations will be legalized in the foreseeable future (1).
Source:
https://bookiessite.com/africa/betting-sites-in-eritrea/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-eritrea/
Last updated: 31-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
