Online bingo is strictly prohibited in Iran under Article 705 of the Islamic Penal Code and Islamic law principles (1). All forms of gambling, including online bingo, are considered "haram" (forbidden) under Islamic teachings and are completely illegal in Iran. The prohibition extends to all forms of gambling regardless of modality—traditional, online, mobile, or any digital format—and applies to both operators and players. No licenses are issued for any gambling activities, including online bingo, and enforcement authorities actively work to eliminate all gambling operations (1).
Individuals who engage in online bingo or any form of gambling in Iran face severe penalties under Article 705 of the Islamic Penal Code, including imprisonment of one to six months or up to 74 lashes (2). If gambling occurs publicly or is a repeat offense, both penalties may be applied simultaneously. Operating online gambling platforms carries even harsher sentences ranging from six months to two years imprisonment with fines up to 12 million rials. In 2021, lawmakers proposed legislation that would impose the death penalty on illegal online gambling operators, though this bill has not yet become law (2).
"Under Article 705 of the Islamic Penal Code, the penalty for illegal gambling can range from one to six months' imprisonment or up to 74 lashes, or both if the offense is committed publicly."
Despite the strict prohibition, Iran has faced significant challenges in enforcing gambling laws in the digital age (1). The Iranian government recently dismantled Nitro Bet, one of the largest online gambling networks operating in Iran, which controlled approximately 35,000 domestic bank accounts and 1,200 payment gateways. The Central Bank of Iran has reported reducing gambling-related financial transactions by 60 percent through enhanced monitoring and blocking of gambling payment systems. However, Iranians continue to access offshore gambling platforms through various methods including VPNs and alternative payment channels. The government's zero-tolerance approach to gambling reflects its commitment to Islamic values, but enforcement remains challenging amid rapid technological advancement and growing demand for online gaming access.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-iran/
https://sigma.world/news/iran-cracks-down-on-illegal-gambling-activities/
Last updated: 31-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
