Online bingo is illegal in Israel under the Israeli Penal Law (Section 225-226), which prohibits all forms of gambling except for three state-controlled options: the National Lottery (Mifal Hapayis), sports betting through the Israeli Sports Betting Board (ISBB), and social gambling (1). While the state-run Mifal Hapayis does operate legal bingo, keno, and scratch card games, private online operators offering bingo are strictly prohibited. Online casinos and online poker rooms have been explicitly banned since 2005 (1).
Individuals who participate in prohibited online gambling, including online bingo, face criminal penalties under the Penal Law including imprisonment of up to one year or fines up to ILS 29,200 (approximately USD 8,000) (2). Operators of illegal online gambling platforms face more severe penalties. In 2017, Israel enacted the "Powers to Prevent Offences Through an Internet Site" law, which authorized government authorities to block access to foreign gambling websites, resulting in the blocking of numerous offshore gambling sites (1). Financial institutions are also prohibited from processing transactions related to unlicensed gambling platforms.
"Online casinos and online poker rooms have been banned since 2005. Online gambling is another area where Israel takes a tough stance. The government has tried several times to restrict access to foreign sites that handle gambling."
Despite the strict legal prohibition, many Israelis continue to access foreign gambling websites by circumventing government blocks through virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy servers (1). An estimated $3.5 billion in illegal gambling occurs annually in Israel, demonstrating strong demand for unregulated online gaming. Religious and cultural influences have shaped Israel's conservative approach to gambling regulation, with many religious leaders viewing gambling as a vice (1). However, players can access foreign-operated websites that specifically target Israeli audiences, offer services in Hebrew, and accept Israeli Shekels. Players should be aware that while offshore platforms operate without Israeli interference, participating in online bingo remains technically illegal, and winnings from such activities are subject to Israeli income taxation if reported.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-israel/
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/israel
Last updated: 31-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
