Online bingo is strictly illegal in Mauritania under the 1983 Penal Code, which implements a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling activities without exception (1). Articles 381 and 382 of the Penal Code explicitly prohibit gambling and impose criminal penalties on individuals caught engaging in any betting activity, whether online or offline (2). Mauritania, as a predominantly Muslim country, enforces this prohibition based on Islamic Sharia law, which views gambling as haram, forbidden by religious principles and spiritually harmful.
The Mauritanian government does not issue gambling licenses for any form of gaming operation, neither for land-based casinos nor for online platforms, making all forms of online bingo completely unauthorized (1). While the government does not actively block access to international online gambling websites, accessing offshore online bingo platforms remains illegal under Mauritanian law (2). Players caught participating in online bingo face criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment, with enforcement typically targeting both operators and participants without distinction.
"Being a predominantly Muslim country, Mauritania bans all forms of gambling. There are neither land-based casinos nor land-based sports betting establishments. Anyone who is caught engaging in any form of gambling can be fined and/or given a jail term sentence."
Mauritania maintains its total gambling prohibition despite the African gambling market boom, as government authorities believe gambling leads to addiction, debt, and broken families beyond just religious concerns (2). The government argues that this strict stance protects Mauritanian society from social harms associated with gambling activities, distinguishing Mauritania from neighboring countries like Egypt and Tunisia, which allow limited gambling in tourist zones (2). Until Mauritania potentially reverses this position—unlikely given religious and social values—online bingo remains completely illegal with no regulatory pathways or consumer protections available to players.
Source:
https://arabictopcasinos.com/gambling-in-mauritania/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/mauritania-maintains-total-gambling-ban-despite-african-market-boom/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
