Online bingo is strictly prohibited in Somalia under Islamic law and national legislation that completely bans all forms of gambling (1). Somalia is a highly Muslim-dominated country with approximately 95 percent of its population practicing Islam, making religious principles central to the nation's legal framework (1). The Federal Government of Somalia has established an absolute prohibition on all gambling activities, including online bingo, with the National Anti-Money Laundering & Countering Terrorist Financing Commission (NAMLC) formally announcing a nationwide ban on all gambling activities in November 2023 (1).
Currently, no regulatory body oversees gambling in Somalia, and no licensing procedures or legal pathways exist for establishing gambling operations (1). The NAMLC issued an executive decree on November 16, 2023, specifically targeting online betting platforms including 1XBET, forbidding all gambling activities and making clear that neither Somali citizens nor foreigners are permitted to gamble within the country or access international gambling sites while in Somalia (2). The ban extends across all regional governments, with the Puntland State of Somalia also issuing executive decrees directing telecommunications companies to close all accounts used for online betting and gambling purposes (2).
"No license has been issued in the name of Somalia to date for gambling. As a matter of fact, all kinds of gambling are banned in the country. Islamic law heavily influenced the ban on land-based gambling in the country. The legal status of online gambling is assumed to be forbidden, even though current laws make no specific mention whatsoever about online gambling."
Somali residents who attempt to access online bingo through offshore platforms operate in violation of national and religious law, facing severe legal consequences if detected (1). Gambling is considered "haram" (forbidden) under Islamic principles, with the government citing religious, cultural, and financial crime prevention as justifications for the comprehensive ban (1). Players in Somalia receive no government protection or regulatory oversight when accessing offshore online bingo platforms, operating entirely at their own risk without recourse in disputes or cases of fraud (2). The strict interpretation of Islamic law throughout Somalia and the cultural resistance to gambling mean that changes to this prohibition are extremely unlikely in the foreseeable future (2).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-somalia/
https://legalpilot.com/country/somalia/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
