While large markets are moving towards legalisation and regulation, there are jurisdictions where gambling is still punishable as a crime.
Here are the top countries that ban gambling:
🔴 Saudi Arabia
Casinos and betting are prohibited. Organisers are persecuted, not players – the authorities actively conduct raids against underground casinos and online operators.
🔴 UAE
Until 2024 (and formally to this day), the punishment is up to 2 years in prison and a 50,000 AED fine.
🔴China
Gambling is prohibited, and participation in it is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine. Operators are blocked and persecuted, including offshore ones.
The only exception is Macau.
🔴North Korea
Foreign tourists can visit two legal land-based casinos operating in Pyongyang and Raejin.
For DPRK citizens, participation in gambling is officially prohibited.
- for gambling with money or property – up to 1 year of correctional labour
- in severe cases – up to 3 years of compulsory labour
🔴Asia
Despite the region’s economic development, gambling remains banned in most countries.
