People have been gambling for thousands of years, and it’s still a thriving industry today, across most of the world. However, there are still some countries where casino and sports betting gambling is completely illegal, and where it’ll likely remain illegal.
Some countries strictly regulate gambling, even applying a tax on winnings, whereas others outlaw any form of gambling, with some countries having strict penalties for those who are caught gambling.
Here are 10 countries where you cannot gamble:
1) North Korea
As you would expect, North Korea has completely outlawed all forms of gambling. The country is still a dictatorship under Kim Jong Un, who runs the country under strict communist rule. The country strictly forbids all forms of land-based and online gambling. This rule applies to all North Korean citizens. However, those who visit the country on a tour have the option of playing at the country’s only casino, which is located in Pyongyang.
2) Cambodia
Cambodia is a country with stunning scenery, such as the famous ancient site, Angkor Wat. The country was once home to many casinos where locals would spend lots of time, hoping to walk away with a profit. However, this became a problem for the residents as the country was soon plagued with a gambling problem.
In 1996, the government suppressed all acts of gambling in the country. The Cambodian government only allows gambling within its five, privately run, national lotteries. However, those who are tourists can still gamble, with casinos located around popular tourist destinations within the country.
3) United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a strict Islamic country that outlaws all forms of gambling. The UAE is one of the strictest countries when it comes to a ban on gambling. Any person found gambling, whether local or foreign, will face a serious penalty if caught gambling.
The strict Islamic laws will see any person gambling face up to two years in jail under the Penal Code’s Article 414. What’s more, you cannot access online gambling sites from within the country.
4) Brunei
Brunei is another Islamic country that has strict laws against any form of gambling. The country has the Common Gaming House Act in place that prohibits all types of gambling. You can also face a serious penalty if you are caught gambling.
A pachinko parlor is seen from a bus, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. The pandemic-delayed 2020 Summer Olympics are schedule to open on July 23 with spectators banned from most Olympic events due to COVID-19 surge. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
5) Japan
Japan is a country that likes to indulge in many pleasures, but gambling is not one of them. All types of gambling have been recently restricted for all residents.
However, a game called Pachinko is the exception to the rule, and the country has various parlors throughout.
What’s more, there are multiple race tracks within the country that are controlled by the government or the Japan Racing Association. There are also some legal off-track betting facilities for those who cannot get to the racetrack. Additionally, there are sports betting and land-based casino games that are permitted thanks to the Integrated Resort Promotion Act of 2016. This means casinos can operate within resorts, as long as other entertainment venues are in existence.
When it comes to gambling online, this is completely outlawed in Japan. However, many residents of Japan choose to bypass these strict laws by using a VPN and playing on offshore regulated crypto casinos that accept players from Japan.
