Legal Betting in Egypt

Introduction

Gambling in Egypt is a complicated issue, influenced by law, tradition and economic realities in a country who’s Islamic leanings are countered by a growing interest in gaming legislation. Gambling is banned in many Islamic-influenced countries, but betting is allowed under tight government control. This article discusses the legalisation of wagering in Egypt as well as the structure of the market; major operators and land-based betting shops; as well as bet types and the legalisation of sportsbooks. Other issues, such as cultural impact and enforcement difficulties, add up to a full picture of the betting world.

Laws Pertaining to Gambling

The Egyptian Law of Civil Transactions No. 131 of 1948 regulate gambling and betting contracts, they are considered as a sin, therefore, unenforceability unless permitted by the state (Articles 739 and 740) Expression of the statements (Free Text ) 8 May 2019 © The Author(s) 2019. Degeneracy Article No. 73 of the Penal Code allows controlled acts approved by them (for example, lotteries and certain card games) under extremely strict circumstances. With the passage of Law No. 175 of 2018, legislation making land-based sports betting lawful in 2018 set up the right controls and imposed a measure of taxes to stem illegal sports wagering. Online sports betting remains technically illegal, since no digital law exists, marking for variable enforcement. Land based gambling for non Egyptians or in selected areas is allowed, but only with governmental consent (which is rarely issued).

Well Known Companies

The betting industry is heavily-regulated in Egypt, where the state-owned Egyptian Lotto is the only licensed operator and sells lottery tickets through kiosks and retail shops in the country’s major cities. Horse race betting takes place at approved tracks such as the Gezira Club in Cairo where there are legal bookies. International sites like Bet365 and 1xBet can be accessed through foreign websites that operate in a legal gray area without local licenses. The offline betting places are localized in areas with high tourist traffic, such as Cairo, Alexandria, and Sharm El-Sheikh, and there casinos and betting shops respond to the demands of foreigners. They are heavily controlled places, available to non-residents only in accordance with cultural tradition.

Types of Bets Available

The betting is severely restricted in Egypt. The Egyptian Lotto includes number-draw wagers, in which players choose numbers for cash prizes. Horse racing Bets on licensed tracks are win, place, and show, consistent with international practice. The vast majority of sports betting is illegal in the country, and there are a few options for those who can’t (or don’t want to) take a trip to Vegas to place a bet - including offshore sports wagering sitess where you can bet on matches, over/under goals, or accumulators. Bets placed in casinos - poker, roulette etc - is limited to hotels for tourists only and Egyptians are not allowed in. The spread of wagers mirrors the tug between what is regulated and available and what bettors desire -- namely, more and more open markets for sports betting.

List of Key Betting Regulations

• Egyptian Civil Law No. 131 of 1948, Articles 739–740: Declares gambling contracts unenforceable unless state-sanctioned.
• Penal Code, Article No. 73: Permits regulated lotteries and specific card games.
• Law No. 175 of 2018: Regulates sports betting with taxation and oversight mechanisms.
• Minimum gambling age: 18, with some venues requiring 21.
• Restriction on nationals: Egyptian residents are barred from casino betting.

Culture Background of Gambling in Egypt

Its largely Muslim population influences the betting environment in the country, as Islamic teachings generally strictly discourage betting as a form of chance and risk. This cultural position encourages a certain stigma, especially among those in the community. But there is a modest gambling industry based around tourism and expatriate communities in luxury resorts and towns. The government also attempts to balance economic benefits of tourism with cultural values, in a dual system that makes betting available for foreigners but not for locals. That sets Egypt apart from more open markets for betting.

Enforcement

Policing Egypt's betting laws is tricky, especially when it comes to betting online. Although onshore sports betting is regulated, offshore betting platforms function beyond the reach of local authorities, who are lagging behind in terms of regulation. The focus of law enforcement is on breaking up large scale illegal activities, rather than going after individual bettors, the ability to enforce is often limited in practice. The lack of clear cut laws regarding gambling online opens up the industry to unregulated websites. Unregulated betting among informal groups, particularly around large football matches, also muddies the waters, escaping formal checks

Table: Overview of Betting in Egypt

Regulatory Update

Egypt has taken steps to update its gambling laws. And Law No. 175 of 2018 legalized land-based sports betting oversight, while a 2025 gambling tax framework focus on strengthening national finances, as well as providing finances for public projects. There is ongoing debate over regulating online betting, which has been fueled by the rise of offshore providers, but cultural and religious mores stand in the way. The government gives most of the attention to consolidating on-shore laws, while looking into online-market resolutions My main concern is the slow advancement in the betting domain.

Impact of Tourism on Betting

Tourism has a great impact on Egypt’s gambling scene. Casinos and gambling lounges are found in high-end hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Cairo, but they are the preserve of foreign visitors. These facilities bring in large sums of money to the tourism trade. Limiting gambling to foreigners is a pragmatic response that captures economic gains while minimizing potential cultural blowback. And this dependence on tourism exemplifies the tradeoff between economic interest and cultural norms that mark the Egyptian gambling market.

Conclusion

Egypt’s gambling market is a heavily regulated but dynamic environment influenced by legal, cultural, and economic factors. Most gambling is prohibited under the Egyptian Civil Law, Penal Code and Law No. 175 of 2018, with exceptions for state-sponsored lotteries and horse racing. What operators are licensed/licensed-approved, what is the target market, products - The Egyptian Lotto and a few block offshore operators – retail only having a physical presence within tourist areas. Betting options range from lotteries and horse-racing bets to unregulated sports wagers. Market participants attribute its distinct nature to cultural norms, gaps in enforcement, and the impact of tourism. While Egypt grapples through its 2025 tax framework and potential online regulations, the betting market is indeed a niche industry with potential for moderate expansion, providing that policymakers are capable of weighing up economic opportunities against traditional and cultural beliefs.