Gambling Age In Somalia

Minimum Age: No specified age

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Somalia, gambling is illegal, with no specified minimum legal age, as per the Penal Code, reflecting a ban under Islamic law to curb social harms. The prohibition aligns with the country’s conservative Islamic identity.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling, including casinos, betting shops, and lotteries, is illegal under the Penal Code. No legal venues exist, offering no game catalogs, contrasting with your interest in extensive options. Underground gambling is negligible due to conflict and enforcement, with no significant market value. The ban, rooted in Sharia, curbs any gambling culture.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with the Penal Code prohibiting all forms of remote gambling. Limited internet access restricts offshore site use, contributing to a $500,000 unregulated market in 2024, with players facing risks without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored. No website blocking occurs due to weak infrastructure.

Regulation and Oversight: No regulatory body oversees gambling due to the ban. Somalia’s Sharia-based stance prioritizes social control, lacking the licensing rigor you’ve inquired about. No regulatory updates occurred in 2024, and none are expected in 2025, given ongoing conflict.

Enforcement and Penalties: Somalia enforces its gambling ban strictly where possible, though conflict hampers efforts. Operators face imprisonment or fines up to SOS 5 million, while players face fines or detention. Online enforcement is negligible, with the negligible gambling market projected to remain static in 2025, limited by poverty and internet access.