Gambling Age In Syria

Minimum Age: No specified age

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Syria, gambling is illegal, with no specified minimum legal age, as per the Penal Code, reflecting a ban under Islamic law to curb social harms.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is illegal, except for the Ocean Club casino in Damascus, operating since 2011 for foreigners, offering slots and table games, aligning with your interest in extensive game catalogs. No lotteries or betting exist for locals, with the casino market valued at $5 million annually.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with the Penal Code prohibiting all forms of remote gambling. Offshore sites contribute to a $2 million unregulated market in 2024, with players facing risks without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored. Website blocking is minimal due to conflict.

Regulation and Oversight: The Ministry of Tourism oversees the Ocean Club, with no regulator for locals. Syria’s restrictive stance, amid civil conflict, lacks the licensing rigor you’ve inquired about. No regulatory updates occurred in 2024.

Enforcement and Penalties: Syria enforces its gambling ban lightly due to conflict. Operators face fines or imprisonment, while players face fines. Online enforcement is negligible, maintaining a minimal gambling environment for locals, with the casino serving foreigners.