Jordan’s gambling culture is defined by prohibition, not participation. Under the Penal Code of 1960 and Islamic (Sharia) principles, gambling is both a crime and a religiously prohibited act (maisir). The only lawful form of wagering is the state-sanctioned Jordan Charity (Welfare) Lottery, framed as a charitable fundraiser rather than commercial gambling. Attempts to introduce casinos — most notably the Dead Sea project of the 2000s — collapsed amid scandal, and there is no domestic betting industry, no casinos and no bookmakers.

A short history of gambling in Jordan

Modern Jordan has never had a legal commercial gambling sector. The country’s legal tradition, rooted in a Muslim-majority society, has consistently treated games of chance as prohibited. The most significant historical episode was not the arrival of gambling but its rejection: the failed casino project of the 2000s.

In September 2007, then-Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit signed a letter authorising the Council of Ministers to sign a casino contract with Oasis Holding Investment, intended for a Dead Sea resort. According to Al Jazeera’s reporting, the deal advanced despite a justice minister’s warning that it violated Jordanian law forbidding gambling. It became emblematic of the corruption grievances that fed public protest during the Arab Spring. In June 2011, Parliament voted to indict Tourism Minister Osama Dabbas while clearing Bakhit personally; the contract was cancelled, with the operator reported to have pursued compensation claims. No casino was ever built.

The Jordan Charity (Welfare) Lottery — commonly called Yanseeb — is the sole lawful form of wagering. It was established under Lottery Law No. 17 of 1972 by the royal will of the late King Hussein bin Talal, giving the General Union of Voluntary Societies a revenue source for social and charitable work. Proceeds fund charitable and social projects across the kingdom. Because it is framed as a charitable instrument, it sits apart from the general ban on commercial gambling. In 2019 the regulatory framework was updated to allow additional lottery formats such as scratch and electronic lotteries.

Attitudes and the law today

Public attitudes broadly align with the legal and religious prohibition. Gambling is not part of mainstream leisure culture, and there is no visible domestic betting scene. Some residents are reported to reach offshore online betting sites, but doing so is unlawful, carries legal risk, and offers no consumer protection or recourse. There is no official indication that Jordan intends to legalise commercial gambling.

18+ only. Gambling is illegal in Jordan and can carry criminal penalties. If gambling is causing you harm, please seek professional support.

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