Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
Online gambling is strictly regulated under the Israeli Penal Law, which is enforced by the Ministry of Finance and the Israeli Police.
The Ministry of Finance also oversees legal gambling activities through Mifal HaPayis (the national lottery) and the Israel Sports Betting Board (ISBB). These are the only two gambling entities authorized to operate legally within the country.
The Ministry of Finance
- Oversees policies for all gambling activities, including lotteries and sports betting.
- Controls the issuance of licenses for legal gambling through state-approved organizations.
- Enforces the prohibition of online casino gambling across Israel.
- Sets financial regulations that limit gambling spending for both operators and consumers.
- Supports the blocking of foreign gambling websites to prevent unauthorized access.
- Coordinates with the Israeli Police to enforce gambling bans.
- Directs funds from legal gambling to state-approved public projects.
- Works with the Ministry of Justice on drafting laws related to gambling restrictions.
Illegal gambling can have serious consequences, from fines to imprisonment. With no legal alternatives for casino-style gambling, it’s essential to stay informed and avoid any unregulated sites.
Gambling in Israel
The only legal gambling options for Israelis are the national lottery, Mifal HaPayis, and regulated sports betting managed by the Israel Sports Betting Board (ISBB).
Mifal HaPayis offers a range of lottery games, including weekly draws, instant-win scratch cards, and raffles, available online and at authorized retail locations nationwide.
Quick Factsheet
- No legal land-based casinos.
- Online casinos are strictly prohibited.
- National lottery operated by Mifal HaPayis.
- Regulated sports betting by ISBB.
- Ministry of Finance sets gambling policies.
- Israeli Penal Law governs gambling restrictions.
- Foreign gambling sites are blocked.
- Ads for gambling are strictly banned.
Personally, while these restrictions provide a safer environment, I believe a well-regulated expansion could address the demand for more diverse gambling options in a way that aligns with public interests.
Gambling History and Future
Historically, Israel has maintained a restrictive stance on gambling, rooted in cultural and religious values that discourage games of chance.
In the 1950s, the government established the Israeli Penal Law, which banned most forms of gambling while allowing limited state-controlled options, such as Mifal HaPayis, launched in 1958.
In 1967, the Israel Sports Betting Board (ISBB) was introduced, permitting regulated sports betting, though casinos and other gambling venues remained illegal.
Israeli Flag
- 1951 – Israel bans all unregulated gambling under the Israeli Penal Law.
- 1958 – Mifal HaPayis is established to operate the national lottery.
- 1967 – Israel Sports Betting Board (ISBB) is created to offer legal sports betting.
- 2007 – Government introduces laws explicitly banning online casino gambling.
- 2010 – Israeli authorities begin actively blocking foreign gambling websites.
- 2014 – Laws tightened around online gambling ads to reduce exposure.
Israel has also seen occasional controversies, such as debates over poker and calls to legalize casinos in tourist areas like Eilat. While no changes have been enacted, I believe cautious reform could address demand while maintaining control.
Conclusion
So, here’s the bottom line: In Israel, gambling options are limited to the national lottery and regulated sports betting, with strict bans on online casinos and land-based venues.
We’ve seen debates about expanding these laws, but everything outside Mifal HaPayis and ISBB is off-limits for now. Remember also to avoid offshore sites, as the Ministry of Finance prohibits them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you can explore some common questions about gambling in Israel. For any additional inquiries, feel free to reach out.
Is online gambling in Israel legal?
Online gambling is generally illegal in Israel, except for limited forms like the national lottery and regulated sports betting. The government actively enforces these restrictions, including blocking foreign gambling sites.
Does Israel have any casinos?
Israel does not have any legal online or land-based casinos. Most forms of gambling are restricted, with only the national lottery and sports betting permitted through state-authorized organizations.
Is poker allowed in Israel?
Poker is generally illegal in Israel, especially for real money. Of course, specific poker tournaments may be allowed under particular conditions. Although, these are rare and heavily regulated by authorities.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova