Syria’s Communications Ministry Blocks Gambling And Betting Websites After Citizen Complaints

On Sunday, June 14, Syria’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology blocked access to a number of gambling and betting websites targeting users in Syria, saying the step was taken in response to complaints and to protect citizens and enhance digital safety.

“A complaint filed by Syrian youth Noor Halabi on social media prompted a swift government response”

Al-Jazeera Net

The ministry said the precautionary measure would remain in effect until a committee formed by the ministry completes its work to verify the activities of the websites, adding that gambling and betting activities violate applicable laws and entail financial and social risks that affect individuals and families.

Al-Jazeera Net

In parallel, the ministry said it officially contacted social media platforms to take the necessary steps to halt advertisements linked to these websites that target users in Syria.

The move was described as part of efforts to curb the spread of online gambling and betting activities that violate applicable laws and prevent the exploitation of digital platforms for illegal activities.

The government’s action came as Syrian online betting expanded among internet users, particularly younger people, with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology framing the restrictions as a protective measure to safeguard the digital environment and limit exposure to activities that violate Syrian law.

In August 2025, Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar said unemployment had climbed above 60%, while a United Nations Development Programme assessment found poverty had reached 90% of the population, with two out of every three Syrians living in extreme poverty.

Casino Guardian

Syrian law has long prohibited gambling through the Penal Code’s Articles 618, 619, and 620, with Article 619 defining games of chance as those where luck outweighs skill or intelligence and listing roulette, baccarat, Faro, petits chevaux, and open poker among prohibited activities.

Legal specialists cited in the coverage said enforcement has been complicated because investigations may reach local facilitators, advertisers, or intermediaries, while operators behind digital betting networks often remain outside the jurisdiction of Syrian authorities.

One trigger for the crackdown was a complaint filed by Syrian youth Noor Halabi on social media, which the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology answered by deciding to halt access to websites dedicated to gambling and betting.

“Syrian Communications Ministry Restricts Gambling and Online Betting Sites The Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced today, Sunday, June 14, that it had blocked access to electronic gambling and betting websites targeting citizens in Syria”

Enab Baladi

In a direct response, Minister Abd al-Salam Haikal expressed gratitude to Noor Halabi, saying the ministry values every legitimate report it receives and seeks to address them directly, while reaffirming that the halt will continue until investigations and legal procedures are completed.

The ministry described the measure as precautionary, pending the completion of the committee it formed to verify the activity of these sites, and said the stoppage is based on gambling and betting activities violating applicable laws and their financial and social risks affecting individuals and families.

The ministry also sent official letters to social media platforms asking them to take concrete steps to stop advertisements linked to these sites that target inside Syria, and the decision was welcomed by Syrian users including blogger Kamal Al-Salami, who praised the step as protecting citizens from potential harms.