Lebanon Casinos

Understanding online casinos in Lebanon

The legal status of online casinos in Lebanon

The legal base is old and narrow. A 1954 gambling law allowed gaming at one single seaside casino, and Law 417 of 15 May 1995 gave Casino du Liban the exclusive right to run gambling games at the casino in Maameltein. That arrangement runs on a 30 year term, and trade press reports that the current licence is due to expire in 2026. We have not seen an official decision on what comes after it, so this is a market where the rules could still change.

Online licensing sits with the Lebanese Ministry of Finance, which granted BetArabia its licence in November 2022. The framework does not allow more than one licence, so there is no route for any other operator to become legal. BetArabia works under Casino du Liban’s supervision, with the day to day running contracted out to a service company.

How enforcement works

Lebanon has blocked unauthorised gambling sites since 2013, when a judicial order based on the Casino du Liban monopoly led to many foreign gambling websites being cut off, and the state still blocks platforms that do not hold a licence. Blocking is backed by policing. The Anti-Gambling Bureau of the Judicial Police investigates illegal betting, and in December 2025 it arrested a man described as one of the largest promoters of illegal online gambling in the country, along with members of his network active in North Lebanon and Hermel. Phones, computers and other equipment were seized, and the investigation continued under judicial supervision.

The simple version: if a gambling site is not BetArabia, it has no permission to operate in Lebanon.

Casino du Liban and BetArabia

For anyone in Lebanon who wants to gamble legally, the options are short. Land-based gaming means Casino du Liban itself, the landmark venue on the coast at Maameltein. Online, it means BetArabia, which offers sports betting and casino games under the single Ministry of Finance licence. Everything else, from betting corners in cafes to foreign apps, sits outside the law.

Responsible gambling

Gambling should be paid for from money you can afford to lose and treated as entertainment, never as a way to make up for losses or earn income. Set a budget before you play, take regular breaks and keep gambling away from anyone under age. If it stops feeling like fun, step back and talk to someone you trust. Our responsible gambling guide explains the warning signs and where to find support.