Libya Bookmakers

Situated in the Maghreb region of North Africa at the Mediterranean coast, Libya is one of the largest African countries. Similar to many other African countries, Libyans are very fond of football and this can be seen in their everyday life and traditions. However, as far as gambling is concerned especially the sports betting, the country has very stern rules regarding the activity. It is time to discover the history, legislation, as well as the modern situation of Libya bookmakers and sports betting.

Libya Bookmakers

1953: Adoption of the Penal Code outlawing any form of gambling.

1969-1970: A coup, staged by Muammar al-Gaddafi supports the ban on gambling.

1982: Libya is the host country of the African Cup of Nations.

2011: Gaddafi is ousted; however, the laws concerning gambling are still the same.

2004: This week, the Libyan men basketball team receives a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics.

Gambling Laws in Libya and Their Evolution

The history of Libya gambling laws goes back to the middle of the 20th century. Here’s a brief historical overview:

  • 1953: The Penal Code of Libya was adopted with the provision that rendered gambling of any type forbidden.
  • Late 1960s – Early 1970s: After the coup d’état which was masterminded by Muammar al-Gaddafi, the government prohibited gambling completely.
  • 2011: To this date, the ban on gambling remains in effect even after the ousting of Gaddafi from power.

The Legal Framework: On the Ban of Gambling

Gambling is still prohibited in Libya due to the provisions of the Penal Code and Sharia law that is the basis of the Libyan legal system. All forms of gambling, whether land-based or online, are prohibited:

  • Articles 492-496: These articles of the Penal Code define the different forms of gambling and the punishment that will be meted out to perpetrators in the form of fines or imprisonment.
  • Penal Code Enforcement: The government has ensured that these laws are strictly implemented and hence does not allow any legal operations of gambling within the country.

Online Gambling: A Grey Area

Surprisingly, all varieties of gambling are prohibited in the physical world, but there is no clear legislation regarding the Internet. This creates a somewhat ambiguous situation:

  • No Specific Online Regulations: Al the online gambling activities are not regulated and the legal framework does not ban the activity.
  • Access to Foreign Operators: It’s important for the Libyan players because they can use the foreign online betting sites without the risk of being prosecuted. But this is not legal recognition but a grey area in the law and therefore not a legal status.

Regulatory Agencies and Licensing

There is no licensing or regulating body for gambling operations in Libya to the best of the knowledge of the author. Consequently:

  • No Licensing: There is no government agency that grants licenses for gambling and there is no one to regulate these activities.
  • No Taxation: Since there are no laws on gambling, there are no set taxes that can be placed on the winnings or the operators either.

Prohibited and Allowed Bets

Given the blanket ban on gambling, no bets are legally sanctioned:

  • Land-Based Gambling: All forms of gambling are banned in the territory with the exception of online betting and there are no casinos, bingo halls or sports betting shops.
  • Online Betting: Not prohibited, though it is largely considered as being in a legal twilight zone. Players using foreign sites are advised to do so at their own risk.

Libya Bookmakers and Sports Betting

Sports betting just like any other form of betting is prohibited in the country of Libya. However, the nation’s affection for sports, particularly football, persists:

  • Passion for Football: The youth of Libya are passionate about football and engage in following both the domestic as well as the international football tournaments. Some of the recognized teams are Ahly Tripoli, Ittihad Tripoli, and Ahly Benghazi have a large following.
  • National Team Glory: The Libyan national team is also famously known as “The Greens” and has its history with the African Cup of Nations held in Libya in the year 1982 and Libya almost qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in the year 1986.

Sporting Event Glory Milestones

Libya has a rich sporting history, marked with significant achievements:

  • 1982: Libya has hosted the African Cup of Nations.
  • 1984: El-Mesmari Ahmed took the gold medal in the 800m at the Los Angeles Olympics.
  • 1986: Our national football team got to the quarter final of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
  • 2004: The Libyan men’s basketball team stood third at the Athens Olympics and got a bronze medal.
  • Post-Embargo: The national football team was in a friendly tie with Senegal in a come from behind match.

Conclusion

The position of Libya on gambling especially on Libya bookmakers and sports betting is well stated and firm. The gambling is strictly forbidden in the country due to the Islamic law as well as to the cultural beliefs. Nevertheless, the love for sports and, in particular, football does not die out in Libya. To the prospective gamblers, there is a certain freedom given by the lack of clear laws, although the whole subject is still rather a gray area. Apprecating these dynamics will be of great importance for anyone who is interested in the issue of gambling in Libya.

FAQ of Libya Bookmakers

Africa Bookmakers

Malawi Bookmakers

Malawi Bookmakers

Malawi is a land locked country situated in the south eastern part of Africa with its neighbours being Tanzania to the North, Mozambique to the east and Zambia to the west. Today, the gambling industry is developing fast, and this ... Read More about Malawi Bookmakers
Lesotho Bookmakers

Lesotho Bookmakers

Lesotho is an enclaved country in southeastern Africa, Lesotho has a quickly developing gambling business, and in the last few years, the country has achieved much to manage its bookmakers and sports betting sector. This article aims to give an ... Read More about Lesotho Bookmakers
DR Congo Bookmakers

DR Congo Bookmakers

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is emerging as one of the main areas of interest for the gambling business, including the land-based and the internet-based ones. The DRC has a poor political climate and an unfavourable economic situation, ... Read More about DR Congo Bookmakers
Ethiopia Bookmakers

Ethiopia Bookmakers

Ethiopia is located in northeastern Africa, bordering Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Sudan and South Sudan to the west, Kenya to the south, and Eritrea to the north. It is also a nation where the handling of gambling specifically ... Read More about Ethiopia Bookmakers
Liberia Bookmakers

Liberia Bookmakers

Liberia is situated in Western Africa and has a neighbor countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and the Atlantic Ocean has been engaged in the provision of gambling services since 1982. Over the years, there have been some ... Read More about Liberia Bookmakers
Ghana Bookmakers

Ghana Bookmakers

Ghana, a West African country situated on the northern part of the Gulf of Guinea and attained its independence in 1960. Since the inception of gambling industry especially Ghana bookmakers and Ghana sports betting, Ghana’s legislation and regulatory frameworks have ... Read More about Ghana Bookmakers
São Tomé and Príncipe Bookmakers

São Tomé and Príncipe Bookmakers

São Tomé and Príncipe is an archipelagic state situated in the Gulf of Guinea on the western coast of central Africa. Thus, as the country develops, the interest in gambling and specifically in São Tomé and Príncipe bookmakers and sports ... Read More about São Tomé and Príncipe Bookmakers
Mauritania Bookmakers

Mauritania Bookmakers

Mauritania borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara and Algeria to the north, Mali to the southeast, and Senegal to the south. and is among the largest countries in Africa. Of all the sporting activities that are embraced ... Read More about Mauritania Bookmakers
Namibia Bookmakers

Namibia Bookmakers

Namibia, borders Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana and South Africa to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. is a country that has gradually accepted gambling over the years. the gambling business in Namibia ... Read More about Namibia Bookmakers
Togo Bookmakers

Togo Bookmakers

Togo is a little but active country located in West Africa and has a culture closely related to sports and gambling. On a total area of 22,000 square miles, it is one of the smallest countries in the region. Nevertheless, ... Read More about Togo Bookmakers
Scroll to Top