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 by Mauritians, football remains the most preferred sport. Nevertheless, the sports betting and Mauritania Bookmakers is not an exception, and here the issue is complicated by the fact that the country’s legislation regulating gambling is based on the principles of Islamic (Sharia) law.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in Mauritania
When Mauritania gained sovereignty from France in 1960, the country has always had a rather strict approach towards gambling. While other French speaking African countries have embraced French laws on gambling, Mauritania outrightly banned gambling.
Key Dates and Legislation:
- 1960: From France; gambling was made unlawful.
- 1983: The Nigeria Penal Code, which bars all forms of gambling and also the Islamic term for gambling, maisir.
By the sections 4, articles 381 and 382 of the 1983 Penal Code, the act of organizing of illicit gambling is punished with the fines of 5,000 to 300,000 Mauritanian Ouguiya (135 to 8118 Euros) and imprisonment for up to 2 years (up to 10 years for recidivists). The penalties of engaging in unlawful betting are fines of 5000 to 50000 Mauritanian Ouguiya (135€ to 1350€) and imprisonment for a period of three months.
Sharia Law and Its Effects
The legal framework of the country is based on French civil law system and Islamic law which is Sharia Law. Islam does not allow Muslims to acquire wealth through gambling because this is not considered as honorable, serious, and strenuous work. Gambling is also prohibited because it is considered as an addictive activity through which people can miss their social and religious duties and obligations.
The Current Situation of Bookmakers in Mauritania and Their Legality
Bookmakers and Betting Shops:
- Illegal: All the physical bookmakers and the betting shops are prohibited in Mauritania.
- Prosecution: All those who participate in or plan for unlawful betting have legal consequences that face them.
Online Sports Betting:
- Technically Illegal: Even though online sports betting is discouraged under the general ban of gambling, it is not listed in the 1983 Penal Code.
- No Prosecution: In real life, people who use international sportsbooks to bet on sports in Mauritania are not arrested.
Mauritania Bookmakers Regulatory Agencies
Mauritania does not have any specific bodies that regulate gambling as all the forms of gambling are prohibited in this country.
Bookmakers Prohibited and Allowed Bets:
- Prohibited: All kinds of betting are prohibited including sports betting, casinos and slot halls.
- Allowed: None.
Bookmakers Gambling Licenses and Fees:
- Non-Existent: In Mauritania gambling is prohibited and therefore there are no licenses issued for gambling.
- Fees: Not applicable regarding gambling as it is prohibited in many countries.
Bookmakers Gambling Taxes:
- Non-Existent: Unfortunately, there is no specific gambling tax in Mauritania; thus, the issues related to gambling remain unregulated.
- Taxation of Winnings: None, this is because gambling is banned in the country.
Mauritania Sports Betting
Nonetheless, although the legal framework is rather austere, sports betting is a subject that continues to attract the population of Mauritania. Football being the most popular sport, a lot of people engage in informal betting. The national team of Mauritania which operates under the jurisdiction of the Fédération de Foot-Ball de la Républic Islamique de Mauritanie is an active member of the International Football arena and is striving to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones:
- 1961: Formation of the Fédération de Foot-Ball de la Républic Islamique de Mauritanie.
- 1971: Membership in FIFA.
- 1992: Isselmou Ould Ahmed Vall captures a bronze metal in the 800m at the Summer Olympic in Barcelona.
- 2004: El Hacen Ould Lebatt takes the title of the African Marathon Championships.
- 2011: Mohamed Ould El Gueyed takes a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle event in the African Swimming Championships.
Conclusion
There are very strict gambling laws in Mauritania, however, it is a country that has passion for sports; football especially. Although Mauritania bookmakers and sports betting are prohibited, the authorities do not prosecute people who place bets on the web with international sportsbooks. Knowing the legal framework and the role of Sharia law is essential for anyone who wants to comprehend the situation with gambling in Mauritania.
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