Is Online Poker Legal in Israel?

Online poker has become a popular pastime for many people around the world. However, the legality of online poker in different countries varies, and Israel is one of the countries where online poker is subject to specific regulations.

There is no straightforward answer to whether online poker is legal in Israel or not. The Israeli government has taken a strict stance on gambling activities, and this includes online gambling.

The main legislation governing gambling activities in Israel is the Israeli Penal Law of 1977. According to this law, any form of gambling is illegal unless it falls under certain exceptions.

One of the exceptions mentioned in the Israeli Penal Law is sports betting. However, this exception only applies to licensed sports betting operators that have been approved by the Israeli government. As such, sports betting websites that are not licensed by the Israeli government are considered illegal.

PRO TIP:In Israel, online poker is not considered a legal form of gambling and all forms of online gambling are prohibited. This includes playing online poker or any other form of online gambling for real money or anything that could be converted into money. Therefore, it is not legal to play online poker in Israel.

When it comes to online poker specifically, there are no licensed operators in Israel. This means that playing online poker on websites that are operated from within Israel or do not have an Israeli license is considered illegal.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule as well. In 2012, an Israeli court ruled that online poker was a game of skill and not a game of chance. As such, players who engage in online poker games that involve skill rather than luck may be exempt from prosecution under certain circumstances.

It’s worth noting that even though playing online poker may be considered illegal in Israel, there have been no reports of individuals being prosecuted for playing on international websites. This may be because enforcing these laws can be challenging given the nature of the internet and its global reach.

In conclusion, while online poker may technically be considered illegal in Israel under certain circumstances, there are still ways for players to engage in these activities without facing legal consequences. However, as with any form of gambling activity, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations governing these activities and act accordingly.

If you’re interested in playing online poker in Israel, it’s recommended that you seek legal advice from a reputable source to ensure that you’re not breaking any laws. Additionally, always choose reputable and licensed online poker operators to avoid any potential legal issues.