The general principle in Jordanian law is that all forms of gambling are prohibited under the Penal Code (Jordanian Law No. 16 of 1960), which outlaws games of chance (maysir) and imposes penalties on both organizers and participants (1)
However, an exception exists for state-authorized charity lotteries. These are regulated under the Charity Lottery Regulation of 1972 and overseen by the Ministry of Interior and the General Federation of Charitable Societies. Tickets for these lotteries may be legally purchased from approved charitable organizations (2)
"In 2019, the 1972 regulation was amended to increase revenue by allowing the General Federation to issue other types of charity lotteries, such as scratch-off tickets and special draws, thereby expanding charitable activities and ensuring regulatory oversight by the Ministry of Interior."
Any lottery or betting activity not explicitly authorized under the 1972 regulation remains illegal. Organizing or participating in unauthorized lotteries can result in fines or imprisonment, reinforcing the strict prohibition on unregulated gambling.
Source:
https://www.unodc.org/documents/middleeastandnorthafrica/Publications/module_2_eng2.pdf
https://guvs.org.jo/en/charity-lottery
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
