Libya maintains a complete prohibition on all forms of gambling, including lottery tickets, under its national legal framework. Gambling is strictly prohibited under Articles 492-495 of the Libyan Penal Code, which establishes criminal penalties for anyone caught engaging in illegal gambling activities (1). The ban encompasses all types of lottery games, sports betting, casinos, and online gambling platforms, reflecting the country's adherence to Islamic legal principles that consider gambling forbidden.
The legal framework provides specific penalties for violations, with those caught participating in gambling activities facing fines between 10 to 50 Libyan Dinars and imprisonment ranging from one month to six months (1). Libya does not have a licensing regime or regulatory body for gambling operations, and the government does not issue any permits for lottery sales or other gaming activities within its borders. The prohibition is comprehensive, leaving no legal avenue for residents to purchase lottery tickets domestically.
"Gambling is strictly prohibited under Articles 492-495 of the Libyan Penal Code. According to these articles, those caught engaging in illegal gambling can face fines between LYD10 to 50 and a month to six months in jail."
Sports betting remains strictly illegal in Libya alongside other North African nations that follow Islamic legal systems, with penalties for operating or participating ranging from fines to imprisonment (2). The country's ban on gambling is rooted in its predominant Islamic legal system and cultural traditions, which classify all forms of games of chance as prohibited activities. Any individual seeking to participate in lottery games would need to do so outside Libya's jurisdiction, as the country's laws provide no exceptions for any form of gambling activity regardless of format or platform.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/libya
https://focusgn.com/africa/legal-gambling-in-africa-a-country-by-country-analysis
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
