Lottery tickets are strictly illegal in Mauritania under the country's comprehensive gambling prohibition. The 1983 Penal Code of Mauritania prohibits all forms of gambling including lottery operations, sports betting, casinos, and online betting activities (2). Mauritania follows Sharia law, which prohibits any form of game based on chance or luck, with the prevalent religion condemning gambling as unethical and spiritually harmful. The country has maintained this stance since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Casinos are explicitly prohibited under Mauritanian law, with Law No. 2005-048 not covering casino operations or other gambling establishments (1). Although Mauritanian law does not always state specific penalties for gambling, enforcement is left to the courts and government authorities, with punishments varying depending on the circumstances. The government does not issue licenses for any gambling operations, and no legal operators exist within the country, demonstrating its strict religious, social, and cultural values.
"Casinos: Law No. 2005-048 does not cover casinos, which are prohibited in Mauritania."
Sports betting remains strictly illegal in Mauritania alongside other North African nations that follow Islamic legal systems, with penalties for operating or participating ranging from fines to imprisonment (2). The Mauritanian government argues that this stance is not purely religious but also social, as authorities believe gambling leads to addiction, debt, and broken families. Despite regulatory changes and market growth in neighboring African nations, Mauritania shows no signs of changing its position, prioritizing social stability and religious law over potential economic gains from gambling revenue.
Source:
https://www.menafatf.org/sites/default/files/MutulalEvaluationReportMauritaniaEng.pdf
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.
