Lottery tickets were previously legal to purchase in Syria through the state-run national lottery operated under the governance of the Ministry of Finance. The Damascus International Fair Lottery, dating back to 1954, was the only legal form of gambling permitted in the country, with draws held weekly and annually. However, following the political changes in December 2024, the new authorities indefinitely suspended all lottery operations, leaving the future of lottery activities uncertain (2).
The suspension of Syria's national lottery reflects the religious-ideological stance of the new administration. As economic analyst Jihad Yazigi explained, lotteries are forbidden by strict interpretation of Islamic law as games of chance. The Ministry of Finance historically regulated the state lottery with stringent controls, requiring players to be at least 18 years old and capping prize payouts at 45% of total ticket sales (1).
"The closure of the institution in Syria has nothing to do with its financial status. There is no economic logic in closing this institution, especially in the current situation where the Syrian state needs every source of money."
Before its suspension, the national lottery generated significant revenue for the state treasury, with the 2020 Damascus International Fair Lottery offering prizes valued at 100 million Syrian pounds. All other forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and online gambling, remain strictly prohibited under Syrian law. The legal framework heavily reflects Islamic principles that consider gambling "haram" (forbidden), with law enforcement agencies authorized to impose heavy fines and imprisonment on those organizing or participating in illegal gambling activities (1).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-syria/
https://worldcrunch.com/in-the-news/what-closing-syrias-national-lottery-says-about-religion-and-economics-under-its-new-rulers/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
