Libya is the fourth-largest country in Africa and the nation with the 10th-largest proven oil reserves worldwide. The Libyan Premier League is the country’s most popular football competition, with teams like Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. There are no laws on gambling since all forms of it are prohibited.
However, locals have always been keen on gambling, so a black market came naturally and is still apparent. So, when it comes to betting, Libya only offers the local black market or international online bookies. The law is very strict but lenient to those who try their luck online. Therefore, betting sites in Libya are very popular, and players place their bets on the most renowned ones.
Best Betting Sites in Libya
We’ve carefully checked all available bookies for Libyan bettors. We hereby list the best ones, offering high football odds, a wide variety of daily promotions and many markets to bet on safely.
Online Gambling in Libya: 5 Things to Know
- 1 Gambling was initially deemed illegal in 1956 through Libya’s Penal Code
- 2 All forms of gambling remain illegal to this day
- 3 An active black market exists, despite the risk of a 50 LYD fine or 6-month imprisonment
- 4 The internet and social media are generally under strict control by the authorities
- 5 There are no reports of prosecution of those who gamble online
General info
⏩Population: 6.800.000
⏩Active players: 1.250.000
⏩Currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD)
⏩Regulated gambling products: No regulated gambling products
⏩Designated authority: No designated gambling authority
⏩Operator types: Offshore online betting sites, illegal land-based bookies in big cities
⏩Status: Unregulated
Betting in Libya: The Gambling Law Framework
As one may expect, when talking about bookmakers in Libya, the discussion is rather short. Gambling is strictly illegal, and all its forms are banned by the country’s Penal Code. Articles 492-496 define various gambling activities that are strictly off-limits, including fines or prison sentences for practising them.
Luckily though, when referring to online betting, Libya is a much friendlier place. The laws that are in place only mention land-based gambling activities. Moreover, there is no regulator overseeing the online sector.
Therefore, there are no actual prohibitions for those enjoying online bookies. This means that players are free to access any foreign operator that accepts players from Libya. Lastly, there’s obviously no licensing system in place and no info on the sector’s taxation.
Essential Information for Libyan Bettors
In the absence of online gambling laws, Libyan bettors don’t have to worry about taxes on their online winnings. Also, even though the Penal Code specifies a fine of up to 10 LYD or one month in prison for those caught gambling, Libya only focuses on land-based betting.
There’s no evidence that online betting is targeted or monitored by the authorities in any way. However, when accessing a Libya betting site, it’s still highly recommended to use VPN software. Moreover, avoid betting at dodgy gambling establishments since they will only land you in serious trouble with the police.
How to Deposit at Online Bookies
The country is included in both Neteller and Skrill e-wallets’ non-serviced countries list. Libya also has restrictions by most banks when it comes to money transfers. So, make sure to check each bookie’s accepted payment methods first.
Then, see if any of these options are available in Libya. As much as possible, avoid direct bank transfers or using credit cards to fund your betting account. There are also some local methods available, like Floos-e and MobiCash, but there’s limited support for these at international operators.
Crypto-friendly bookies, mainly Bitcoin and Litecoin betting sites, have also gained popularity as of late. With more and more sportsbooks adding cryptocurrencies to their payment methods, it’s good to gain some knowledge.
Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries
⏩ Egypt: While tourists and foreigners can enter and play in the mald-based casinos, access is restricted to locals. On the other hand, since there are no clear laws around online gambling, users are not stopped from signing up at international Egypt betting sites and taking advantage of their services.
⏩ Tunisia: Even though gambling is generally illegal, there is a local entity, Promosport, that oversees brick-and-mortar sports betting. Additionally, while no license is given to operators, you will find many online betting sites in Tunisia that are willing to accept players.
⏩ Morocco: Unlike other Northern African countries, gambling has been legalized since 2002. However, these regulations only apply to land-based activities. This is something that several Morocco betting sites have exploited and now offer their services online.
The Future of Online Gambling in Libya
With the current situation, there’s no hope for any improvements when it comes to online gambling in Libya. The continued instability leaves no room for great expectations.
Despite growth in internet penetration rate and mobile phone users, an improvement in the online gambling sector is not foreseeable. However, we shall be updating any major changes that might spring up.
It will be safe if you stick to reputable online bookmakers. So, opt for the ones you are familiar with; namely, big names like Megapari and Rabona.
With quite a few betting sites accepting players from Libya, 1xBet stands out. It provides local currency betting, while offering 40+ sports and almost 10,000 sporting events per month.
All forms of online gambling are illegal in the country, including betting. The absence of an online law framework makes it easier to access online bookies; Yet, it always needs to be done with caution.
Bwin is one of the most reputable international bookmakers; however, it doesn’t accept Libyan bettors. You may try Megapari or Pinnacle instead.
There’s no tax on winnings deriving from online bookmakers. That is because the online sector falls under no law framework as it stands.
Famous for its high odds, along with an impressive 97-98% payout on all big sports; Pinnacle stands out and does accept Libyan bettors.