Israeli companies are behind some of the biggest names in the gambling industry, offering B2B and B2C solutions on a global scale. An estimated 1,200,000 residents are active punters. Yet, gambling is banned except for betting sites in Israel that the government monopolizes.
Locals can legally opt for the state lottery or the TOTO sportsbook the Israel Sports Betting Board runs. Private companies cannot obtain a license to compete. However, betting brands operating in the grey areas of international laws still accept residents.
This guide examines the legal framework and aspects of online betting. We compare local and international brands and give you a heads-up before you start wagering. First, we name our three favorite gambling destinations that accept Israelis.
Gambling in Israel - 5 Things to Know
- 1 The legal minimum gambling age is 18
- 2 Only the national lottery and betting on the state-run bookie are allowed
- 3 Horse race betting was banned in 2018
- 4 No law refers to online betting
- 5 There are no brick-and-mortar casinos in Israel
Which Are The Best Israel Betting Sites
What We Look For When Betting in Israel
The list of bookies that accept locals is not very long. The government applies a website block and pressures companies to exit the market. This doesn’t mean Israelis have no options, as many reputable brands emphasize player privacy and anonymity. Here are the points we focus on when reviewing a brand:
Betting markets and payouts
The main reason we wouldn’t recommend the national TOTO website is the quality of the sportsbook. We look for high odds, betting markets, and top-notch softwares. International brands take the upper hand in this aspect, even compared to offshore companies that originate and pursue local licenses in European countries.
Strong Live Section
Some bookmakers provide excellent pre-match options, disregarding the in-play section. Our reviews dissect both types of bets, highlighting the in-game choices and their bet acceptance time. With this, you will not miss out on any live excitement.
Sports betting features
International betting sites in Israel either provide tools like Bet Builder, Live Streaming, Cash Out, or a combination of these features and more advanced ones. As a result, when a brand offers more sportsbook tools, we rate it higher on our list.
Fair Rules
The terms and conditions can tell a lot about the bookie and your experience with it. We inspect the rules for unfair wagering requirements and red flags, especially regarding withdrawals. Our hard tests help us identify scam bookmakers and point you toward brands with great player feedback.
Customer Support
A serious operator will also have dependable, helpful staff who swiftly reply to player queries. We prefer betting sites that offer 24/7 customer support, which usually implies the availability of Live Chat.
What You Need To Know About Online Betting in Israel
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Dispute Resolution | Taxation |
1,260,000+ | 18 | ILS | ISBB | 0% to 35% depending on winnings |
Despite the explicit law, the authorities have implemented an alternative gambling channel to try and collect bettor funds and re-invest them in the public sector. State institutions offer regulated betting choices with no player complaint system or protection mechanism.
International betting sites provide better sportsbooks and often hold prestigious licenses. However, the government banned them anyway, leaving no room for compliance. Some locals found that the only option left was to bet under the radar.
Is Gambling Legal in Israel?
The 1977 Penal Law remains the primary legislation governing gambling in Israel. As a result, gambling is illegal, with the only allowed options being the state-run lottery and sportsbook. Online betting is a gray area, as it is not explicitly addressed by Israeli law.
Companies like Betsson backed out after the government tried blocking access to these websites and restricting financial transactions to gambling platforms. Despite these restrictions, no Israeli players have been prosecuted or fined. Many locals resort to VPNs and bookies that accept them.
Things to Consider When Gambling Online in Israel
Under the current laws, online gambling in Israel has numerous drawbacks, ranging from legal uncertainties to data security risks. The legal betting option fails to compete with international brands, many of which were founded by Israeli entrepreneurs and operate offshore.
Additionally, gambling comes with a significant social stigma. There is no dedicated support system in place for individuals facing gambling addiction. Payment acceptance issues and unfavorable currency exchange rates further complicate the experience for locals.
What is the Applicable Gambling Tax?
In a unique twist, a taxation system exists, although the law forbids gambling and the provider is the state. The tax doesn’t apply to the house, so bettors will pay up to 35% of their winnings if they exceed 67,680 Shekels.
You are exempt from taxes if you win less than 33,840 ILS, while winnings between the two amounts have a partial system to calculate them. On the plus side, every amount is considered individually. So, if you win less than 33,000 Shekels multiple times, you keep all the returns.
Are Online Betting Sites in Israel Better?
To a large extent, online betting sites are the only viable option. Players looking to enjoy diverse sports markets and online casinos in Israel know this. The number of available brands is limited; even fewer accept Israeli Shekels (ILS) or support Hebrew language interfaces. Locals often opt for crypto bookmakers.
Offshore operators like Betswap combine Web 3.0 and cryptocurrency solutions with gambling. Tech-savvy users can easily navigate these requirements to guarantee total anonymity. Nonetheless, players must exercise extreme caution. Scam bookmakers actively target Israeli bettors on social media and suspicious platforms.
What Are The Latest Trends: Sports Betting in Israel
Although the country is in West Asia, the national team and clubs compete in European tournaments, similarly to Turkey. This means that Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv fans can see their teams play in the most prestigious football and basketball leagues and bet on them.
Football Betting in Israel
Israeli punters can bet on their local teams at Tier-1 payouts on most bookies. Player props, alternative lines, and detailed team stats are mostly offered in the UEFA Champions and Europa Leagues. Teams from Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem compete in these tournaments, and their matches garner staggering viewership.
Basketball Betting
With the government expediting citizenships for foreign athletes, basketball in Israel was the biggest benefactor. Teams participating in the Euroleague and Eurocup have easy access to American players, who are making impressive results and competing for gold. H2H bets and special stats are given at 95%+ with bookies that offer them.
Tennis
Betting on tennis is one of the most common activities on sportsbooks that provide decent coverage. You can find live matches around the clock. Israelis are also heavily invested in Grand Slams, as two local players (Dudi Sela and Shahar Pe'er) often play in them.
Martial Arts
Judo, Krav Maga, and other martial arts can be found on betting sites, although less frequently than football, basketball, and tennis. Luckily for Israelis, they can always wager on Money Lines when major competitions with local athletes occur.
Steps to Place a Bet in Israel?
Placing a bet online in Israel is straightforward, provided you follow some key steps. This guide contains additional detailed analysis (Read the next section for payment insights). However, if you feel like you got this and are ready to jump in, here is what you need to do:
- 1 Select a Vetted Betting Site: Choose a reputable bookmaker with positive player feedback and proven reliability. Our list’s filters or individual reviews can help you sort through this information.
- 2 Register an Account: The bookmakers’ registration forms are found on their homepage or by clicking the Join button. You can sign up by providing accurate details to avoid withdrawal issues later.
- 3 Claim Your Preferred Bonus: Take advantage of welcome offers or promotions that provide extra value for your initial deposit. Our list also includes sorting tools for the bonus amount and rollover, and you can head to the promotions article to find the best player rewards.
- 4 Add Money to Your Balance: Carefully select a payment method that works in Israel. Winner.il has card and bank transfer options, as it is legal. By choosing this option, you should also consider how it might affect your credit score. So, opting for crypto or Skrill bookmakers could be a wise decision for online gambling.
- 5 Wager Wisely: Set a budget, stick to responsible gambling practices, and explore the markets offered. If you are a beginner, our website has a wealth of knowledge, from betting strategies to basic bookmaker rules and daily predictions. Make sure you avoid stakes that can be considered abusive, as you might get restricted on the platform.
Payment Methods on the Israeli Betting Sites
Funding your betting account from Israel can be challenging due to local banking restrictions on gambling transactions. Wire transfers and credit/debit card payments are often blocked and may even pose risks to your credit score. Thus, alternative payment methods are essential for seamless transactions.
⏩ Skrill is a very popular international processor that allows you to do mobile transactions and order a card while safeguarding your privacy. Skrill betting sites are numerous, and locals can open an account with ILS currency.
⏩ Neteller is a sister company of Skrill, and it has similar payment solutions. With both methods, you must watch for bonus terms. It is not unusual for Neteller betting sites to exclude the e-wallet from promotions.
⏩ Jeton has taken the gambling world by storm. It provides many payment services like pre-paid vouchers and mobile banking. It is widely adopted by bookies, and it is a great way to bet securely. However, third-party fees and conversion rates might apply.
⏩ Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ther) is a choice for Israeli bettors seeking the ultimate privacy when betting. You must pay extra attention when making transactions. Double-check the address you provide and network compatibility for tokens like USDT.
How Does the Future Look For the Israel Betting Scene?
The future of online betting in Israel is still unclear, as growing regulatory pressure has led several major international operators to pull out of the market. If enforcement efforts intensify, access to these platforms could become even more challenging.
The appetite for online gambling among Israelis remains strong. Many players find ways around the restrictions by using VPNs and offshore accounts. The betting landscape is unlikely to change drastically in the short term. So far, bettors faced no legal repercussions for participating in offshore gambling.
Betting Regulations in Other Areas
Studying the regulatory frameworks in neighboring areas provides a more comprehensive understanding of online gambling protocols. Let's see some of the differences:
⏩ Lebanon: There are two legal options: the Casino du Liban, which reopened in 1996 after being closed during the civil war, and state-run lottery games offered by La Libanaise Des Jeux, Play Lebanon, and Lebanon Lotto. Other forms of gambling are prohibited, and there is no specific law or regulatory authority for gambling in the country. There are currently no betting sites in Lebanon that have acquired a local license.
⏩ Jordan: Apart from the charity lottery, all other forms of gambling are banned, and there is no way for operators to get a license. Nonetheless, players can still access independent Jordanian betting sites and wager with low supervision.
Online gambling is not explicitly mentioned in Israeli law, meaning offshore betting sites can operate without direct repercussions, although they are technically not legal. The use of a VPN could help you avoid possible ISP restrictions.
Popular options include e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller or cryptocurrencies to bypass local banking restrictions. If you opt for the state-run bookie, you can transact with cards, bank deposits, or local processors.
Several offshore bookmakers offer excellent coverage of Israeli and international basketball. Brands like Megapari, Donbet, and BCGame offer unique perks in NBA and European competitions.
The only legal option for sports betting in Israel is the state-run “Winner.il”, regulated by the ISBB. The website lacks the variety and competitive odds found on international platforms.