United States
United Kingdom
Canada
South Africa
AustraliaThis begs the question — is there any possibility of playing online poker from Saudi Arabia? I mentioned online poker because thousands of avid poker fans who live in Saudi Arabia would like to try out the game in an online format.
The answer to this question is that there are, and I’m about to show you how to find them. Read on!
Legal Saudi Arabian Online Poker Sites
Knowing that time is of the essence for you guys, with the government tracking your every move, I decided to help you out and find the most trusted poker sites for you. Using my industry-leading selection process, I was able to single out poker operators that are truly worthwhile.
I’ve put them all on the list for easier access, along with their bonus offers. All you have to do is pick one and click on the link that will navigate you directly to the poker site of your choosing. Help yourself!
| Rank | Rooms | Expert Score | Signup Bonus | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
5/5 Read Review
|
 |
102 user ratings |
100% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
|
2
4.5/5 Read Review
|
 |
107 user ratings |
100% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
|
3
4/5 Read Review
|
 |
114 user ratings |
200% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
|
4
4.4/5 Read Review
|
 |
87 user ratings |
200% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
|
5
5/5 Read Review
|
 |
106 user ratings |
100% up to $1000 (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
|
6
4.4/5 Read Review
|
 |
75 user ratings |
100% up to $500 Match (T&Cs apply, 18+) |
Get Bonus! |
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Is Online Poker Legal in Saudi Arabia?
Gambling is referred to as maisir in Arabic, which means the work of Satan. This should give you a clue as to what the country’s stance towards gambling is. This rigorous anti-gambling attitude pertains to all Islamic countries.
What’s specific about Saudi Arabia is that it has arguably the most severe penalties for those found guilty of violating the gambling laws, especially for those trying to operate gambling sites from within the country’s borders.
There aren’t any internet gambling rooms, poker sites, or even land-based gambling establishments in Saudi Arabia. But despite these strict restrictions, Saudi poker players can still access some poker platforms by using VPNs and proxies.
You have to be extra careful, though, as the government monitors the situation 24/7. Although it doesn’t have authority over offshore-based gambling sites, it could contact your ISP and block your access to the site, which means that you’ll probably lose the funds you have on your gambling account.
How We Chose the Top Poker Sites in Saudi Arabia
A lot goes on in our screening process, from setting aside all the operators that accept Saudi Arabian residents to analyzing and comparing them amongst each other.
Our goal is to sort them out according to our strict criteria, leaving only the genuinely legit poker sites. Of course, this is just the short version of the entire process. In the paragraphs below, you can find out more about why we believe that the operators from our list are your best poker options.
Why You Can Rely on Legal Gambling
Because of our approach. Our knowledge of the poker industry is second-to-none, and that, coupled with the fact that I have an entire team of experts monitoring the industry around the clock, should show you that we are the real deal.
Normally, we don’t brag about our successes, but in this case, you probably need some sort of reassurance that you’re putting your trust in the right hands. To that, I have to say — our reputation speaks for itself.
Our track record has remained unblemished throughout all these years, and our user base keeps growing by the minute. We have had poker aficionados from across the world, showing us their most profound gratitude for pointing them in the right direction. What more proof do you need?
How We Make Sure That These Poker Sites Are Safe and Legal
The online gambling industry is heavily regulated by licensing jurisdictions that protect players’ rights and make sure that a gambling operator runs a clean business. That’s why the first thing we look for when reviewing poker sites is a stamp by these regulatory bodies.
If it was approved by them, who are we to question their legitimacy?
But regulation is just one side of the coin. The other side has to do with how the poker site protects its servers from hacker attacks and any kind of unauthorized access. The protocols used by some of the safest poker sites include SSL encryption, firewalls, and other preventative mechanisms. If these are used by the poker site we’re reviewing, it will pass our security checks.
What We Look For on Saudi Arabian Poker Sites
If and when a poker site gets green light from our security team, we put it through a series of tests that help us determine the quality of other aspects, like:
- Game variety
- Bonuses and promtions
- Banking options
- Customer support
If the operator outclasses its competitors in these areas, it will earn a spot on our exclusive list. Which spot? That depends on how it’s rated. If it provides a hefty bonus package, excels in the gaming department, and has attentive customer support, as well as lots of payment methods in the banking section, it will surely rank high on our list.
Online Poker Industry in Saudi Arabia
Truth be told, there isn’t any to talk about. In fact, there has been absolutely no push by politicians to form a licensing organization for online gambling in the country. Gambling is considered a big sin by the Koran, and the Saudi monarchy governs the country under Islamic law. So, it’s highly unlikely that we’re going to see a legalized poker site here any time soon.
This means gamblers can play only on offshore poker sites, but that shouldn’t discourage you, as these sites are operated by some of the biggest gambling brands in the world. You can expect a top-notch poker experience in these places.
Mobile Poker in Saudi Arabia
The technological revolution has brought many benefits to our lives, one of which is the possibility to play poker games from a mobile device.
Both iOS and Android users can access the game portfolio, claim bonuses, contact support, and use all the features available on the desktop poker site. You only need a stable internet connection and a compatible device. Considering how all poker sites are HTML5-based, I’m assuming that compatibility won’t be an issue.
Popular Payment Methods in Saudi Arabia
Poker sites in Saudi Arabia have a wide range of options for making deposits and lightning-fast withdrawals. Credit and debit cards are not recommended since the government requires financial organizations in the country to block all the transactions towards gambling sites.
However, you can use e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill or wire services like Western Union. These payment methods are just as safe as Visa and MasterCard. You can also use PaySafeCard or other prepaid payment services.
Responsible Gambling
It can be tempting even for a recreational gambler to control their spending habits, especially if that person is living in an anti-gambling environment and has never had a real chance of indulging in their gambling habits. If the urge to gamble is too much for you to handle, I recommend seeking professional help from institutions that have specialized in helping those with problem gambling.
The organizations below provide free therapy, counseling, group programs, and anti-gambling tools that can help you regain control over your gambling addiction:
Final Thoughts
I know that it can be tough to play online poker in an unfriendly gambling environment, but you should always act on your own convictions, and if they tell you to find a poker site to enjoy your favorite poker game, I say go for it. In this article, you’ll find the most trustworthy poker sites that accept Saudi residents and welcome them with open arms.
Regardless of your choice, I urge you to gamble responsibly. Have fun and let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online poker legal in Saudi Arabia?
Are there any poker bonuses for Saudi residents?
Can I play poker for free from Saudi Arabia?
What poker variants are on offer on these sites?
David Nugent Editor
First off, I want to say hi and wish a warm welcome to all gambling aficionados out there! My name is David Nugent and I am editor-in-chief of LegitGambling.com. I have always enjoyed various sports, primarily soccer, as I am a die-hard Everton fan.
Over time, I learned more about sports betting and discovered the fascinating online gambling industry. Eventually,...
