Gambling Laws in Iceland

Iceland is viewed as a forward-thinking, self-determined country, but the island nation has some pretty restrictive rules when it comes to gambling.

Which Gambling Activites Are Legal in Iceland?

Articles 183 and 184 of the Criminal Code deem all forms of gambling illegal in Iceland - with few exceptions. Much of the laws stem from Christian beliefs, that gambling is a sin. A few changes over the years show that this sentiment is relaxing somewhat.

Wagering on Offline and Online Casino Games

Land-based casinos are illegal and there are no proper venues in the country. Slot machines are allowed though, with establishments holding an alcohol licence allowed to host these within their premises.

There are also a few slot halls, but nothing on the scale of a proper casino. These are operated by either the University of Iceland or the gaming company Íslandsspil. This is the funding arm of the Icelandic Red Cross. No other companies are permitted to run slot halls.

Online casinos are banned in Iceland, with laws being even more restrictive. But because the country is part of the European Economic Area residents can still get access to offshore online gambling sites - without facing prosecution. It also means that EEA-based companies cannot obtain a licence from Iceland to operate.

Playing Poker With Real Money

Poker is illegal in Iceland in all forms and there are no halls or online poker sites. The only way that residents can enjoy the game is to use a mobile app which offers free slots and other RNG tables.

Bingo Gambling

Land-based bingo is legal with most games offered by the University of Iceland or Íslandsspil. The government can also grant special permission to run bingo events, but all proceeds must be donated to charity. Only one such operator has been given this - the standalone bingo hall Bingó í Vinabae.

There is some debate over the classification of bingo as a lottery game, which means it could fall under the monopoly control of Íslensk Getspá. However, online bingo gambling remains illegal in Iceland.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets

In-person lottery gambling is legal and under the monopoly of Íslandsspil. The Icelandic Red Cross and the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue are the two non-profit organisations running games, with ticket sales funding their operations.

Surprisingly, playing the lottery online is also legal, with residents able to buy tickets via Íslensk Getspá's website. This is the only company legally permitted to offer online lotto in the country.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Even though the basis of social gambling is playing casino games with 'free' chips, the activity is still classed as online gambling. It is illegal in Iceland, although this isn't enforced (or even enforceable). Neither lootboxes nor skins gambling are mentioned in current gambling laws.

Playing games of poker or other gambling within private residencies is technically not allowed. Even if no commercial profits are being made.

Iceland amended its Foreign Exchange Act in 2018 to regulate cryptocurrencies, due to their increasing popularity. However, these are not regarded as legal tender and cannot be accepted by the limited number of gambling establishments. Residents can opt to play at foreign crypto casinos though without facing prosecution.

Iceland: Is Sports Betting Legal?

Yes and has been since 1952. The activity is tied to lottery gambling, with each operator also serving as a sportsbook. As such, Íslandsspil offers markets via its retail stores, and Íslensk Getspá allows visitors to bet via their website.

Fantasy sports betting isn't mentioned in Iceland's gambling legislation. Virtual sports are classed as online gambling, and since Íslensk Getspá doesn't offer it on their website, the activity is deemed illegal.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in Iceland?

Those wishing to participate in legal gambling must be 18 years old or older.

Icelandic Gambling Tax Regulations - Do Players Pay?

Since most activities are illegal, there are no Iceland gambling tax regulations. The situation is equally attractive to players, with winnings not subject to tax.

History of Gambling Laws in Iceland

There's very little information available about the history of gambling in Iceland. However, the first piece of legislation was the Lotteries and Tombolas Act. This was passed in 1926 and made all forms of gambling illegal.

Sports betting has been legal since 1952. Still, it wasn't until 1994 that the University of Iceland and Íslandsspil were exempted from the restrictions and permitted to run limited activities for non-profit purposes.

Articles 183 and 184 of Iceland's Criminal Code were put into place in 1998. These outline that hosting, participating in and advertising gambling (except those exempt, e.g. Íslandsspil, Íslensk Getspá and the University of Iceland) are all illegal activities.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is illegal in Iceland. The only exceptions are slot machines found in small numbers in alcohol-licensed venues. Online casino gambling, including online live casino sites, is completely illegal.

• Poker gambling is illegal - no poker halls or online sites exist.

• Physical bingo gambling is legal. Games are only permitted by the University of Iceland, Íslandsspil or Bingo í Vinabae.

• Online bingo is illegal: Technically, it could come under the monopoly of operator Íslensk Getspá, but their website doesn't offer games.

• Lottery and sports betting are legal. Íslandsspil offers in-person lotto and sports markets, while Íslensk Getspá hosts online sports betting.