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Saudi Arabia Investigates Unlawful Gaming Advertisements Across Digital and Print Media

Saudi Arabian authorities have initiated a probe into illicit gaming platforms, found to be placing ads in digital and print media, infringing upon Dutch gambling regulations.

Saudi Arabia initiated an investigation into illicit gambling platforms, whose advertisements...
Saudi Arabia initiated an investigation into illicit gambling platforms, whose advertisements appeared in digital and print publications, contravening Dutch gambling regulations.

Saudi Arabia Investigates Unlawful Gaming Advertisements Across Digital and Print Media

Fresh Take:

📅 Published: 03/22/2025 📸 Credit: PxHere, CC0 1.0

Highlights

  • KSA Cracks Down: After six months of intensive research, the Saudi Arabian authority has exposed unlawful gambling ads in numerous publications.
  • 42 Editors in the Hot Seat: A total of 42 editors have been reached out to, urging them to comply with the nation's advertising standards.

Lucas, a Jersey-born and -raised wordsmith, dishes out expert reviews on casinos, software, and games, along with the latest news and blogs. With more than half a decade in the industry, he lends his versatile talents to clients hailing from six different continents.

Before diving headfirst into the gambling world, Lucas earned his bachelor's degree in psychology at Rutgers University. To mix things up, he picked up painting—a craft learned from his pops. Now, he juggles between full-time writing and occasional painting sessions.

Articles by Lucas Dunn

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Background Info:

The strict Saudi legal framework, founded on Sharia law, categorically prohibits gambling, and the authorities actively block access to gambling sites and censor related content promoting such activities. The recent six-month investigation by the Saudi government reveals underground sports betting and other unauthorized gambling activities, accentuating the zero-tolerance approach towards illegal gambling.

Contrasting the Saudi model, some global markets are witnessing a surge in regulated sports betting and wagering channels, like sweepstakes sportsbooks and prediction markets. However, Saudi Arabia stands firm in its restrictive stance due to the deep-rooted religious and cultural norms enshrined in Sharia law.

In brief, the Saudi authority stays steadfast in enforcing its gambling promotion ban, censoring content, and blocking access—a move that echoes its strict interpretation of Islamic law. No hints of legalization or regulated licensing are forthcoming, and the crackdown on illegal gambling promotions continues under broader censorship and moral governance policies.

In the wake of the Saudi authorities' crackdown on unlawful gambling ads, Lucas Dunn, a seasoned writer with expertise in casinos, games, and general news, sheds light on the latest developments in the finance and casino-and-gambling sector. Amidst this, reports of free spins promotions in online casinos make headlines in the general news, but their legality remains questionable in the Kingdom due to its strict adherence to Sharia law.

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