Algeria closes crypto loophole, cutting off access to offshore igaming

New law criminalises crypto, blocking key payment options for igaming players seeking offshore access.

Algeria.- Algeria has just dropped the hammer on cryptocurrency, shutting one of the last open doors for players to reach international betting and igaming platforms. The recent crackdown sends a clear message across the digital gambling world – crypto gambling is no longer simply restricted; it is now a criminal offence with serious consequences.

The country made a big move against cryptocurrencies on July 24 by passing Law No. 25-10, which bans almost all activities involving digital currencies, including trading, mining and even just holding them.

Gambling has long been banned under both under both Islamic law and civil codes in the country, so many players turned to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT to place bets on offshore sportsbooks, casinos and apps using a digital workaround before the law caught up.

However, the new law’s broad scope may deter such practices, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), which can no longer be kept private.

With gambling previously illegal in Algeria, the new law goes further by making crypto itself a crime, cutting off a method players could have used to access offshore sites. This law criminalises all forms of cryptocurrency-related activities and imposes severe penalties for non-compliance.

Violators may face fines ranging from DZD200,000 ($1,540) to DZD 1m ($7,700) and imprisonment from two months up to a year, depending on the offence’s severity, leaving little scope for crypto in the country.

According to Crypto Briefing, Law No. 25-10 “has officially banned all crypto-related activities, from ownership and trading to mining and promotion”. The measure aims to “protect the national financial system and bolster defences against money laundering and terrorist financing”.

The new cryptocurrency ban cuts off this last remaining channel for gambling activities, effectively shutting down all crypto-related gambling access in the country. The law’s primary aim is to protect the national financial system, but its impact extends strongly into the igaming sector.

Even passive ownership carries risks. Merely possessing a digital wallet can now lead to prosecution. This effectively closes the door not just for players but also for crypto-friendly igaming operators and affiliates who may unknowingly serve Algerian users. Crypto is no longer just a risky workaround; it is illegal.