Lawmakers say the existing framework<\/strong> is no longer suited to the realities of digital gambling and has failed to keep pace with the growth<\/strong> of online betting platforms, leaving the country\u2019s regulation of modern gaming increasingly outdated<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lawmakers wrote in the draft bill\u2019s explanatory text on January 19, according to News-Tunisia: \u201cThis bill<\/strong> introduces an updated definition of games of chance covering any activity <\/strong>in which \u2018chance\u2019 is the decisive factor in obtaining financial <\/strong>or material gains, whether conducted in person or through digital media, platforms <\/strong>and applications.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n These gambling venues<\/strong> include fairs (public entertainment events where games of chance may be held), permanent gaming rooms and state-run lotteries<\/strong>. The 1974 law was designed to regulate these physical, in-person forms of gambling, but lawmakers say it does not adequately address modern <\/strong>digital platforms, online betting and mobile gaming apps<\/strong>, which have become increasingly popular in Tunisia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the proposal<\/strong>, gambling regulations would be expanded<\/strong> to explicitly include sports betting platforms, virtual casinos and mobile gambling applications, sectors that have largely operated in a legal grey area.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The legislative text added: \u201cArticle 3 explicitly states that any gambling activity conducted online or via modern means constitutes an \u2018illegal activity\u2019 punishable under the legislation<\/strong> in force.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The draft consists of five articles<\/strong> designed to strengthen control over gambling and online betting. It not only expands definitions<\/strong> but broadly prohibits the organisation, management or promotion of games of chance, with only tightly controlled exceptions<\/strong>. Penalties are proposed not just for operators, but also for intermediaries and service providers facilitating illegal<\/strong> gambling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The draft law would also require internet service providers <\/strong>and electronic payment institutions to block access to prohibited gambling sites and prevent financial transactions linked to unlicensed operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supporters of the reform say the updated framework <\/strong>is necessary to protect vulnerable groups, combat gambling addiction and reduce the social and economic<\/strong> harms linked to unregulated betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If adopted, the legislation could mark a significant shift<\/strong> in Tunisia\u2019s gambling landscape, signalling a tougher stance on digital gambling and aligning the country\u2019s regulatory environment more closely with modern oversight<\/strong> practices. <\/p>\n\n\nStronger rules, bigger reach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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