Tunisia Moves to Overhaul 50-Year-Old Gambling Laws with New Digital-Focused Bill

Tunisia is preparing to modernise its gambling legislation through a newly proposed draft Bill designed to overhaul a regulatory framework that has remained largely unchanged for more than five decades.

The initiative comes in response to the rapid expansion of online and mobile gambling, sectors that have outpaced the scope of the country’s existing laws.

The proposal, put forward by 23 members of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, seeks to amend Decree Law No. 74-20 of 1974. Lawmakers aim to update the decree to reflect the realities of today’s gambling environment, particularly the emergence and widespread use of digital betting platforms and mobile gaming applications that did not exist when the original legislation was enacted.

Accompanied by an explanatory memorandum dated January 19th, the draft Bill underscores that the current legal framework no longer corresponds to contemporary gambling practices. Tunisia’s existing regulations were originally crafted to oversee traditional, land-based gambling activities such as fairs, gaming halls and lotteries. While these activities remain permissible under specified conditions, the legislation does not sufficiently address the proliferation of online sportsbooks, iGaming casinos and other digital betting services.

In recent years, these online platforms have grown significantly in popularity, often operating in what lawmakers describe as a legal grey area. The proposed amendments would explicitly bring such digital gambling activities within the scope of regulation, extending oversight to online betting websites and mobile gaming applications alike.

At the same time, the draft Bill introduces stricter controls. It designates any unauthorised online gambling activity as illegal and subject to penalties unless expressly permitted under the revised framework. Comprising five articles, the Bill seeks to reinforce state authority over gambling operations by prohibiting the organisation, management or promotion of games of chance without official authorisation. The proposed measures also broaden liability to include intermediaries and service providers that facilitate unlawful gambling activities.

Supporters of the reform argue that these changes are necessary to close enforcement loopholes that offshore operators and digital platforms currently exploit to reach Tunisian consumers. Under the proposed law, internet service providers and electronic payment institutions would be required to block access to unlicensed gambling websites and prevent related financial transactions.

Advocates further stress that the strengthened regulatory approach is essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations and mitigating the social risks associated with unregulated betting. They contend that tighter controls and clearer enforcement mechanisms will help reduce harm while bringing greater accountability to the sector.

If adopted, the legislation would represent a significant transformation in Tunisia’s approach to gambling regulation. Rather than introducing a formal licensing regime for online operators, the draft takes a firmer enforcement-oriented stance, prioritising consumer protection, digital monitoring and stricter state oversight. The proposal signals a decisive shift toward aligning Tunisia’s gambling policies with modern technological developments and contemporary regulatory expectations.

By fLEXI tEAM