Gambling laws in Algeria

1. Is there a Gambling Act (or equivalent) in place?

Yes. The Algerian civil code prohibits gambling and betting however horse racing betting and sports betting (article 612 of the civil code) are exempted.

Lotteries and raffles are subject to very strict regulations which only authorize their organization under certain conditions.

It should be noted that in no case may betting be taken on races taking place abroad.

2. Is online gambling a regulated activity?

No.

3. Who are the regulators?

There is no regulator dedicated to gambling and betting activity.

4. Do laws set out a clear licensing framework for gambling (including licensing process, criteria, submission requirements, licensing conditions and ongoing compliance requirements)

No.

5. Is gambling regulation specific to:

5.1 Betting?

No.

5.2 Sports?

No.

5.3 Skill games?

No.

5.4 Card games?

No.

5.5 Casinos?

No.

5.6 Lotteries?

No.

5.7 Arcades?

No.

6. Are there Data Protection laws in place?

Yes. The rules governing data protection under Algerian law are provided mainly by the Law No. 18-07 dated 10 June 2018 related to protection of individuals in the processing of personal data (Law 18-07), published in the Official Journal n° 34 on 18 June 2018.

6.1 If yes, do they apply extra territorially?

The transfer in or out of the country is subject to specific conditions as well as the prior consent of the data subject.

7. Is there a Data Protection Regulator?

The National Authority is an independent administrative authority for the protection of personal data.

8. Are there any exchange controls restricting the transfer of cash out of and into the country?

Yes. Exchange control is exercised by the central bank.

The Algerian foreign trade is governed by a strict exchange control regulation.

9. Are there any tax implications of transferring cash in/out of the country?

No.

10. Are there any tax implications of offering trading activities remotely into the country?

Yes. Circumstances dependent.  

Portrait ofPicture of Mourad Nabil Abdessemed
Mourad Nabil Abdessemed
Senior Associate, Tax Department, Algeria Desk, Paris