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Everything surrounding this country is shaken up. From the terrain, located at a triple juncture of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and East African rift systems, to the economy itself, represented by extreme unemployment, foreign debt, and budget deficits. Djibouti has an undeniably good strategic position, at the beginning of the Horn of Africa. But, not all things are depressing about Djibouti; its Lake Assal is the saltiest lake outside Antarctica, and among the lowest points on Earth. What’s the deal with gambling, does it bear any hope?
This article was written on September 19th, 2024, and is based on information available at that time. Because regulations by nature are subject to change, one should consult with local experts for the most current information available pertaining to Djibouti’s gambling laws.
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Djibouti’s gambling situation
Gambling does exist, but the industry is quite small and controlled in comparison to other countries. Certain forms of gambling are permitted; casinos games. Djibouti has a few casinos which are attractive to foreigners and tourists, one standing out the most – Casino de Djibouti situated in the capital city. This casino is strategically placed within the proximity to other key attractions of the city, making it easily accessible for foreign visitors. Casino de Djibouti offers table games such as blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette, varieties of slot machines, and poker. Because of Djibouti’s geographical position, many visitors from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, come and try their luck in this casino. They enjoy a luxurious atmosphere with high-value services and facilities, a restaurant and a bar, and different special events and activities the hotel hosts from time to time.
Up to now, there’s been words about the tourists, what’s with the locals? Gambling activities in Djibouti are illegal for the locals due to cultural and religious norms. The majority of the population is Muslim, and Islam generally prohibits conducting gambling activities.
This article was written on September 18th, 2024, and is based on information available at that time. Because regulations by nature are subject to change, one should consult with local experts for the most current information available pertaining to Costa Rica’s gambling laws.
Why is gambling haram?
This take is deeply rooted in the Quran and Hadith, and both of them emphasize the harmful effects gambling can have on individuals. The Quran forbids gambling several times in its scripture, viewing it as an easy way of gaining wealth without effort, which doesn’t go with the Islamic emphasis on hard work, justice, and fairness in earning for a living.
Gambling is referred to as maysir and qimar. Maysir represents any game of chance where the participants have to risk something valuable while wanting to earn more of it. Qimar refers to the kind of gambling where one individual wins at the expense of the other.
It is haram because:
- It’s an easy way to earn money without the legitimate work required by Islamic teachings which promote fair and honest labor.
- It can lead to addictive behavior, financial loss. self destruction, and ignorance of religious values and duties.
- It can cause jealousy, social disputes, negative emotions, and can damage relationships.
Gambling has always been a sensitive topic in Islam, and the majority of the population truly doesn’t engage in it.
But, there are some exceptions. All forms of gambling are illegal, but scholars are still debating about contests and tournaments/skill-based competitions. Certain scholars allow contests or skill games because the focus is on competition and talent, and the eventual prize is taken from a third party willing to give it away, not from other participants.
Legal framework
For the ones who are allowed to gamble in Djibouti, land-based casinos are primarily permitted. The government issues only a limited number of licenses, and the operators have to work under strict guidelines regulating security, taxation, and responsible gaming. The licensing authority is the Ministry of the Interior. They regulate and license gambling in Djibouti, and to operate legally, all gambling facilities must obtain a license.
We mustn’t forget about online gambling. Well. it’s kinda underdeveloped, so there’s not much to say. There aren’t any regulations that control online gambling, and it’s not specifically mentioned in the legal framework. Even though it’s unregulated, both the locals and foreigners can access international online gambling platforms, including online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. Online gambling is at a tough spot because of the culture and religion, limited internet access, and a weak regulatory framework. And, this is not just the case with Djibouti. Many other African countries deal with the same problems, and will need quite some time to get everything under control and to work smoothly.
Final words
Djibouti was blessed with such a strategic position on the globe, but it somehow hasn’t put all the pieces of the puzzle together yet. The country needs to refine the government, attract more tourists, and protect consumers more effectively. Easier said than done.
