A vibrant, bustling country, Israel has lots going for it, but one area where it’s a lot like its neighbours is the online gambling realm. As a religious state, it’s not surprising that the Israeli government keeps tight control over the industry, in terms of what’s allowed in person and at online Israel casinos. But while things are pretty strict, there are plenty of Israeli online casinos based in other countries that accept Israeli players and their Shekels. Read our full guide for the low-down.
Israel doesn’t have as long a gambling history as some other countries. In fact, gambling dates back to the 1950s, when lotteries were allowed. By 1968, the country had put together the Israel Sports Betting Board, but up until this day, games of chance are banned in the country, with all the top regulated online Israel casinos operating offshore.
Interestingly, though, plenty of these offshore casinos are owned and operated by Israelis. 888 Casino, for example, is a famous land-based and online casino, while gambling giant, Playtech, was founded by Israelis. Just a few years ago, it was estimated that the illegal gambling market in the country was worth nearly US$4 billion per year.
Yes, some politicians argue that gambling in Israel will have an adverse effect on socially unprotected players who may be lured into spending their last Shekels by chasing jackpots. What’s more, gambling habits are also frowned upon Halachically (under Jewish law). It’s somewhat of a juxtaposition when you consider how, in the days of the Temples, gambling was encouraged during the Jewish festival of Channukah in the form of the game Dreidel (spinning top) which was played for money.
Is it legal to gamble in Israel?
Can I Play At Online Israel Casinos?
It’s not really a simple yes or no answer. As we’ve mentioned, licensed online Israel casinos are regulated in overseas countries. Under the Israeli Penal Law, organisations that run games of chance, betting and lotteries are not allowed in the country.
The spotlight here is on “chance.” Under the law, prohibited games are defined as those that depend more on chance than ability or skill. So, slots or blackjack, for example, don’t have a specific legislation against them, but they are considered “prohibited” under Israeli law. It’s the same for online Israel casinos. The laws don’t clearly refer to online gambling, but it’s considered illegal.
Fortunately, there are plenty of offshore online casinos that welcome players from Israel and even those that accept NIS (New Israeli Shekels).
License and Jurisdiction
Authority and Jurisdiction For Israeli Online Gambling
While all forms of gambling are officially illegal according to the Knesset – the country’s government –permission has been granted to two state-owned companies.
The Israel Sports Betting Board has a monopoly on all types of sports betting, while the national lottery company, Mifal Hpayis, has control over lottery, scratch cards, raffles, keno and bingo games.
With online gambling being prohibited, there is no general licensing process for operators. A great deal of effort has also gone into creating a legal framework where the Knesset can force Israeli internet service providers to ban casino operators and games. There’s been a lot of debate around the topic, and in 2017, the Knesset took the decision to authorise legislators with issuing bans for online operators. Some even ordered search engines to block casino sites.
Overseas Online Israel Casinos
Despite all this, players have options when it comes to offshore Israel casinos and their favourite casino games. Playing at foreign online casinos may officially be illegal, but players aren’t punished for visiting international casino sites.
While some offshore operators may be blocked, most are freely accessible to Israeli players. But there are no Israel licensed online casinos, which is why we only recommend ever playing at properly regulated offshore sites that hold the nod of approval from the likes of the Curacao Government or Malta Gaming Authority.
Gambling And Taxation Laws In Israel
While you can only access overseas Israeli online casinos, the country does tax casino winnings. Under the current rules, you must pay 35% of your winnings in tax. Winnings of up to NIS 30,600 are actually tax-deductible, while winnings of up to NIS 61,200 face taxation of between 1% and 34%. Winnings over NIS 61,200 are taxed at a rate of 35%, with that amount increasing by 3% as amounts exceed NIS 651,600.
Popular Israeli Games
Popular Casino Games At Israel Casinos
While the future of gambling in Israel remains uncertain, players continue to register at offshore casinos and sportsbooks, and, as we mentioned, the country itself is home to some of the leading iGaming software developers. These companies go all out to create sensational games with unique plots, bonus games and exciting ways to win. As a result, Israeli gamblers have access to thousands of immersive casino games and plenty of winning opportunities.
Table Games
Dreidel aside, table games are the first type of gambling games that appeared in modern-day Israel. Israelis love to play poker, with blackjack and roulette following close behind. All the best offshore Israel casinos offer a myriad of table games and variations for your Shekels.
Online Slots
This is the most robust category of online casino games. Slots offer up interesting plots and graphics, fun animations, catchy tunes and plenty of different storylines and themes. Besides regular and 3D video slots, Israeli players can enjoy progressive jackpot slots that could change their life in just one spin of the reels.
Live Dealer Games
When you play at offshore Israeli casinos, you can look forward to a plethora of Live Casino games with real dealers – some of who even speak Hebrew. From table, card and dice games to exciting game show-style games, Live Casinos bring all the thrills of the casino floor to your screen, live, in high-definition and with the opportunity to chat to the dealers and, sometimes, fellow players.
Lottery Games
Ask Israeli residents what their favourite type of gambling is, and chances are most of them will say the lottery. Lotteries are legal and popular in the country, having been launched many years ago. But they’re just as popular today, even at offshore online Israel casinos.
Bonuses and Promotions
Israeli Casino Bonuses And Promotions
If you’re going to go to the trouble of finding top-rated Israel casinos or perhaps using a VPN to play, you want to make sure you get the most for your Shekels. That’s where online casino bonuses and promotions come in, helping to stretch your budget and offer you more time to play and, hopefully, win.
When you play at the best Israel casinos that we recommend, you can rest assured there’s a little something rewarding for all types of players and budgets.
Casino Payments
The Most Common Payment Methods At Israeli Online Casinos
There are numerous ways to fund your account at online Israel casinos. Despite the country’s restrictions around online gambling, Israelis can still access offshore operators, with many accepting NIS, which is handy when you want to avoid conversion fees.
Both credit and debit cards are the most commonly used payment method for funding casino accounts and withdrawing winnings. Most Israeli players have credit cards, so it’s simply a case of putting in your card details and completing the transaction. However, this isn’t always the fastest way to pay and play at online casinos.
Direct bank transfers provide greater security than credit or debit cards, which is important when you’re playing at offshore casinos. The biggest downside, though, is that bank transfers take a lot longer to process, with some Israeli banks refusing casino transactions.
E-Wallets
E-wallets are especially popular at overseas Israeli casinos. Options like Neteller, PayPal and Skrill are just some of the popular e-wallets amongst Israelis, and pretty much all of them are accepted at international online casinos. Just be aware that some e-wallet deposits do not qualify for casino deposits.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling Responsibly In Israel
Since there is no official gambling authority in the Holy Land, we recommend you only play at licensed online casinos based overseas. These operators go to great lengths to ensure a secure gaming environment, not just when it comes to your details and money, but also your gambling habits.
The best offshore Israel casinos provide a myriad of responsible gambling tools to help you keep your gambling in check. These tools include:
Self-assessment tests
Time out
Cooling off period
Self-exclusion
Deposit limits
Time limits
Winning limits
Conclusion
What Does the Future Hold For Online Casinos In Israel?
We’d like to hope that online casinos in Israel won’t be banned forever, even if future regulations and gambling conditions are still somewhat unclear. For now, though, players will have to stick to offshore Israel casinos that offer all sorts of juicy bonuses and immersive games, along with plenty of perks for loyal players.
Whether you use a VPN or simply access an overseas casino, always gamble responsibly. More and more Israeli players are turning to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Tether and Litecoin to fund their casino accounts and withdraw their winnings, providing not only additional security measures but a good degree of anonymity, too, so that the Knesset doesn’t figure out what you’re up to.
As for the latest offers and ways to stretch your bankroll, keep an eye on a casino’s Promotions page and social media accounts to make sure you never miss out on a good opportunity.
FAQ
FAQ
Are online casinos in Israel legal?
No. All forms of land-based and online gambling are illegal in Israel, with many offshore operators blocked, too.
Is there a legal gambling age to play at offshore Israel casinos?
Most regulated Israeli casinos that we recommend require you to be 18 years or older and undergo a verification check to confirm your age and identity.
So, I don’t have to pay taxes if I gamble at offshore casinos from Israel?
Sadly, taxation is a thing. Winnings are taxed at 35%. We’d never recommend you try to get around the government but playing with a VPN and e-wallet or cryptocurrencies can help you keep your gambling habits under wraps.
Are international online casinos legal for Israeli players?
Not really, no. Israeli laws prohibit residents from gambling in all shapes and forms, and many banks block gambling payments.
Which are the most popular games at Israeli online casinos?
Israelis love to gamble, especially when it comes to poker, blackjack and roulette, but slots also provide hours of exciting entertainment and the chance to win big jackpots.
Which offshore Israel casinos have the best payouts?
It depends on the site you choose to play at. Take a look through our in-depth reviews of the best Israeli online casinos to find the games and RTPs that suit you.
How can I tell if an online casino in Israel is safe to play at?
On this page, we’ve only listed the top Israel casinos that possess valid gambling licenses. To obtain these, the operators are held to high standards of accountability, especially when it comes to safety and security, as well as fair gameplay.
Which casino game for Israelis has the best odds?
As a rule of thumb, table games tend to have the best odds at online casinos. That’s because different games have different rules, and players may sometimes affect the outcome of the bets. But there are no guarantees when it comes to gambling. If you’re looking for the best RTPs, consider online roulette and blackjack games.
It’s not really a simple yes or no answer. As we’ve mentioned, licensed online Israel casinos are 
Popular Casino Games At Israel Casinos
We’d like to hope that online casinos in Israel won’t be banned forever, even if future regulations and gambling conditions are still somewhat unclear. For now, though, players will have to stick to offshore Israel casinos that offer all sorts of juicy bonuses and immersive games, along with plenty of perks for loyal players.