Articles 183 and 184 of the Criminal Code deem all forms of gambling illegal in Iceland - with few exceptions. Much of the laws stem from Christian beliefs, that gambling is a sin. A few changes over the years show that this sentiment is relaxing somewhat.
Land-based casinos are illegal and there are no proper venues in the country. Slot machines https://bestuspilavitumaislandi.com/is/ are allowed though, with establishments holding an alcohol licence allowed to host these within their premises.
There are also a few slot halls, but nothing on the scale of a proper casino. These are operated by either the University of Iceland or the gaming company Íslandsspil. This is the funding arm of the Icelandic Red Cross. No other companies are permitted to run slot halls.
Online casinos are banned in Iceland, with laws being even more restrictive. But because the country is part of the European Economic Area residents can still get access to offshore online gambling sites - without facing prosecution. It also means that EEA-based companies cannot obtain a licence from Iceland to operate.
Poker is illegal in Iceland in all forms and there are no halls or online poker sites. The only way that residents can enjoy the game is to use a mobile app which offers free slots and other RNG tables.
Land-based bingo is legal with most games offered by the University of Iceland or Íslandsspil. The government can also grant special permission to run bingo events, but all proceeds must be donated to charity. Only one such operator has been given this - the standalone bingo hall Bingó í Vinabae.
There is some debate over the classification of bingo as a lottery game, which means it could fall under the monopoly control of Íslensk Getspá. However, online bingo gambling remains illegal in Iceland.
In-person lottery gambling is legal and under the monopoly of Íslandsspil. The Icelandic Red Cross and the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue are the two non-profit organisations running games, with ticket sales funding their operations.
Surprisingly, playing the lottery online is also legal, with residents able to buy tickets via Íslensk Getspá's website. This is the only company legally permitted to offer online lotto in the country.
Even though the basis of social gambling is playing casino games with 'free' chips, the activity is still classed as online gambling. It is illegal in Iceland, although this isn't enforced (or even enforceable). Neither lootboxes nor skins gambling are mentioned in current gambling laws.
Playing games of poker or other gambling within private residencies is technically not allowed. Even if no commercial profits are being made.
Iceland amended its Foreign Exchange Act in 2018 to regulate cryptocurrencies, due to their increasing popularity. However, these are not regarded as legal tender and cannot be accepted by the limited number of gambling establishments. Residents can opt to play at foreign crypto casinos though without facing prosecution.