Gambling is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia due to Islamic law (Sharia), which governs the country. There is no legal gambling industry, and the practice is considered a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Despite the strict regulations, illegal gambling does exist in underground networks and through online platforms. However, the Saudi government actively works to prevent these activities through strict enforcement and sophisticated cyber monitoring systems.

The most common forms of underground gambling in Saudi Arabia include:

- Sports betting through international websites
- Online casino games accessed via VPNs
- Private card games in secretive locations
- Informal betting on local sports events

The Saudi government takes several measures to combat gambling:

- Blocking access to gambling websites
- Monitoring suspicious financial transactions
- Conducting regular raids on suspected gambling operations
- Implementing heavy penalties for offenders

Recent statistics indicate that while exact numbers are difficult to obtain due to the illegal nature of gambling, there is a small but persistent underground gambling scene. The government has reported an increase in cybercrime related to online gambling, particularly among younger Saudis who use VPN services to access international betting sites.

Alternative entertainment options that comply with Islamic law are promoted instead, such as:

- Traditional social games without betting
- Sports and recreational activities
- Family-oriented entertainment
- Cultural events and festivals

The penalties for gambling in Saudi Arabia can include:

- Fines up to several thousand riyals
- Prison sentences ranging from months to years
- Public lashing (though less common in recent years)
- Deportation for expatriates

While some neighboring countries have begun to relax their stance on gambling, Saudi Arabia maintains its strict prohibition. The combination of religious principles, cultural values, and government enforcement means gambling remains a marginal activity in the kingdom, primarily existing in the shadows rather than as a significant social issue.

Recent modernization efforts under Vision 2030 have not indicated any plans to change the country's position on gambling, and it's expected to remain prohibited for the foreseeable future.

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