Sudan is a North-eastern African country that borders Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, and the Red Sea. Formerly one of the largest countries in the world, Sudan split in 2011when the south voted to break away and form South Sudan. Since then, Sudan has had turbulent times.
Former president Omar Al Bashir was deposed in 2019 and is wanted at the International Criminal Court (ICC). His successor prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok, was also overthrown in 2021. General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan took charge of the government in October 2021, but the condition remains fragile.
The Islamic rule is also very conservative and bans all forms of gambling. This includes online gambling. But given the nature of online gambling, does it infiltrate the strict bans? More on that a little later.
The country had an internet penetration of 25.4% in 2019. This rose to 31% in January 2021. Most of the people with internet and reliable electricity access are those in the capital, Khartoum. This, therefore, makes the city the most probable location for any kind of casino gaming that makes its way into Sudan.
History of gambling in Sudan
There is little to be had in the form of gambling history in Sudan. It has always been an Islamic country with a frowning attitude towards gambling.
Sudanese Arabs, who make up 70% of the country's population, have entrenched this abhorrent attitude towards all forms of gambling. Physical casinos did not grow in the country as a result. The coming of the internet and the evolution of the world is a development that could bring some changes to this attitude.
The punishments for breaking Islamic law have always been quite severe. Little evidence is needed for conviction. On the other hand, punishment can be very tough, sometimes harsh, and cruel.
It is hard, thus, to know whether any of the other five tribes of Sudan (Beja, Egyptians, Nuba, Fur, Fulani) had any forms of gambling in the ancient past. Even if some gambling took place, it would have been highly secretive and on very small scales.
Gambling nowadays in Sudan
The strict laws of old still hold. Gambling is still illegal in Sudan, and, therefore, no official records of gambling are available. However, there have not been any convictions on gambling in the modern-day. In a state that is so strict, it would mean that its people have resigned to the ban.
Furthermore, many people may not even be familiar with gambling without advertising and with such low internet access levels. As of October 2021, there were protests and demonstrations in Sudan during a period of government transition.
This spell could bring a new era to Sudan where people depart from some traditional practices. With the help of virtual Private Networks (VPNs), players can access online casinos outside the country and play anonymously.