MP Abi Ramia Declares Online Betting via Casino Platform Illegal

MP Simon Abi Ramia participated in a meeting of the Technology and Information Committee chaired by colleague Tony Frangieh, despite not being a member of the committee. The meeting focused on the issue of Casino Lebanon and online betting activities occurring in Lebanon.

Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament, Abi Ramia refrained from detailing the discussions between deputies and invited guests, leaving that to the committee chair Tony Frangieh, but clarified his own contributions during the session.

He explained that regarding the casino and online betting, there are two distinct periods: before the introduction of online betting and after its approval following a Cabinet decision permitting the casino to engage in online betting.

Abi Ramia highlighted the existence of a ruling from the Court of Audit that challenges the legality and legitimacy of granting the casino the authority to conduct online betting, emphasizing that such authorization requires a law passed by Parliament, which contradicts the Cabinet’s 2022 decision.

He asserted that all activities following the launch of online betting through the Casino Lebanon platform are illegal. However, he did not hold the casino’s board members at the time responsible, noting that their approach aimed to generate additional revenue for the casino. This was particularly relevant given the existence of a black market reportedly generating revenues estimated between 800 million and one billion dollars. The board and its chairman sought to channel these revenues into the state, the casino, and the public treasury.

Abi Ramia reiterated that the Court of Audit deemed this practice unlawful and illegitimate. Therefore, he called on Parliament to enact a modern and updated law, especially since online betting has become part of daily life, as observed during the current World Cup period. He stressed the importance of establishing clear regulations to protect society from the consequences of this phenomenon and expressed full confidence in the Technology and Information Committee under Tony Frangieh’s leadership to undertake this task.