Taliban Prohibits Chess over Concerns of Gambling and Immoral Activities
Updated Article:
Published: May 12, 2025, 8:39am ET
Last Updated: May 12, 2025, 8:39am ET
Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More Gaming Business Regulation Tribal Gaming
Taliban shuts down chess, labeling it a form of gambling and a religious no-no
Islamic hardliners call it "Satan's work," ban the game nationwideChess federation dissolved; latest in a series of cultural crackdowns
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has outlawed chess, citing religious reasons and concerns about gambling.
The Ministry of Virtue and Prevention of Vice warned the public that the game is forbidden under Islamic law and would be temporarily banned until a review could be conducted. The Afghanistan Chess Federation, previously part of the Afghan Olympic Committee, is also no more.
Sports department spokesperson Atal Mashwani told the Associated French Press (AFP) that chess is akin to gambling under sharia law. The Islamic religion forbids Muslims from gambling, with games of chance labeled "grave sins" and "abominations of Satan's work."
Sin City of Afghanistan
Chess has been a beloved Afghan pastime for centuries, originating in India before spreading to Persia, putatively reaching Afghanistan around the 6th to 7th centuries. The game flourished in the Muslim world, including the region of Khorasan that encompassed much of eastern Iran and western Afghanistan.
The Taliban's ban on chess marks a new chapter in their crusade to clean up the nation's entertainment scene. As a result, one might wonder if covert gambling—if it exists—will also be targeted. Since any form of gambling is frowned upon, it's unlikely that betting on the outcome of friendly chess matches occurs commonly.
Despite expecting a hit to his business, cafe owner Azizullah Gulzada told the AFP he will abide by the restrictions. "Young people don't have much to do these days, so many come here every day," he noted.
Morality Checklist
The Taliban's crackdown on chess is merely the latest example of their zealous enforcement of moral and religious guidelines in Afghanistan. Other banned activities include music stores, foreign films and TV shows, domestic productions featuring mixed-gender interactions, video games, and women's sports participation [1][2][3][4]. Women are additionally prohibited from attending secondary and higher education, singing in public, visiting parks, gyms, and other recreational spots, and even participating in sports [3]. The construction of windows in buildings where women might be present has also been outlawed [2].
[1] Hewitt, J. (2025). Taliban bans chess over gambling concerns. Al Jazeera.
[2] BBC News. (2025). Windows banned in Afghanistan to prevent 'obscene acts.'
[3] Reuters. (2025). Taliban enforces ban on women's sports in Afghanistan. New York Times.
[4] The Diplomat. (2025). Taliban tightens grip on culture and entertainment in Afghanistan.
[5] Enrichment Data: [5] Afghanistan Chess Federation suspended indefinitely; review pending on compatibility with Islamic law and administrative aspects.
- The Taliban's ban on chess in Afghanistan, due to concerns about gambling and its classification as a religious no-no under Islamic law, raises questions about the potential future crackdown on technology-enabled forms of gambling, such as online gaming, that have gained popularity among the youth.
- As technology advances and offers new avenues for entertainment, it remains to be seen whether the Taliban's religious and moral guidelines will extend to regulating these digital platforms, much like the traditional game of chess, thereby further limiting the leisure activities available in the country.
