Poker in Israel: Reality, Laws, and Where the Local Pros Play
7XL ISRAEL
Let’s be honest: the situation there is complicated, but interesting. I once thought poker in Israel was as simple as in Europe. It turns out it’s not. They have their own laws, their own loopholes, and their own scene.
In this article, I’ll tell you what the poker scene really is in Israel, whether you can play for real money, and what 7XL ISRAEL has to do with it. Spoiler: Israelis love poker, they just do it in a clever way.
Laws: Everything is complicated and strict
Let’s start with the main thing. Israel is a conservative country when it comes to gambling. Penal Law 5737-1977 is in effect, prohibiting almost everything. But not poker!
Here’s a quote from the law: “A prohibited game is one in which winning depends more on chance than on understanding or ability.” And here’s where things get interesting.
Paradox: Is poker not a game of chance?
There was a high-profile court case in Israel—Amit Amishvili Rafi v. the Tax Authority. The guy was winning money in poker tournaments abroad, and the tax authority wanted to tax it. So, in its reasoning (though not binding for all cases), the Israeli Supreme Court said something important: poker should not be perceived as a game of chance.
Do you see the point? If poker isn’t a game of chance, then technically it may not fall under the definition of “prohibited game” in the criminal code. Of course, it’s a gray area, but local players cling to it.
Where do Israelis play?
If it’s not allowed at home, they play abroad and online. Israel is a country of startups and high tech. Industry giants like 7XL are based there.
About 7XL ISRAEL: what kind of beast is it?
Now about what you asked about 7XL ISRAEL. Let’s get to the facts, without the hype. 7XL is an online poker platform that positions itself as international. They have a website, 7xl.app, a mobile app, tournaments, and cash games.
I did some digging around. The website is fairly new (registered in 2020).
Some Israeli players are considering 7XL ISRAEL because the platform is user-friendly and there’s Hebrew support. But I’d say this: if you decide to give it a try, create a separate wallet and don’t store too much there.
Poker scene: who plays?
Despite the bans, poker is popular in Israel. There are many strong players who successfully compete on the global stage. The Israeli mentality is one of gambling, plus a mathematical mindset (thanks to the army and technology). Local regulars are tough, and you have to be wary of them at the tables.
There are many Israelis playing online on international poker rooms under neutral nicknames. The level of play is high, and there are fewer “fish” (weak players) there than in Europe or the US.
Taxes: If you win, share it
Let’s say you’re an Israeli, went to a tournament in Europe, won money, and brought it home. The tax authorities will come for their cut. The rate is 35%. But there are some nuances:
- If you win up to 33,840 shekels (about $9,000), there is no tax at all.
- From 33,840 to 67,680 shekels, you pay tax only on a portion.
- Above 67,680 shekels, you pay tax on everything above that.
That is, the tax authorities don’t touch small winnings, but If you’re smart, please do so. That’s why many prefer to leave their winnings abroad, in foreign accounts, and bring them in small amounts. But this is a gray area, and I can’t advise you on that.
My advice to those who want to play from Israel
If you live in Israel and want to play online poker for real money, here’s what I’ll tell you:
- Understand the risks. Legally, it’s illegal to play. In practice, few people get caught, but there have been precedents. Keep a low profile, and don’t brag about your winnings on social media.
- Choose trusted poker rooms. Avoid dubious companies with outrageous bonuses. Look for those that have been around for a long time, are licensed, and have good reviews.
- Payments will be a pain. Israeli banks block transactions to poker rooms. Use crypto or e-wallets if you know how. 4. Learn. If you’re playing in these conditions, you have to be the best. Read, analyze, don’t be a “fish.”
My personal impressions
I talked to guys from Israel who play. They say it’s livable, but stressful. They’re constantly looking for workarounds for depositing and withdrawing money, they’re afraid of account freezes, and they keep up with legislative updates. This adds an adrenaline rush, of course, but it’s also quite nerve-wracking.
Some even move to Cyprus or Georgia to play for six months, play tournaments there, and then return. This is normal practice for pros.
What’s the final word on 7XL ISRAEL?
Let’s get back to our topic. 7XL ISRAEL is a true localization. The platform works in many languages, including Hebrew.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Mobile app available
- Tournaments with decent guarantees
If you decide to give it a try, make a small deposit, play for a couple of days, and then try to withdraw. This is the only way to test whether a room is legitimate.
Conclusion
Poker in Israel is a game with obstacles. It’s prohibited by law, but in reality, thousands of people play online and travel to tournaments. Technology is developing, local companies are making software for the entire world, and players just want to play.
Regarding 7XL ISRAEL – Just remember: in the world of online poker, safety and security are paramount.
If you’re in Israel and want to play, be careful, learn the ropes, and don’t invest your last money. Poker should be fun, not a legal hassle. And if you meet an Israeli at the table, know that they’re likely a tough player and calculate every move. Good luck at the tables!