Gambling In Bahrain: Casinos And The Law

Gambling in Bahrain is a complex issue. As an Islamic country, all forms of public gambling are banned in Bahrain. However, online gambling is popular, with many foreign-based online casinos catering to Bahraini players. While online casinos based in Bahrain are non-existent, residents can access international online casinos using VPNs. This is because internet censorship in Bahrain blocks access to most online casinos. In addition, the use of anonymous payment methods, such as e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, is recommended to protect the identity and security of Bahraini players.

Online casinos in Bahrain

Bahrain is a conservative Muslim country with strict Islamic laws that prohibit all forms of gambling, including online casinos. However, online casinos remain popular in the country, with many residents turning to foreign-based online casinos to satisfy their gaming needs.

VPN Usage

Bahrain has been criticised for its high levels of internet censorship and surveillance, with most online casinos blocked by internet service providers (ISPs). As a result, Bahraini gamblers often use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access these websites safely and securely. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two popular choices for bypassing blocks and accessing online casinos anonymously.

Payment Methods

When depositing money at Bahrain online casinos, it is recommended to use anonymous payment methods to maintain privacy and avoid sharing bank details. Prepaid cards, e-wallets (Skrill and Neteller), and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin) are popular choices. Credit and debit cards issued by local banks, such as Mastercard and Visa, will likely be declined.

Casino Recommendations

There are numerous online casinos that cater to Bahraini players, offering a range of games, bonuses, and promotions. Some recommended casinos include Casinia Casino, Betfinal Casino, 1xbet Casino, Rabona Casino, EmirBet Casino, and TikiTaka Casino. These casinos provide a variety of payment methods, games, and VIP programs.

Gambling Laws

While all forms of gambling are prohibited in Bahrain, with Article 308 of the Bahrain Penal Code specifically addressing public gambling, online gambling laws are less clear. There are no known cases of individuals being prosecuted for online gambling, but it is still recommended to take precautions when engaging in online gambling in Bahrain.

Responsible Gambling

With online gambling readily accessible in Bahrain, it is important for players to practice responsible gambling habits. This includes setting budgets and time limits, avoiding chasing losses, taking breaks, not gambling under the influence, and seeking help if necessary.

In conclusion, while online casinos are illegal in Bahrain, residents can still access foreign-based online casinos using VPNs and anonymous payment methods. With a range of recommended casinos to choose from, players can enjoy a variety of games and promotions while staying cautious and informed about the legal implications.

Gambling laws in Bahrain

Bahrain is an Islamic country and, as such, all forms of public gambling are banned. This prohibition extends to sports betting and the lottery.

However, this does not mean that gambling is non-existent in Bahrain. In fact, online casinos have flourished due to their accessibility, convenience, and entertainment value. Bahrain residents can also place bets at sports betting sites using a VPN.

The Law

Article 308 of the Bahrain Penal Code covers gambling law. It states:

> Every person who gambles in a public place shall be liable for imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding BD 100.

These laws specifically target public gambling rather than online gambling, and there are no known cases of individuals being punished for playing at online casinos. Nevertheless, the government does censor the internet, and most online casinos are blocked by internet service providers (ISPs).

Online Gambling

Despite the blocks, residents of Bahrain can access online casinos by using a virtual private network (VPN). While VPNs are legal in Bahrain, residents must use anonymous payment methods as attempts to deposit using Mastercard or Visa-branded credit or debit cards will be declined. Recommended payment methods include e-wallets (Skrill and NETELLER) and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin).

Land-Based Casinos

Land-based casinos do not exist in Bahrain. However, large resorts, multi-starred hotels, and luxurious yachts usually feature casino-style games such as slots, tables, and poker rooms.

Recommended online casinos for Bahrainis

As an Islamic country, all forms of gambling are illegal in Bahrain, including online casinos. However, this doesn't stop many Bahrainis from seeking out foreign-based online casinos to play at.

Betfinal Casino

Betfinal Casino is a popular choice for Bahrainis, offering a high casino bonus and Arabic and multi-language, multi-currency options. It is a licensed and free online casino with a range of games, including virtual slot machines and table games.

EmirBet Casino

EmirBet Casino is another well-known online casino that accepts Arab players. It also offers multi-language and multi-currency options, as well as 24/7 customer support.

YYY Casino

YYY Casino is recommended for its excellent customer support, with live chat, email, and telephone options available. They offer a 100% bonus of up to $2000 for new players.

Betway Casino

Betway Casino is a highly-rated online casino that provides a dedicated mobile platform and over 600 real money slots and games. They offer a generous first deposit welcome bonus.

TikiTaka Casino

TikiTaka Casino is a great choice for those seeking a wide variety of payment methods. They also offer a generous 5-level VIP loyalty program and a range of games from leading industry providers.

Casinia Casino

Casinia Casino boasts an impressive selection of over 9000 games from 80+ providers, including live casino, thousands of featured and jackpot slots, and games from top providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and QuickSpin. They offer a bonus of 100% up to €500, along with 200 free spins and 1 bonus crab.

Rabona Casino

Rabona Casino provides Android and iOS apps, quick support via live chat, and thousands of exciting games. They offer an exclusive bonus of 100% up to $2000 when you use the code AB2000.

Sultanbet Casino

Sultanbet Casino is perfect for those seeking generous VIP rewards and weekly bonuses and tournaments. They offer a 100% deposit match bonus of up to €300 and live casino games with the latest tables.

22bet

22bet stands out for its impressive range of payment methods, with over 200 options available. They also offer live customer service support 24/7 and are available in 30+ languages.

BetandPlay Casino

BetandPlay Casino offers a vast selection of over 5000 slots and table games, along with a generous welcome bonus and various banking methods, including crypto.

EmirBet Casino

EmirBet Casino is another highly-rated online casino, offering casino and sports betting under one account. They provide a wide variety of payment methods and games from leading industry providers. Their bonus includes 100% up to $500, 200 free spins, and 1 bonus crab.

Using VPNs and Caution

It is important to note that while these online casinos are available to players in Bahrain, the Bahraini government has blocked many foreign gambling sites. As a result, players often use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access these sites anonymously. Additionally, it is recommended to use anonymous payment methods, such as e-wallets (Skrill, NETELLER) or cryptocurrencies, as attempts to deposit with credit or debit cards will likely be declined.

Payment methods for online casinos in Bahrain

As an Islamic country, all forms of gambling are illegal in Bahrain. This includes online gambling, which is also strictly prohibited. Despite this, there are still many international online casinos that offer their services to players from Bahrain. When choosing an online casino, players from Bahrain should be cautious and ensure that the site is reputable, licensed, and regulated.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at online casinos. However, using these cards for gambling transactions in Bahrain can attract the attention of the government, as the cards are issued by local banks. Therefore, players from Bahrain should consider alternative payment methods that offer more privacy and anonymity.

E-Wallets

E-wallets, such as Skrill, NETELLER, and PayPal, are a popular choice for online casino players from Bahrain. They allow you to fund your casino account without directly involving your bank. Transactions made with e-wallets are typically fast, secure, and convenient.

Prepaid Cards and Vouchers

Prepaid cards and vouchers, such as Paysafecard and CASHU, are perfect for making one-time payments at online casinos. These options provide an additional layer of privacy and security, as they are not linked to your bank account. CASHU, in particular, is a popular and secure option for online payments in the Middle East and North Africa.

Cryptocurrencies

While cryptocurrencies are not regulated in Bahrain, players from Bahrain can still use them to gamble at international crypto casinos. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dash, and Dogecoin offer a high level of anonymity and security. However, it is important to note that gambling with cryptocurrencies may not be legal in Bahrain due to the country's gambling laws.

Other Methods

In addition to the above, some online casinos may offer other payment methods such as bank transfers or local payment options. It is always a good idea to check the available payment methods before signing up for an online casino, especially if you have specific preferences or requirements.

When gambling online, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and security. Using a VPN and choosing anonymous payment methods can help protect your privacy and avoid potential issues with the authorities in Bahrain. Remember to gamble responsibly and abide by the laws of your country.

Sports betting in Bahrain

Sports betting is a popular pastime in Bahrain, despite the fact that, as a Muslim country, all forms of gambling are illegal. The Quran forbids Muslims from gaining wealth by gambling, and Article 308 of the Bahrain Penal Code states that those caught gambling in public face a fine or a prison sentence.

However, this doesn't stop thousands of Bahrainis from betting online every day. The authorities are primarily concerned with shutting down illegal operators and tend not to pursue private citizens for gambling online. As such, many international betting sites welcome Bahraini punters, although there are a few extra steps that should be taken to ensure anonymity and security. These include using a VPN to access betting sites, choosing anonymous payment methods, and only betting at recommended sites licensed offshore.

Popular Sports for Betting in Bahrain

Football is by far the most popular sport for Bahrainis to bet on, with odds offered on all Bahraini Premier League and FA Cup matches, as well as Division 1 games. Betting on the Bahrain Grand Prix is also common, as is MMA betting, with Mohammed "The Hawk" Shahid's KHK MMA and Brave Combat Federation based in the country.

Other popular sports for betting include:

• Tennis
• Horse racing
• Cricket
• Basketball
• Handball
• Volleyball

Top Betting Sites in Bahrain

Some of the top betting sites for Bahrainis include:

• Unibet
• Betway
• Bet365
• 10Bet
• Rabona Sports
• Betfinal Sports
• BetandPlay Sports
• EmirBet Sports
• RTBet
• YYY Sports
• N1 Bet
• Casinia
• 888 Sports
• VipArabClub
• Bitkingz
• Dream.bet
• Kingmaker
• William Hill
• 20Bet
• Megapari
• Ditobet

Frequently asked questions