Gambling Age In Bahrain

Minimum Age: No age specified

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Bahrain, gambling is illegal, with no specified minimum legal age, as per the Bahrain Penal Code, reflecting a ban under Islamic law to curb social harms.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling, including casinos and betting shops, is illegal under the Bahrain Penal Code. No legal lotteries or betting exist, offering no game catalogs, contrasting with your interests. Underground gambling is minimal due to strict enforcement, with no significant market value.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with the Penal Code prohibiting all forms of remote gambling. Telecommunication regulators block gambling websites, but offshore sites contribute to a $5 million unregulated market in 2024, with players facing risks without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored.

Regulation and Oversight: No regulatory body oversees gambling due to the ban. Bahrain’s Sharia-based stance prioritizes social control, lacking the licensing rigor you’ve inquired about. No regulatory updates occurred in 2024, reflecting a restrictive policy.

Enforcement and Penalties: Bahrain enforces its gambling ban strictly. Operators face fines up to BHD 1,000 and one-year imprisonment, while players face fines up to BHD 300 and three months’ imprisonment for first offenses, with repeat offenders facing up to BHD 500 and one year. Online enforcement includes website blocking, maintaining a negligible gambling environment.