Gambling Age In Qatar

Minimum Age: No specified age

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Qatar, gambling is illegal, with no specified minimum legal age, as per the 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 Penal Code. Qatar Airways’ raffles are permitted, with no explicit age requirement but restricted to adults. The raffle market, valued at QAR 10 million annually, offers no casino game catalogs, contrasting with your interests.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with the Penal Code prohibiting all forms of remote gambling. Authorities 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. Qatar’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: Qatar enforces its gambling ban strictly. Operators face fines up to QAR 6,000 and imprisonment up to six months, while players face fines or imprisonment. Online enforcement includes website blocking, maintaining a negligible gambling environment.