Gambling Age In Saudi Arabia

Minimum Age: No specified age

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Saudi Arabia, 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. 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. Authorities block gambling websites, but offshore sites contribute to a $10 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. Saudi Arabia’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: Saudi Arabia enforces its gambling ban strictly. Operators face imprisonment or corporal punishment, while players face fines or imprisonment. Online enforcement includes website blocking, maintaining a negligible gambling environment.