Best Kuwait Betting Sites

Kuwait is a country located in the northeast of the Persian Gulf. Before the economic crisis of the early ’80s and the Iraqi invasion of 1990, Kuwait had experienced the golden era (1962-1982), when it enjoyed vast economic growth. Arts were booming, and it also recorded the highest Human Development Index among all Arab countries.

As you would probably expect , gambling is illegal in all its forms, as Kuwait is a Muslim country. No betting shops exist and no land-based casinos either. Online betting is practically also not allowed. However, there is no specific law framework covering it. As a result, along with the generally not-so-strict stance towards gambling, quite a few international betting sites in Kuwait, like Bet365 and 1xBet, accept local players.

Best Betting Sites in Kuwait

We’ve carefully checked and selected the bookies that accept local players; while offering competitive odds, a wide variety of betting markets and great promotions on a daily basis.

Betting in Kuwait - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  Gambling organisers and participants run the risk of fining and imprisonment
• 2
  No bookmakers hold licenses
• 3
  There are no laws on gambling, only the penal code
• 4
  There are no land-based betting shops
• 5
  Despite being typically illegal, locals gamble at online bookies and casinos

General info

⏩Population: 4.400.000

⏩Active players: 500.000

⏩Currency: Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)

⏩Regulated gambling products: No form of gambling is allowed

⏩Operator types: Unlicensed online bookmakers and casinos

⏩Designated authority: No designated gambling authority

⏩Status: Unregulated

Online Betting in Kuwait: The Legal Framework

Always keep in mind that gambling is illegal, you are in a Muslim country, and this is part of the local culture. Nonetheless, players are reportedly very fond of online sports betting in Kuwait, and they do so through the use of VPNs that allow users to hide their original IP address.

The Kuwaiti government tries to restrict access to gambling sites but generally has a more lenient stance towards it. Therefore, the privacy that players can achieve with the use of a VPN, allows them to bet online without the fear of prosecution.

Furthermore, no Sharia courts exist in Kuwait, and since only the state’s penal law refers to gambling, you can instantly see how it differentiates from its neighboring countries. There is apparently no tax model for operators and no licensees exist at all.

So, keep in mind that you can -with some precaution- access online bookies and place your bets. On the other hand, keep yourself away from trouble by avoiding all made-up bookmaker shops or any person you might come across willing to take your bets because they will simply be illegal.

Essential Information for Bettors

An important fact is that, in the absence of a specific law framework, there is no taxation on gambling. In simple words, Kuwait online gambling winnings are not taxed. There are many expatriates living in the country (mainly Indians, Syrians and Pakistanis), who, according to reports, are quite often prosecuted or even deported for trying to organise illegal betting.

As we mentioned before, avoid any land-based betting shop that you might find, since it will definitely be illegal. Apart from that, there is no strict surveillance around online gambling. Thus, by sticking to some precautionary methods of accessing bookies, you should eventually be able to enjoy some quality online betting.

How to Deposit at Online Bookies

There is no specific authority to inspect or restrict access to online gambling sites. Unlike other Arab countries, Kuwait is rather lenient when it comes to the surveillance of banking transactions and payments since no specific authority is assigned to this task.

However, don’t forget that it is still illegal to bet online. Therefore, stick to bookmakers that accept Skrill and Neteller, which both offer their services anonymously. Paysafecard is also commonly used here. Using all these payments will ensure fast, smooth and anonymous funding of your betting account.

List of Betting Sites Accepting Kuwaiti Dinar

If you’re looking for a Kuwait betting site that accepts not only local players but also offers them the opportunity to bet by using their local currency, then here you are.

Gambling Laws in Nearby Countries

Since gambling is illegal in the country, you might be seeking alternatives in nearby states. However, it's important to note that most countries neighbouring Kuwait are predominantly Muslim and consider betting to be illegal. Let's take a closer look:

⏩ Saudi Arabia: From land-based casinos to online operators, gambling is illegal. There are a few instances where certain reputable bookmakers, such as Bet365 and 1xbet, still accept users. However, it is crucial to exercise caution as severe penalties are imposed on individuals caught playing on Saudi Arabia betting sites.

⏩ Iran: The new administration that came to power in 1978 completely banned all forms of gambling. This includes poker, casino and sports betting. However, by using VPN services or cryptocurrencies, many players can bypass the restrictions and access online betting sites in Iran. 

⏩ Qatar: Similar to other Muslim countries, gambling is strictly prohibited in Qatar, and individuals who violate this law can face consequences. As a result of the limited options, many players seek out international Qatar betting sites.

The Future of Online Betting in Kuwait

Despite being a Muslim country, Kuwait has always had a more relaxed attitude towards gambling compared to other Arab countries. There are obviously no official stats for gambling revenue. Yet, a large percentage of locals are reportedly gambling, mainly online.

Things might take a turn for the better, with voices in favor of allowing gambling in some resorts (mainly for tourists), serving as a reminder of Kuwait’s more liberal state. Legalising gambling altogether is probably a utopia, yet if one country in the region could make a breakthrough, this would probably be Kuwait.