Best Brunei bookmakers

Population: 460.000
Active players: 55.000
Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)
Regulated gambling products: No form of gambling is allowed
Operator types: Unlicensed online bookies & casinos
Designated authority: No designated gambling authority
Status: Regulated

Brunei is a Southeastern Asian country on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. The South China Sea is at its north, while the Malaysian state of Sarawak divides it in two parts. The capital and largest city is Bandar Seri Begawan. It gained its independence in 1984, after being under British rule since 1888; naturally enough, English is the second official language, behind Malay.

Football, golf and polo are quite popular, along with the local sepak takraw, something like ‘foot volleyball’. Locals, however, are principally Muslims, with Islamic religion being the dominant one. That's why all forms of gambling in Brunei are explicitly and unquestionably illegal. Shortly after gaining their independence, the Sultan and sole ruler of the country adopted the Sharia law; thus, making absolutely clear that there would be zero tolerance towards any form of it. There are no casinos or betting parlours, and the only kind of betting-illegally-takes place in traditional cock fighting events.

Laws are very strict; Brunei online betting is also considered illegal, despite not being particularly mentioned in the Penal Code. Still, players still opt for international operators as they try to quench their thirst for gambling.

Gambling in Brunei - 5 things to know

• There is no legal form of gambling in Brunei
• No casinos or bookmaker shops can be found
• Despite the overall ban, many Brunei online bookies accept local bettors
• The 'Common gaming houses Act' of 1984 is still in force
• The authorities are actively after illegal operators to enforce their strict laws

Best betting sites in Brunei

Online betting in Brunei is illegal in all possible forms; despite that, for those who do want to take the risk and bet online, we list the best ones out there; they come with a great coverage of all major football events from around the world, as well as with many different special bets and welcome offers.

Online gambling in Brunei: The law framework

Here we find a mix of the British law system and the strict Sharia laws. The gambling law framework still features the ‘common gaming houses’ act of 1984; just a few amendments have been added ever since. The general idea is simple, fair and square; Brunei gambling is illegal in every possible form and shape.

There are no exceptions or loopholes in it; the authorities are actively pursuing law violators to impose strict measures. These range from 10.000 USD fines up to a 6 month imprisonment. In some extreme cases, the Sharia law even includes and sometimes imposes lashing as a means of punishment.

The Brunei online betting sector is not particularly mentioned anywhere in the law; however, it would be plain stupidity for someone to perceive it as being legal. Naturally, there are no licensing procedures for a bookmaker in Brunei either. Moreover, laws apply equally to locals as well as to tourists and expats.

The state also practices internet monitoring in search of offenders. Still, when there’s a will there’s a way, and many online bookies offer their services to local players. So, if you’re actually going to place a Brunei bet, keep it personal and never talk about it publicly.

Always keep in mind that gambling is illegal in every sense and form. There are no exceptions, and the authorities do not fool around. Either you’re a local or a tourist, we advise you to refrain from gambling; Brunei online gambling is no exception. If, however, you decide to do so, here are a couple of points you should definitely be aware of.

The last thing you want is to bump into a dodgy bookmaker. Every single Brunei online bookmaker we list in our analysis is absolutely legitimate and trustworthy. Pick any of them and at least have a safe betting experience. Along with a VPN software, try to keep your betting as personal as possible.

Last but not least, avoid public betting at all costs. Many cock fights take place traditionally in Brunei; yet we can’t stress out enough the risk of getting caught and punished for gambling publicly.

Internet penetration is extremely high, around 95%. Still, for someone trying to place a bet, Brunei is not a friendly environment to do so. Payments and internet use are under constant monitoring by the state; that’s why using credit cards and bank wires should not be among players’ choices.

Thankfully, e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill accept Bruneian players, helping with currency conversion while providing for fast and secure transactions. Skrill and Neteller are also accepting local sign-ups.

As for cryptocurrencies, they are not legal here; AMBD, the central bank of Brunei, has issued warnings for citizens to be aware of such currencies. Meanwhile though, many bookmakers are offering crypto transactions; and their main characteristic is anonymity, being very important in this case. Again, with extra caution, players could try to familiarize themselves with them and slowly get to use them on their Brunei sports betting activity.

We gotta keep an honest stance here; not much is expected to change concerning the Brunei gambling scene. There are no indications of such a u-turn. In a deeply Islamic state like this one, it’s never easy to have radical changes.

For those who simply want to place a bet, Brunei will continue to be a tough place. This is something that needs to be historically and culturally understood though. In the unlikely event of any major developments, we will keep you up to date. For the time being, just try to keep your betting as safe and personal as possible.

The complete list of bookmakers in Brunei

In terms of online betting, Brunei offers many choices, despite the setbacks. That’s why we list all the available options; if you do bet, at least do so through a legitimate and trustworthy bookmaker. Sticking to any of the following, will guarantee that for you.