The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf. A rich Arabic nation, naturally following the Islamic religion. The Khalifa royal family rules the land under Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. It has been alike since its independence from the UK on August 15th, 1971. The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain has taken place since 2004, attracting spectators from around the globe.
However, as you’d probably expect, all forms of gambling are illegal. You will find no land-based betting shops or casinos. Some horse and camel races are a tradition, but no betting is allowed on them. Bahrain gambling is exclusively taking place online. Luckily enough for local bettors, online surveillance is reportedly not too strict. Therefore, they frequently place their bets on popular international betting sites in Bahrain, such as 888sport and Bet365.
Best Bahrain Sports Betting Sites
Are you after the best betting site in Bahrain? We present to you the bookies that offer great odds, a wide array of sports and betting markets, as well as the best offers and bonuses.
Betting in Bahrain - 5 Things to Know
- 1 You may be fined 300 BHD and up to 3 months in prison if caught gambling
- 2 No bookies hold licenses in Bahrain
- 3 ‘Rain’ cryptocurrency platform was founded in the country
- 4 The Brave Combat Federation has its base in Bahrain
- 5 A Formula 1 racetrack has operated since 2004
General info
⏩Population: 1.500.000
⏩Active players: 200.000
⏩Currency: Bahraini dinar (BHD)
⏩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 Gambling in Bahrain: The Law Framework
Gambling is illegal in all its forms. There are no Bahrain gambling laws, however, the penal code clearly states it. Some horse and camel racing is taking place, yet no wagering is on offer. Some dodgy bookies are surfacing from time to time, but do avoid them. They’re definitely illegal and could only land you some major trouble.
Naturally, local players end up online to place their bets. The government generally holds a rather lenient stance towards online gambling, since there aren’t any online gambling laws in Bahrain. It is still illegal though, and you must always remember that. Taxation on operators is not apparent, since there aren’t any licensed ones.
No licensing system is either in place or expected to come to force here. No betting is either available on the famous F1 Grand Prix or on the Bahrain-founded ‘Brave Combat Federation’ matches. Any gambling you might practice, has to carefully take place online.
Essential Information for Bettors
In terms of online gambling, Bahrain has no specific law framework to abide to. This has one major benefit; there is no tax applied on your online winnings. At the same time, there are no reports of strict surveillance around online gambling. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be careful though.
Always use a VPN when you bet on offshore bookies, to keep your IP address safe. Also, stick to e-wallets when you fund your account. Avoid the traditional banking methods you might use for other online activities, such as shopping. Keep your betting activity as much personal and safe as you can.
How to Deposit at Online Bookies
Banks apparently don’t seem to be blocking transactions to and from bookies. However, we once more need to stress the fact that it is illegal to gamble in Bahrain. So, avoid credit cards or bank transfers to fund your account and stick to e-wallets.
Paysera gambling is a possibility in Bahrain. If the bookie you’re after accepts crypto and you’re familiar using them, try them out too. Bahraini Rain crypto platform will guide you to various accepted cryptocurrencies, such as Litecoin and Bitcoin.
Also Read: Best Litecoin Sportsbooks
Gambling Laws in Closeby Regions
It is a wise strategy for individuals engaged in online betting to evaluate the gambling regulations in nearby countries. Despite their geographical proximity, neighbouring nations may have distinct laws. Familiarizing yourself with them can yield valuable insights and support in making well-informed decisions while respecting local legal practices.
⏩ Qatar: Indeed, gambling is strictly prohibited in Qatar, and individuals who violate this law can face legal repercussions. Due to the finite options available within the country, many players seek out international Qatar betting sites that are willing to accept them.
⏩ UAE: With the exception of some lotteries in horse racing, all other forms of gambling are considered illegal. Furthermore, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has the responsibility of restricting online gambling activities. As a result, only a limited number of betting sites in UAE are accessible to residents.
⏩ Saudi Arabia: As with other Muslim countries, online gambling is prohibited, and there are no casinos or high street bookies available. This restriction also applies to online gambling. However, it is worth noting that there are still some bookmakers that accept users. Nevertheless, it is advised to exercise caution, as severe penalties are imposed on those caught registering in Saudi Arabia betting sites.
The Future of Internet Gambling in Bahrain
Sports are playing an important role in Bahrainis’ lives. However, things aren’t possible to change anytime soon. The fact that an F1 race is taking place here, portrays the more open stance the country holds towards attracting sports tourism. If at some point this could be in alignment with some more lenient measures; it is not easy to predict.
Some voices are claiming that maybe some betting could be eventually allowed, at least for foreign visitors. Nonetheless, it is not a possibility yet for bookmakers to get licenses here. Online betting in Bahrain will most probably remain the only choice for local bettors.
Gambling in Bahrain is illegal in all its forms. The same applies to online gambling. So, always be cautious when betting online and use a VPN software.
Yes it does, 1xBet delivers a great selection of different sports and markets, with a fully localized interface, allowing you to bet in Arabic and open a BHD account as well.
Transactions might be under surveillance by the authorities. E-wallets like Paysera help you achieve fast withdrawals of your winnings while keeping your anonymity.
One of the most reputable bookies, Bet365, does accept players from Bahrain; offering betting on 45+ sports and great promotions on a constant basis.
No, since there is no law framework to cover gambling taxation. Do remember though, it is illegal to gamble in the first place. Bet with caution, and you’ll get to keep what you win.
With many great options available for Bahraini players, 888sport stands out. It provides the Arabic language, offering 10.000+ live events per month on 40+ sports, as well as constant betting offers.