The controversy surrounding gambling has always made people, organizations, states, and countries view it with mixed feelings. Because of the pros and cons of gambling, many countries enforce different strategies when legalizing and regulating gambling in their regions.
There are some countries that pay more attention to the problems brought about by legalizing gambling and deem them to outweigh the economic benefits derived from it. As such, these countries have in place strict regulations to control and limit gambling activities. More liberal countries, although aware of the possible disadvantages of gambling, have decided to nurture the economic benefits by allowing a variety of gambling options.
This article seeks to bring to light countries with some of the strictest gambling laws, the reasoning behind their laws and regulations, and the various options available to those interested in engaging in gambling activities in these countries.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, gambling is seen to be in direct conflict with Islamic laws and principles which are aligned with the country’s constitution. Both land-based and online casinos are prohibited and labeled as illegal, but there are a few exceptions such as offshore UAE gambling sites, raffle competitions, and horse racing which are regulated and offer some relief to local and visiting gambling enthusiasts.
The UAE’s legal framework is very clear and the exceptions to betting are clearly stated in the Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5/1985). The law notes that after certain conditions are met, betting is permitted in activities such as muscle building, sports, shooting, and racing, according to Article 1013.
Offshore casino platforms, in particular, have become popular in recent years among UAE citizens and visitors who want to place bets regardless of the strict gambling laws in the UAE. According to Aneeca Younas, offshore casinos are sites based and regulated outside the UAE. These sites are located all over the world, operate beyond the territorial boundaries of the UAE, and offer sports betting, among other things. Some offshore casino platforms have even adopted cryptocurrencies and now allow payments via digital coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Singapore
Singapore is well known for its strict gambling regulations that are meant to maintain law and order and curb problems linked to excessive gambling as well as encourage a healthy balanced lifestyle for the country’s residents and visitors. The country’s gambling laws are governed by the Casino Control Act of 2006. This act allows two resorts to run casinos and a few sports betting and horse racing joints. The strict regulations allow only a limited number of operators to provide online betting services to consumers. Local residents have to pay an entry fee of S$150 (around $110) to enter casinos, in an attempt to dissuade locals from visiting too often.
Qatar
Qatar prohibits any form of gambling and going against the gambling laws could lead to a person being heavily fined or facing arrest. Gambling legislation is highly influenced by religion and the government does not issue any gambling licenses. In Qatar, online gambling is also considered to be illegal, leaving limited options to natives and tourists seeking the gambling rush.
North Korea
North Korean citizens live their lives under strict government control and gambling is no exception. Citizens are at risk of facing jail time or hard labor if found engaging in illegal gambling pastimes. The government is very strict in its bid to prohibit unauthorized gambling. However, despite all these tight measures against gambling in North Korea, there are a few casinos meant for tourists and a state-run lottery that is heavily regulated.
Brunei
Brunei is another country that has strict gambling laws. The country is governed by Sharia law which prohibits any form of gambling. In order to deter its citizens from engaging in gambling, the country penalizes offenders by fining them or giving them jail time.
The Future of Gambling in These Strict Countries
Many of these countries with strict gambling laws follow the Islamic religion and a large part of their laws are based on the Quran which does not allow gambling in any way. The laws cover citizens and also extend to tourists, and it does not seem as if there are going to be any changes to the laws any time soon. This, however, has not diminished the hope of some analysts who still have some faith in the UAE at least.
A United States-based casino operating on the Las Vegas Strip has made known its intentions to construct a resort set to be opened in the UAE in 2026. The form that the resort will take is not yet clear, but it is expected to be opened in the Ras al-Khaimah emirate.
In its construction plans, Wynn Resorts expects to establish a gaming area that will include activities that are yet to be made known. Optimists are hopeful yet as Dubai already houses a resort, although gambling is not part of what the Caesar’s Palace resort offers. It is not too far-fetched for analysts to believe that the proposed development by Wynn Resorts could lead to acceptance of betting in one form or another, under the current laws.
Conclusion
While many countries have welcomed gambling, some countries like the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Qatar, North Korea, and Brunei have maintained a strict grip on the regulations that surround gambling. This has strongly limited the available options for people in these regions who enjoy indulging in such activities, with offshore casinos offering the most appropriate outlet for gambling enthusiasts. There are total bans of some games and a green light for quite a few exceptions, limiting the kind of games people can engage in. Gambling enthusiasts can only hope that these strict regulations will one day be relaxed, but since religion plays a big role in enacting these laws, hope is the only thing they have to hold on to.
