Gambling in Kuwait: Balancing Tradition and Modernization

Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the Arabian world, and here’s an interesting fact. The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), which is the country’s currency, is the most valuable in the world. If you didn’t know, Kuwait has one of the highest oil reserves in the world, so exporting oil is what contributes to the country’s stable economy.

Kuwait is a country with a rich culture and history. One of the unique aspects of the country is that it is a predominantly Muslim society and Shariah law plays a significant role in shaping the society.

In keeping with this, there are no physical casinos in Kuwait where one can enjoy games such as blackjack or poker. However, there is a possibility to access online gambling. While there are no online casinos based in Kuwait, there are offshore sites that accept Kuwaiti players. Some of these sites may be blocked by the government, but others are not. If you want a smooth online gambling experience, using a VPN is a great idea.

Top offshore sites like 888 casino in Kuwait, provide players with the opportunity to enjoy casino games. More and more players from Kuwait are signing up at offshore sites to play a variety of games such as slots, baccarat, blackjack, and bingo. Online payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal have also played a significant role in increasing the number of Kuwaiti casino players.

The debate on whether gambling shouldn’t be restricted in the country has mostly been held behind closed doors, but one politician, Waleed Al-Nasser, aired his different opinion in public. The politician proposed that gambling should be made legal, and his comments left many people shocked. 

However, with many Kuwait players already engaging in online gambling, Al-Nasser’s comments carry weight. All in all, a conversation must be held, and it will either be sooner or later. Most offshore casinos accept Kuwait players and are even trying to penetrate the market gradually. 

One of the biggest challenges they’ll meet is marketing and advertising their sites in the country. Broadcasting or publishing any gambling-related content is illegal in the country and there are stern penalties for those who violate this law. 

With such a tough stand on gambling, is the country missing out on anything? The simple answer is it depends. Other Arab countries like Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, and Tunisia have permitted casinos as a way to attract tourists and give them the full experience while earning some revenue. It might not be that easy to have such a conversation in Kuwait, but with the increasing trend of online casino players, it is only a matter of when. 


Disclaimer:

  • As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
  • Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976  
  • Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
  • Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
  • Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
  • This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.
KuwaitOperational modernization