for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Bahrain is a small, wealthy state in the Persian Gulf where all types of gambling are prohibited by Sharia law. While Bahrain is often viewed as more liberal than its neighbors regarding hospitality and tourism, its stance on gambling remains stringent and deeply rooted in religious doctrine. This article highlights the current state of gambling legislation in Bahrain and the country’s unique relationship with horse racing.
This article was updated on April 10, 2026, to reflect the most recent legislative amendments and regulatory requirements in Bahrain. Because regulations by nature are subject to change, one should consult with local experts for the most current information available pertaining to gambling laws in Bahrain.
The Gambling Law in Bahrain
It is strictly prohibited to gamble in Bahrain. The Bahrain Penal Code (Decree-Law No. 15 of 1976) defines gambling under Article 308 as any game where the outcome depends on luck rather than skill.
The penalties remain a strong deterrent:
Public Gambling: First-time offenders face up to three months in prison or a fine of BD 300.
Repeat Offenders: Penalties increase to one year in prison and a fine of BD 500.
Organizers: Those who manage or provide premises for gambling face a BD 1,000 fine and one year of imprisonment.
This ban encompasses all forms of iGaming. While the use of VPNs to access offshore sites is common, the 2025 amendments to the Cybercrime Law have provided the Ministry of Interior with enhanced tools to monitor and prosecute the use of digital tools for illegal financial activities.
Horse Racing in Bahrain: A Special Problem
While gambling remains banned, Bahrain’s horse racing scene has reached new heights. The Bahrain International Trophy and the Bahrain Turf Series now attract the world’s elite stables. In 2025, the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) completed significant upgrades to its facilities to accommodate growing international tourism.
Despite this global prestige, betting on horse racing remains strictly illegal. While some industry analysts have pointed to the “Dubai model” (where racing is permitted but betting is not) as a permanent fixture, rumors occasionally surface regarding “skill-based” predictors or non-monetary prizes. However, as of April 2026, there is no legal betting allowed at any racecourse in the Kingdom.
A Changing Landscape or Digital Fortification?
Bahrain’s progressive attitude toward tourism—including its status as a regional hub for Formula 1 and international concerts—frequently sparks speculation about a “two-tier” gambling system for non-Muslims.
However, recent legislative focus has actually trended toward fiscal and digital fortification rather than liberalization:
Taxation (2025): Bahrain introduced a 15% Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) for large multinational enterprises in January 2025. While this targets corporate giants, it signals a move toward high-transparency financial monitoring.
FinTech Monitoring: The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has intensified its “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols for digital wallets, making the transfer of funds to offshore gambling platforms significantly more difficult.
Future of Bahrain Gambling
The future of Bahraini gambling is currently being redirected toward Esports and Cloud Gaming. With massive investments from AWS and Tencent, Bahrain is positioning itself as a regional leader in competitive gaming. These activities are strictly non-wagering and focus on skill, allowing the country to tap into the “gaming” market without infringing on Sharia principles.
As of now, Morocco remains the primary example of a Muslim-majority nation with a regulated betting market, but Bahrain has shown no intent to follow suit. The consequences for illegal gambling remain severe, and individuals are strongly advised to adhere to local laws.
Final Thoughts
The gambling landscape of Bahrain is defined by a firm “Haram” status. While the country continues to modernize its economy and tourism sector, it does so within the strict confines of Islamic law. For now, the “thrill” of the race in Bahrain remains purely spectator-based, supported by a government that views the preservation of social and religious values as more vital than the potential tax revenue from regulated betting.
