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Gambling in all its forms is illegal in Kuwait under Sharia-based law, covering both land-based and online activities. The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy, which has been reinforced by recent high-profile criminal cases. In September 2025, Kuwaiti authorities dismantled a massive international gambling network that laundered proceeds through legitimate-looking front businesses, including delivery services, beauty salons, and medical clinics.
This article was updated on April 10, 2026, to reflect the most recent legislative amendments and enforcement actions in Kuwait.
Licensing requirements and regulatory authorities
No Licensing System: There is no legal framework or regulatory body for gambling licenses. All proposals to regulate the sector have been rejected by the government.
Enforcement Body: The Ministry of Interior, specifically its Criminal Investigations Department and the Anti-Terrorism and Money Laundering Department, leads enforcement.
Digital Monitoring: The government has increased its technological surveillance of offshore platforms. While residents continue to use VPNs, authorities have intensified crackdowns on individuals selling “virtual tokens” or “credits” specifically intended for use on foreign gambling sites.
Taxation and compliance details
Taxation: As the industry is illegal, there are no tax provisions.
Severe Judicial Precedents (2026): In January 2026, the Kuwaiti Criminal Court issued some of the harshest penalties in the country’s history for gambling-related crimes:
Imprisonment: Nine individuals were sentenced to 7 to 10 years of imprisonment with hard labor for operating an illegal gambling website and laundering funds.
Fines: The court imposed individual fines of KD 1 million (~€3 million).
Corporate Penalties: A company involved in facilitating the transfers was fined KD 1.84 million and permanently barred from conducting any commercial activity in Kuwait.
AML Compliance: Gambling is now strictly prosecuted under Law No. 106 of 2013 (Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing), which allows for the seizure of all assets linked to the activity.
Upcoming changes in legislation
Opposition to Liberalization: While historical figures like Waleed Al-Nasser once suggested legalizing gambling for tourists, these proposals have no current political support. The 2026 legislative focus is entirely on strengthening financial security and social morality.
Regional Contrast: Despite the establishment of the GCGRA in the UAE to regulate commercial gaming, Kuwaiti officials have explicitly stated they do not intend to follow this path, maintaining that such activities contradict the nation’s cultural and religious identity.
Crypto & Virtual Assets: Kuwait maintains an “absolute prohibition” on using cryptocurrencies for any transaction, including gambling. As of 2026, the Central Bank of Kuwait continues to block bank transfers to known virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to prevent capital flight into offshore betting markets.
Need legal consultation on gambling in Kuwait?
Due to the extreme legal risks, including long-term imprisonment and multi-million dinar fines, anyone involved in the gaming sector is urged to consult with specialized firms such as Al-Hossam Legal or ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners, who deal with Kuwaiti criminal and financial law.
