Gambling and online casinos in Brunei

Brunei is one of the most conservative and religious states in Southeast Asia, where gambling is completely banned.

The monarchy under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah relies on Islamic law (Sharia) and any form of betting, casinos, lotteries or online gambling is considered a sin and a criminal offence.

The country has neither land casinos, nor state lotteries, nor licenses for online gambling.

Nevertheless, despite strict religious and legal prohibitions, some Bruneians play illegally - through foreign online platforms and cryptocurrency sites.

---

Legislative framework

Gambling in Brunei is prohibited by both secular and religious law.

The basic laws are:

1. Common Gaming Houses Act (Chapter 28, 1953) - prohibits the organization and participation in any gambling.

2. Penal Code (Amendment) Order (2013) - increased criminal liability for participation in betting and gambling.

3. Sharia Penal Code Order (2014) - established punishments under Islamic law, including corporal punishment.

4. Public Entertainment Act (2000) - prohibits any entertainment that can "incite gambling."

Key points:

• any gambling, including online betting, is a crime;
• not only casinos are banned, but also lotteries, bingo, sports betting, sweepstakes and sweepstakes;
• fine up to BND 200,000 (~ $150,000) or imprisonment up to 7 years;
• on sharia, caning or religious punishment for "sinful behavior" is possible;
• gambling advertising and promotion are also criminalized.

---

The role of sharia

In 2014, Brunei became the first state in Southeast Asia to fully implement the Sharia Penal Code.

Gambling is classified as "maisir" - that is, actions that contradict the will of Allah and encourage greed.

Principle of Islamic law:

Thus, in Brunei, even entertainment forms of gambling, such as charity lotteries or online games with virtual bets, are considered unacceptable.

---

Online gambling

Online gambling, like offline, is completely prohibited.

The Sharia Penal Code Order (2014) explicitly covers "digital and electronic forms of gambling."

Real situation:

• the government is actively blocking online casino and bookmaker sites;
• monitored by the Ministry of Communications and the Cybersecurity Agency (BruCERT);
• players caught using offshore platforms face arrest and fines;
• government providers filter VPNs and cryptosites.

Despite this, some citizens use foreign sites (1xBet, W88, Stake, Bet365) via VPN.

Cryptocurrency casinos are especially popular, where anonymity protects against control.

---

Control and control of violations

The responsible authorities for the fight against gambling are:

• Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) - investigates gambling offences;
• Syariah Enforcement Division (SED) - applies punishments within the framework of Sharia;
• Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) - conducts religious education and addiction prevention;
• BruCERT (Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team) - monitors Internet activity and blocks prohibited sites.

Punishments include:

• prison terms of up to 7 years;
• fines up to BND 200,000;
• confiscation of property;
• religious punishment (caning or compulsory worship).

In 2023, more than 300 cases related to online gambling were recorded - mainly against members of Telegram groups and operators of illegal bets.

---

Economic context

Brunei is the richest country in the region, with an economy based on oil and gas rather than entertainment or tourism.

Revenues from natural resources fully cover the needs of the budget, so the state has no economic need to develop a gambling business.

According to Brunei Darussalam Statistics (2024):

• 98% of GDP is provided by the oil and gas industry;
• less than 0.1% comes from "entertainment and leisure";
• tourism and casinos are not part of Vision Brunei 2035's development strategy.

---

Cultural and social aspect

Brunei is a strictly Islamic country, where religious life is closely intertwined with public administration.

Gambling is perceived as a social evil that undermines discipline, morality and religious values.

Instead of casinos and lotteries, the state promotes:

• family and cultural forms of leisure;
• non-betting sporting events;
• charity events without cash winnings.

Religious leaders regularly remind that gambling is "the way to spiritual weakness and family destruction."

---

Shadow sector

Despite the tough bans, underground betting and online gambling still exist.

Players use:

• offshore sites licensed by Curaçao, the Philippines and Malta;
• cryptocurrency wallets (USDT, TRX, BTC) for anonymous deposits;
• Telegram and Discord for communication and betting.

Nevertheless, the volume of the shadow market is small and amounts to less than $30 million per year, which is significantly less than in neighboring countries.

---

Prospects

Brunei does not plan any legalisation or liberalisation of gambling.

Vision Brunei 2035's strategy focuses on:

• religious education;
• digital ethics;
• strengthening Internet control and content filtering.

From 2025, it is planned to introduce AI-monitoring of online activity in order to track users making transactions to offshore casinos.

---

Brunei is one of the cleanest countries in the world from gambling, where law and faith completely exclude the possibility of legal gambling.

There is no casino, no lotteries, no bets, and participation in them is punishable not only by law, but also by religious measures.