Gambling in Saudi Arabia
Gambling is illegal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.[1][2] Punishments for gambling in the country vary from fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets.
Prevalence
[edit]Since gambling is illegal in the Middle East and North African countries, the people from these regions have looked for gambling opportunities within the region and also in the West and the Far East regions.[3]
King Faisal was concerned over the KSA's future king, Fahd's gambling problem. In 1962, some people witnessed Fahd at a hotel in Monte Carlo to have lost a significant amount of money, about £7 million.[4][5] Following this news, Faisal asked Fahd to return to Riyadh. Nevertheless, Fahd continued gambling.[6][4]
In 1990, Sheik Eynani, an adviser to Prince Faisal, lost $12.4 million in just four nights between June 15 - July 15 while gambling at clubs in Cannes and Monte Carlo.[7][8]
In 2001, Saudi police arrested 3 Indians after raiding a gambling club in Riyadh, which was electronically connected to a casino in Taiwan.[9]
In 2018, 16 expatriates hailing from Bangladesh were arrested for gambling inside house in Makkah.[1]
Laws
[edit]Gambling and lottery are illegal in Saudi Arabia.[1] Punishments for gambling in the country vary from fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of assets.[10]
As of 2024, the country has increased the basic fines for every illegal gambling device, used for on-site gambling, ranging from $26,753 to $107,015.[11]
Online gambling
[edit]The KSA uses a high-end blocking mechanism to prevent people from accessing online gambling services. Nevertheless, some people still have access to online gambling. The VPNs are frequently used for this activity.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Toumi, Habib (2015-02-17). "16 arrested for gambling in Makkah". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ Williams, R.J.; Wood, R.T.; Parke, J. (2012). Routledge International Handbook of Internet Gambling. Online access with subscription: Proquest Ebook Central. Routledge. p. 349. ISBN 978-0-415-59443-1. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ Gallaway, Steve; Tottenham, Andrew (2019-07-18). "Gambling in the Muslim World". GGB Magazine. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ a b Hollingsworth, M.; Mitchell, S. (2012). Saudi Babylon: Torture, Corruption and Cover-Up Inside the House of Saud. Mainstream Publishing. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-78057-732-6. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ Unger, C. (2004). House of Bush, House of Saud: The Secret Relationship Between the World's Two Most Powerful Dynasties. Scribner. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7432-6623-9. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ Reed, J. (2009). The Saudi Royal Family. Modern World Leaders Series. Infobase Holdings, Incorporated. p. 69. ISBN 978-1-4381-0476-8. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ Services, Times Wire (1990-08-16). "WORLD : Saudi Gambles Away $16 Million". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ "SAUDI SHEIK LOSES MILLIONS". Buffalo News. 2025-03-06. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ "Long-distance gambling den raided". BBC News. 2001-04-05. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ Kumar, Gulshan (2024-12-11). "What Are the Tax Implications of Online Gambling Winnings in Saudi Arabia?". SDLC Corp.
- ^ Insider, Gambling. "KSA increases penalties for illegal gambling terminals under new policy". Gambling Insider. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ "Explore the Future of Online Gambling in Saudi Arabia". Jedi News. 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2025-03-07.