All forms of gambling, including online gambling, are strictly prohibited in Kuwait under national law.
The prohibition is based on Islamic Sharia law, which is a core foundation of Kuwait’s legal system.
The Kuwaiti Penal Code criminalizes participation in any gambling activities, imposing fines and possible imprisonment.
There are no legal casinos, betting shops, or licensed gambling operators permitted to operate in Kuwait.
Online gambling platforms are actively blocked by the government, and accessing them is illegal.
No licensing framework exists for gambling or betting activities, making all such operations unlawful.
Sports entities and clubs are explicitly forbidden from engaging in any betting or gambling-related activities.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
Gambling in Kuwait is governed primarily by the Kuwaiti Penal Code, which explicitly prohibits all forms of gambling. This prohibition is rooted in the principles of Islamic Sharia law, which forms the basis for much of Kuwait's legislative framework. The Penal Code criminalizes any act of gambling, including both land-based and online activities, and imposes strict penalties for violations. There are no specific laws or statutes that provide for the regulation or licensing of gambling activities, as the legislative approach is one of outright prohibition.
Regulatory Authority
There is no dedicated regulatory authority overseeing gambling in Kuwait. Enforcement of gambling prohibitions falls under the general responsibilities of the Kuwaiti law enforcement agencies and judicial system. These bodies are tasked with upholding the Penal Code and ensuring compliance with the country's strict anti-gambling laws.
Enforcement of gambling prohibitions under the Penal Code
Oversight of compliance with Sharia-based legal principles regarding gambling
License Types
Gambling Licensing System in Kuwait
Kuwait does not have a gambling licensing system. All forms of gambling, including land-based and online activities, are strictly prohibited under Kuwaiti law. This prohibition is rooted in Islamic Sharia law and is enforced by the Kuwaiti Penal Code. As a result, there are no legal frameworks, licensing authorities, or procedures for obtaining gambling licenses in Kuwait.
Types of Licenses Available
No licenses are available for any type of gambling activity in Kuwait.
This includes casinos, sports betting, lotteries, online gambling, and any other forms of gaming for money or value.
Application Process
There is no application process for gambling licenses in Kuwait, as the operation of any gambling business is illegal.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
There are no duration, renewal, or eligibility provisions for gambling licenses, since such licenses do not exist in Kuwait.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
No licensing costs, fees, or financial requirements are established, as gambling licenses are not issued in Kuwait.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses
There are no requirements for obtaining or maintaining gambling licenses, as all gambling activities are prohibited and unlicensed.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Kuwait
There are no tax rates applicable to gambling operators in Kuwait.
Basis for Taxation
No taxation basis exists for gambling activities, as all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited under Kuwaiti law.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
There are no tax reporting or payment procedures for gambling operators, since operating any gambling business is illegal in Kuwait.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, or Special Provisions
No tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions are available for gambling operators, as gambling activities are not permitted in Kuwait.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
There are no legal gambling activities permitted in Kuwait; therefore, there is no established minimum age for gambling participation. Since all forms of gambling are prohibited, there are no official identification or age verification requirements for entry into gambling venues or participation in gambling activities.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
All forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in Kuwait, including casino games, sports betting, poker, lotteries, and any other games of chance or wagering activities.
There are no legal land-based or online gambling venues operating within the country.
Online gambling is also explicitly banned, and the government actively blocks access to gambling websites.
Operating or participating in any gambling activity, whether in person or online, is subject to severe legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The sale or distribution of virtual currencies or credits for online gambling purposes is also illegal, and authorities have taken action against individuals involved in such activities.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising or promoting any form of gambling, including online gambling platforms, is strictly forbidden in Kuwait.
There are no legal gambling operators in the country, so no gambling-related marketing is permitted in any media, including print, broadcast, or digital channels.
Attempting to market or advertise offshore gambling services to residents of Kuwait is also considered illegal and may result in prosecution.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Because all gambling is illegal, there are no official responsible gambling measures or player protection requirements in place.
No legal framework exists for self-exclusion, deposit limits, or support services for problem gambling within Kuwait.
The government’s approach is to prohibit gambling entirely as a means of protecting citizens from gambling-related harm.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
There are no licensed gambling venues or designated gambling zones anywhere in Kuwait.
Any attempt to establish a physical location for gambling, such as a casino or betting shop, is illegal and subject to strict enforcement.
The prohibition applies nationwide, with no exceptions for specific regions, tourist areas, or special economic zones.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1960s
Initial adoption of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, which included provisions criminalizing all forms of gambling in accordance with Islamic Sharia law.
1970s-1980s
Enforcement of strict anti-gambling laws continues; no legal gambling establishments permitted.
1990s
Government reiterates its stance against gambling, reinforcing penalties for violations under the Penal Code.
2000s
Emergence of online gambling globally leads Kuwait to begin actively blocking access to gambling websites.
2010s
Increased monitoring and prosecution of illegal gambling activities, including efforts to curb online betting through technological measures.
2020s
Continued strict prohibition of all forms of gambling, both land-based and online; government maintains active enforcement and blocks access to gambling platforms.
Requirements
Technical and Operational Requirements for Gambling Operators in Kuwait
Currently, all forms of gambling, including online gambling, are strictly prohibited in Kuwait. This prohibition is comprehensive and enforced under the Kuwaiti Penal Code, which aligns with Islamic Sharia law. As a result, there are no legal gambling operators, and no regulatory framework exists for the technical or operational requirements of gambling businesses in Kuwait.
Software Certification and Technical Standards
There are no official software certification or technical standards for gambling operators, as all gambling activities are illegal and unregulated.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements
No data protection or privacy requirements specific to gambling operators exist, since such operations are not permitted.
There are no regulations regarding the location of servers for gambling operations, as these businesses are not allowed to operate lawfully.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
No AML or KYC procedures are mandated for gambling operators, as the activity is entirely illegal.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
There are no financial reporting, auditing, or record-keeping requirements for gambling operators in Kuwait, due to the absence of legal gambling operations.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
No technical requirements or standards for responsible gambling tools are established, as gambling is not permitted under Kuwaiti law.
In summary, Kuwait does not allow any form of gambling, and there are no technical or operational requirements for gambling operators. Any attempt to operate such a business would be subject to severe legal penalties.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
