Online casinos are completely illegal in Qatar, where both traditional and online gambling activities are prohibited under the country's strict Islamic legal framework. Qatar does not have any lawfully recognized poker rooms, casinos, lottery rooms, or betting shops, and the government actively works to curb the proliferation of unregulated gambling markets (2). The country's legal system, which is based partially on Islamic law and Sharia principles, considers gambling a prohibited activity that contradicts religious teachings and moral values.
The Qatari Penal Code specifically addresses gambling activities under Articles 274, 275, 276, and 277, defining gambling as any game where participants can experience gain or loss based on luck rather than controlled factors. Under Article 275, individuals found guilty of gambling face imprisonment of up to three months and fines of no more than 3,000 Qatari Riyals, with penalties doubling to six months imprisonment and 6,000 QAR fines if gambling occurs in public places (2). The government does not distinguish between skill-based activities and games of pure chance, prohibiting any activity that resembles gambling.
"Penalties for anyone violating the law can be fines up to QAR6,000 based on the offense. Anyone connected to the practice of illegal gambling can face three months in prison."
Despite the comprehensive legal prohibition, some Qatari residents access offshore gambling sites using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), though this practice carries legal risks as accessing prohibited materials through VPNs is classified as criminal activity under Qatari law. The government has implemented various measures to prevent online gambling, including blocking offshore betting sites through internet censorship procedures and prohibiting cryptocurrency transactions related to gambling activities (2). While enforcement against individual players gambling from home is limited, the Qatar government maintains its strict stance against all forms of gambling, with the only legal exception being the Qatar Airways duty-free raffle system introduced in 2006 for airline passengers.
Source:
https://online.worldcasinodirectory.com/qatar
https://legamart.com/articles/quick-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-qatar/
Last updated: 20-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
