Online bingo is strictly illegal in Oman under the Omani Penal Code and Royal Decree No. 12/2011 on Cyber Crime Law, which explicitly criminalize all forms of internet gambling (1). The law defines gambling as any game where chance prevails over skill, with penalties of 1-3 years imprisonment mandatory plus fines up to 500 Omani Rial, with all money and tools used in gambling subject to full seizure (2). Royal Decree No. 12/2011 additionally criminalizes publishing any information related to gambling on the internet with penalties of 1-3 years imprisonment and fines up to 100 Omani Rial, creating strict enforcement against both operators and promoters.
Players accessing online bingo in Oman face severe criminal penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fines of 3,000 Omani Rial if prosecuted (2). However, enforcement against individual players remains inconsistent compared to targeting operators and facilitators, particularly when players use VPNs to access offshore platforms without leaving digital financial evidence (1). The government blocks access to gambling-related websites and monitors internet activities, though technological limitations and the prevalence of VPN usage create enforcement challenges that allow many Omani residents to participate in online bingo without prosecution.
"The state generally has a more relaxed stance towards online betting. Yes, it's still not legal; but not too much of a surveillance is reportedly in place. So, the online environment is quite welcoming here."
Oman's strict prohibition on online bingo reflects the country's Islamic religious values, where gambling is considered haram (forbidden) in the Quran and viewed as damaging to society (1). The government provides no tax framework, licensing system, or regulatory pathway for legitimate online gambling operators, treating all such activity as criminal (2). Until Oman potentially reverses its position—unlikely given strong religious and cultural opposition—online bingo remains completely illegal with criminal penalties comparable to serious offenses, despite many Omani residents accessing offshore platforms through technological means to circumvent restrictions.
Source:
https://arabianbetting.com/en/country/gambling-in-oman/
https://www.bookmakers.bet/betting-sites/oman/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
