Online bingo is strictly illegal in Qatar under Islamic law and Articles 274, 275, 276, and 277 of the Qatari Penal Code (QPC) (1). Qatar operates under a legal framework derived from Islamic teachings, which prohibit all forms of gambling activities, including online bingo, as immoral and sinful (1). The law makes no distinction between land-based casinos and online gambling platforms, treating all gambling activities uniformly as criminal offenses (2). Qatar has maintained its zero-tolerance approach to gambling to preserve its cultural and religious traditions without any legal exemptions for digital betting platforms (1).
Under Article 275 of the Qatari Penal Code, individuals caught participating in online bingo face severe penalties including fines of up to 3,000 Qatari riyals and imprisonment for up to three months (2). These penalties can extend to six months imprisonment or fines reaching 6,000 Qatari riyals if the gambling occurred in a public place (2). Organizers of online bingo operations face even harsher penalties, with imprisonment for up to one year and fines up to 5,000 Qatari riyals, plus government seizure of all materials, funds, and equipment used in gambling activities (1). The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Culture and Sports enforce these regulations, coordinating with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology to block offshore gambling websites (1).
"The law states that all forms of gambling are prohibited in Qatar, including casinos, sports betting, and online gambling. It says that any activity which results in winning or losing something is considered gambling, and thus is prohibited in the country."
Residents of Qatar who attempt to access online bingo through offshore platforms operate in direct violation of Qatari law and risk serious legal consequences if detected (1). The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has implemented internet censorship procedures that actively block offshore betting sites within Qatar's jurisdiction (2). While some foreign operators refrain from accepting Qatari players to respect local laws, attempting to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks constitutes criminal activity in Qatar (2). The government also restricts cryptocurrency transactions commonly used for gambling deposits and withdrawals, and prohibits all advertising of gambling products and services within the country to discourage participation (2).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-qatar/
https://legamart.com/quick-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-qatar/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
