Brunei’s Legal Stance on Online Gambling
All forms of gambling are illegal in Brunei. The country’s strict laws are rooted in Islamic principles and adherence to Sharia law. Moreover, unlike some countries where gambling isn’t allowed but practices are rather flexible, Brunei enforces the ban through punitive measures. Both online and offline gambling are monitored closely, and punishable by large fines and prison sentences. Some key points regarding the gambling regulations in Brunei include the following:
- The Common Gaming Houses Act, enacted during the British colonial period and still enforced, criminalises most forms of gambling. This includes operating, promoting, and participating in any type of gambling activity within the country.
- As to be expected, the government of Brunei does not issue licences for gambling operators. There are no land-based or locally licensed online casinos that operate within the country.
- The stated law stipulates that “Any person gaming in any public place is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.”
- In March 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs banned claw machines within the country, citing the resemblance of gambling elements.
- Citizens of Brunei use VPNs to access international online casinos. However, it’s important to note that VPN use for access to banned content may be considered illegal and can carry legal risks.