All forms of gambling, including sports betting, are explicitly prohibited under Bahraini law. The Bahrain Penal Code criminalizes the operation, facilitation, or participation in gambling activities, prescribing penalties such as fines and incarceration for offenders (1).
There are no licensed sportsbooks or betting operators in Bahrain. Both land-based and online wagering services are banned in accordance with Islamic Sharia principles adopted by the Kingdom, and authorities actively enforce these prohibitions through regulatory and security agencies (1).
"Online gambling is illegal in Bahrain, and access to foreign betting websites is blocked at the ISP level. Any attempt to circumvent these restrictions through VPNs remains prohibited and may expose individuals to criminal penalties under Bahraini law" (2)
Attempts to offer sports betting within Bahrain—whether via private clubs, informal bookmaking, or digital platforms—are met with site-blocking measures and investigations by law enforcement. Violators risk prosecution under the same articles of the Penal Code that govern broader gambling offenses (1)(2).
Source:
https://legalaffairs.gov.bh/FullEn/K2305.docx
https://lcb.org/restrictions/bahrain
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
