Sports betting is expressly prohibited in Qatar, reflecting the state’s adherence to Islamic Sharia principles that forbid all forms of gambling. Both in-person and online sports wagering activities are deemed unlawful under the national penal code (1).
Under Article 275 of Law No. 11 of 2004, anyone who gambles faces imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine not exceeding QR 3,000. If the activity occurs openly or in a public place, penalties can increase to six months’ imprisonment or fines up to QR 6,000 (1).
"Gambling is any game in which the probability of gain and loss depends on the luck and not on controlled factors and each party agrees to give the amount of money, in case of loss, to the winning party."
Enforcement is rigorous: authorities regularly monitor venues and internet traffic to clamp down on unauthorized betting. Per Article 276, organizing or operating a gambling establishment can lead to up to one year in prison and fines up to QR 5,000 (2).
As a result, no licensed sportsbooks operate within Qatar, and residents who wager—whether domestically or via offshore platforms—risk prosecution under the same statutes (2).
Source:
https://www.almeezan.qa/LawArticles.aspx?LawArticleID=867&LawID=26&language=en
https://www.qfcra.com/en-us/AML%20Law%20and%20Legislation/Law%20No.%20%2811%29%20of%202004%20%28Penal%20Code%20of%20Qatar%29.pdf
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
