Is online gambling legal in Qatar?

Legal overview

Qatar prohibits gambling through its Penal Code, issued by Law No. 11 of 2004. The relevant provisions sit in the chapter on drunkenness, gambling and begging (Articles 270 to 278). Article 274 defines a game of gambling as any game in which the chance of winning or losing depends on luck rather than on factors a player can identify and control, and in which the parties agree that the loser pays the winner money or another benefit. The definition is not limited to physical venues, and no law creates a licence for any form of gambling, so there is no lawful operator of online casino games, sports betting, poker or lotteries.

Under Article 275, playing a game of gambling is punishable by imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000. The maximum doubles to six months and QAR 6,000 when the offence takes place in a public place, a place open to the public, or premises prepared for gambling. Article 276 punishes anyone who prepares, opens or runs a gambling place, or organises gambling in such places, with up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to QAR 5,000. Article 277 requires the court to confiscate money, materials and tools used in or obtained from the offence and to close the premises.

Because Qatar issues no gambling licences and does not recognise foreign ones, offshore online casinos have no legal standing for people in Qatar. Players have no regulator to turn to, and money staked or won can be confiscated if a case reaches court.