This very small middle eastern nation is probably best known throughout most of the world for the fact that it was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Located along the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula (and not far from Oman), you would probably expect this Islamic nation to have a pretty hardline stance against gambling in Qatar, and for the most part, you would be right.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t place bets in the country at all. To be sure, even the racing industry here (centered mostly around camels than horses) is designed to operate without taking any (legal) betting, but you don’t have to confine yourself to the physical world. There’s plenty of opportunities to play Qatar at online casinos, even though the local government isn’t delighted about so many sites still operating here.
Unsurprisingly, Qatar takes just as strong a stance when it comes to Internet gaming as they do for activities taking place in the land-based casinos. The national government has even attempted to block many foreign sites from operating within its borders, though these efforts are only partially effective. While some operators have decided to respect the government’s wishes and keep out of the country, others are still actively participating in the market today. This means that many Qatari citizens play real money games on a regular basis.
How does this work? Many operators regard this and similar nations as grey markets, due to the fact that there is absolutely no regulatory terms explicitly forbidding it. That means there are no licensing systems to navigate, and even if the government may not want them around, some companies are willing to ignore this, especially since there isn’t an alternative, regulated system for anyone to operate here.
While not all topflight operators provide online gambling services in online casinos in Qatar, a decent amount still do, enough for there to be a good range of choice for online casino players in Qatar. This choice isn’t only limited to casinos either, with slots and table games both very popular in online casinos. There is a wide range of games available from some high-quality software developers, including:
Evolution Gaming
It is likely to be a while before live dealer table and card games become popular in Qatar however, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options available, and with the incredible Evolution live dealer suite leading the charge, popularity is likely to grow soon.
Microgaming
Microgaming are considered by many to be the absolute best when it comes to creating online slot games. The likes of Immortal Romance and progressive jackpot slots such as Mega Moolah have played a part in ensuring this reputation, and top-quality new releases serve to cement it.
NetEnt
If you’re looking for consistent and reliable, look no further than NetEnt. From old classics like Gonzo’s Quest, progressive jackpots such as Mega Fortune Dreams, and an impressive selection of table games and live dealer options, as well as regular new releases, ensure that NetEnt stays immensely popular at online casinos in Oman and beyond.
Yggdrasil
When you’re talking about game changers, you have to talk about Yggdrasil. The likes of Vikings Go Berzerk and other exciting games with unique gameplay and stunning graphics and animations saw this newcomer to the online casino industry quickly take its place as one of the best, and with spectacular games being released on a regular basis, Yggdrasil doesn’t look keen on giving up that spot.
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, considering the government’s attitude towards gambling, there are numerous options for payments and withdrawals at online casino sites in Qatar.
Credit/Debit Cards
While it is possible to use credit and debit cards for deposits at online casinos, many players choose not to due to concerns about sharing banking information with casinos, and having little anonymity. However, use of this method is still relatively common.
E-wallets and Prepaid Cards
The easiest way to avoid privacy issues, is to use e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill, as well as prepaid cards such as Paysafecard. These are growing rapidly in popularity as a banking option for Qatar online casinos.
Cryptocurrencies
A good number of online casinos in Qatar accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. This is also a frequently used banking option, despite cryptocurrency being banned in the country. As with online casinos, there is no regulation around crypto, so players use this payment method freely.
As with many of its Muslim neighbors in the Middle East, Qatar has very strict laws regarding where and how individuals can gamble within its borders. In this case, that means absolutely no legal gambling at anytime, anywhere in the country.
If you know a little bit about Qatar, the complete prohibition might come as a bit of surprise, particularly because the nation is one that has become very invested in the world of sports especially football and cricket which has also become quite popular here in recent years.
That ban extends to pari-mutuel wagering as well. That might make the exciting races at Al-Shahaniya Racetrack a little less interesting. Typically held between November and February on the racetrack near Doha, professional camel racing has taken place here since 1972, and continues to this day. Even how you watch the races is exciting: rather than sit in a seat, you’ll be able to follow the action closely on an outside track while traveling in an SUV.
While gambling is entirely illegal in this country, there is certainly talk of illegal games that are set up across the country. There have been news reports out of the nation about gangs that have run underground card games, typical in empty houses throughout Doha, with the locations changing on a regular basis to stay under the radar. We wouldn’t exactly recommend seeking these games out, but it is a sign that some locals want to gamble, even if the culture as a whole doesn’t support the activity.
Given the strict anti-gambling stance of the Qatari government, it is definitely worth keeping an eye on any changes. Surprisingly enough though, changes to accessing your favorite Qatar online casinos might not occur because of the government regulations, but rather from operators who decide to clean up their regulatory profile.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for gambling restrictions to loosen in this nation, you’ll likely be waiting a very long time. The cultural and religious opposition to gaming runs deep, and even charitable gaming or similar initiatives are likely a long way off in Qatar, similar to other Muslim nations like Omanor Sudan.
Online gambling law in Qatar is a little not legal, but it’s also not regulated, which means many foreign operators regard it as a grey market and still provide online gambling services in the country, and many players enjoy regular play at Qatar online casino sites. We always recommend to use secure and reputable casinos to be safe.
Since Qatar is what is known as a grey market and without and official jurisdiction without any official regulation attached to online gambling, it is important to keep your safety as a first priority. Safe online gambling is best ensured by playing at one of our recommended online casinos in Qatar, and use a VPN connection when you can.
The best online casinos in Qatar are those which offer a wide range of gaming options from top quality developers, use state of the art technology to ensure player safety, provide regular bonuses, and have excellent customer service. Check out our list of expert recommended online casinos in Qatar, which offer all these perks and more.
Online casino bonuses are available at most online casinos in Qatar. The most popular bonuses and promotions include no deposit bonuses, deposit matches, free spins, and VIP programs. Always Be aware that some casinos do not offer bonuses to players using eWallets such as Neteller and Skrill as a banking option.
There are no land-based casinos in Qatar, at least none that function legally. There is a blanket ban on gambling in the country, meaning not even foreigner online casinos, like those permitted in some other countries that hold the same Islamic faith, exist here. As always, there are underground operations and illegal gambling, but we highly recommend not seeking these out.
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