Sportsbetting in Kuwait

Betting on sports and any other form of gambling is illegal in Kuwait. The country’s legal code is based on Sharia laws and as such gambling is strictly forbidden. Kuwait has no licensed online betting sites nor land-based betting shops.

However, Kuwait’s sports bettors have a myriad of options when it comes to international betting sites. Many of these sites are regulated and licensed by household names in the igaming industry and accept players from Kuwait. Additionally, the sites offer mobile betting services allowing Kuwaitis to gamble at the comfort of their home at any time.

Best bookmakers in Kuwait

The legality of off-shore sites

Kuwait has no mandate to prosecute sites registered and regulated in foreign countries. Additionally, the country can’t limit who should be accepted at these sites. Thus, there are several betting sites that accept bettors from Kuwait. The country’s law against gambling primarily applies to land-based bookies. Nonetheless, the country usually blocks some betting sites but luckily there are some that still operate in the country.

How to bet safely on sports in Kuwait

As mentioned, sports betting in Kuwait is not legal. Therefore, those who are caught engaging is betting are penalized according to the laws. In most cases, operators face the heavy fines and possibly three months in prison.

To be safe, sports bettors in Kuwait have an alternative to pursue betting privately at licensed offshore sites. Here is a guide on how, players can safely pursue betting in Kuwait.

Avoid land-based betting shops

The government is keen on imposing the sports betting ban. Land-based betting shops expose you to the danger of colliding with enforcement officers. As a sports bettor, any land-based betting shop is not a good betting avenue.

Counter-check a betting site’s credibility

Before settling on a betting site, check out its credibility and reputation. This can be easily done by reading online reviews. Also, check whether the site has been licensed by a credible regulator.

Bet online using a VPN

Virtual Private Networks help bettors maintain anonymity online by encrypting their connection and hiding their IP addresses. Kuwait has no laws prohibiting the use of VPNs, making them a good option while accessing online betting sites.

Choose discreet payment methods

When funding or withdrawing money from your sports betting site, choose anonymous payment options. A betting site may have different payment options, but transactions may be declined due the laws of Kuwait.

For instance, local banks may decline credit cards transactions and bank wire transfers. E-wallets and cryptocurrencies are examples of payment methods you can opt for.

Consider sites that have Arabic as a language option

Apart from safety, ease of use is also a factor you should consider when betting online. As a Kuwaiti punter, a site with Arabic as a language option will enable easier navigation of the site and communication with customer care.

How to identify the best betting sites in Kuwait

Since Kuwait has no regulatory body to ensure sports bettors are protected, players have been left vulnerable. Here is a guide to use while choosing your ideal sports betting site.

Licensed and regulated

The igaming industry has credible regulators based in different countries. These include but are not limited to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curacao eGaming, and United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Sports betting sites regulated and licensed by these bodies often follow stringent measures to ensure player and fund protection.

Diverse sports to bet on

When it comes to sports betting, the more the merrier. Your ideal sports betting site should offer a wide range of sports to bet on. These should include the most popular sports, such as football and basketball, to the least popular types such as darts, camel racing and cycling.

Arabic customer support

English is a compulsory language taught in most schools in Kuwait. However, customer support in Arabic is ideal as it caters for every Kuwaiti. The customer support should also offer knowledgeable and timely responses.

A range of bonuses and promotions

Bonuses have become common in most online sportsbooks. Today, sites have a vast range of bonuses, including welcome bonuses, free bets, deposit bonuses, and cashback offers. Choose a sports betting site that offers a good deal of bonuses. The terms and conditions should also be reasonable and achievable.

Popular sports and teams to wager on in Kuwait

There are several sports in Kuwait that have gained popularity. These provide several betting opportunities and bet types for bettors. Here are examples of popular sports to wager on.

Football

This is one of the most popular sports in the country. Kuwait has several teams and clubs for men, women, and futsal football. Kuwait’s football season includes several matches in the Amir cup and Crown Prince Cup. Moreover, Kuwaiti’s sports bettors can wager on international tournaments, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and many more.

Basketball

Despite the growing popularity of the Kuwait National Basketball team, basketball remains a popular betting option and beloved sport. Other teams include Al Arabi and Al Nasar. Apart from these, NBA teams are also an alternative to bet on.

Cricket

There has been a recent explosion in the number of cricket lovers in the country. The Kuwait National Cricket team is an associate member of the International Cricket Council. However, most betting opportunities come up during the Indian Premier League.

Other popular sporting options include;

• Handball
• Aqua bike
• Hockey
• Rugby

Payment options at Kuwait’s sports betting sites

Discretion is paramount when choosing a payment option. Ideally, transactions to any betting sites should not be reflected on your bank statements. As such, e-wallets are the most ideal payment method. Registration is easy and they accept the Kuwaiti dinar. E-wallet methods include Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal.

Alternatively, join a crypto betting site and place your wagers using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and many more. Cryptos guarantee punters with anonymity at sports betting sites.

Are Kuwait casinos legal?

Like sports betting sites, kuwait casino is also not regulated in the country. The ban is strictly on any gambling activity whether on sports or casino games. Kuwait has no licensed online casino, national lottery or land-based casinos.