A Guide to the Legal Gambling Age by Asian Countries

Legal gambling age by Asian countries 

All in all, there’s no denying that Asia is one of the best gambling destinations in the world. Here, players have the chance to play at the largest casinos in the world. 

Or better yet, players can enjoy a unique gaming experience in Asia as it is home to some of the most exotic casino destinations. Additionally, players can try their luck on the biggest lotteries in Asia. 

In addition to the lotteries, players can win big on casino games from baccarat and poker, online on top sites Bet365 Casino. However, it is also important to note that there are various minimum gambling ages in Asia. 

They vary from country to country and also depend on the type of gambling. In this case, we’ve made a guide on the legal gambling age by Asian countries.

Minimum gambling age in Asia 

Overall, the gambling laws across Asian countries vary, as we will later explore. For instance, in some regions, all forms of gambling are illegal for both locals and tourists. This is common in most Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Syria, and Qatar, and more. 

Whether at land-based casinos on online on the sites to win the jackpot. On the other hand, gambling is legal in some regions such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan. Here, players can take advantage of the best jackpot offers offline or online on sites like Bet365 Casino. 

Generally, the minimum gambling age in most Asian countries is between 18 and 21. Now, let’s take a closer look at each legal gambling age by Asian country: 

Afghanistan

To begin with, Afghanistan is among the countries in the world with the strictest gambling laws. According to our guide on the legal gambling age by Asian countries, all forms of gambling in Afghanistan are illegal. However, some foreign online casinos to win the jackpot still accept players from Afganistan. 

In this case, players in Afghanistan still have the chance to study the jackpot winning tips and tricks to win big on foreign online casinos. Generally, the age limit on these sites is between 18 to 21 years. 

All forms of gambling are completely forbidden in Afghanistan so there is no legal age limit. You’re not supposed to gamble here ever, regardless of your age. However, some foreign online casinos still accept Afghan players and on these sites, the age limit is usually 18 and sometimes 21.

Armenia 

The minimum gambling age in Armenia is 21 years. According to the guide on legal gambling age by Asian countries, this age limit applies to all forms of gambling. These include casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. However, this law is relatively new. 

Before 2018, players between 18 and 21 could bet on sports and play the lottery, but they could not enter casinos. 

Azerbaijan

To be able to gamble in Azerbaijan, you have to be older than 18. Before, the gambling laws here were strict according to our guide on legal age by Asian countries. However, in 2001, Azerbaijan loosened its anti-gambling laws. Since then, players can legally bet on sports. 

Bahrain

Previously in our guide on legal gamble age by Asian countries, we mentioned that in most Islamic countries, all forms of gambling are illegal. One of these countries is Bahrain. So, players can not participate any in form of gambling, whether offline or on online jackpot sites. 

However, some foreign casinos and betting sites accept players from Bahrain. In this case, players will have to be at least 18 years old to play.

Bangladesh 

Generally, there is a ban on all forms of gambling except for betting of horse racing according to our guide on legal gambling age by Asian countries. At this time, there are no land-based casinos in Bangladesh. 

However, players from Bangladesh can still play on some foreign betting sites as long as they 18 years or older. 

Bhutan 

There are also strict laws prohibiting players to play in almost of forms of gambling in Bhutan. However, according to our guide on the legal gambling age by Asian countries, in Bhuta it is legal to play the lottery. 

Also, players from Bhutan have the chance to play on foreign betting sites. 

Brunei 

Similar to most Islamic countries in our guide on the legal gambling age by Asian countries, all forms of gambling in Brunei are illegal. As a matter of fact, players can spend six months in prison if they break this gambling law. 

What’s more, you can face up to one year in prison, if you own and operate any gaming houses. 

Cambodia 

The gambling laws and restrictions in Cambodia are quite complex. According to our guide on the legal gambling age by Asian countries, it is illegal for all locals to gamble. However, tourists can legally gamble in Cambodia’s casinos as long as they are over the age of 18 years. 

China

Next, China is another country where gambling is against the law. So, players from China often travel to Macau to gamble. All in all, Macau is known as the gambling hub of Asia. Here, players have access to the top casinos with a variety of games, slots. 

The minimum age to gamble in Macau is 21. However, China does not consider the lottery to be a form of gambling. For that reason, it is legal to play the lottery in China. 

According to the gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to play the lottery in China is 18. Lastly, some online casinos and betting sites accept players from China. Generally, the minimum age to play on foreign sites is 18.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, only a few forms of gambling are legal. First, players here can play Mahjong, bet on horse races and football games, and play the lottery. The state has granted the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) monopoly on gambling involving horse races, football matches, and the lottery. 

It is illegal for players to make bets outside of the HKJC approved channels. Presently, players who break this law can receive a minimum of 3 months imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Cyprus 

Most forms of gambling in Cyprus are legal. These include slots, table games such as roulette and blackjack, and sports betting. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to play these games is 18. 

Surprisingly, in Cyprus, it is illegal to play the lottery or poker.  

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Egypt

Another Islamic country with strict gambling laws and restrictions is Egypt. It is illegal to play most forms of gambling in Egypt. However, it is legal to try your luck on the national lottery. Surprisingly, Egypt has casinos. 

There is, however, one catch. At this time, the Egyptian state prohibits locals to play in casinos. On the other hand, the state permits foreigners to play in Egypt’s casinos if they present their passports. 

According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to play in land-based casinos is 18 years.

Georgia 

In Georgia, it is legal to gamble. What’s more, gambling plays an important role in the country’s economy. So, the state tightly regulates, gaming houses and all forms of gaming, both offline or online, on the best jackpot sites. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to gamble in Georgia is 18.

India 

Similar to the legal gambling age in the USA, the gambling restrictions in India vary from state to state. All in all, several states permit casinos, lotteries, and horse race betting. The minimum age to gamble in India is 18, according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries. 

Firstly, it is legal to play the lottery in some Indian states. These are Goa, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Punjab, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Sikkim. 

Furthermore, players in Goa, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Daman can legally play on online gambling sites like Bet365 Casino and at land-based casinos. In Sikkim and Nagaland, E-gaming is legal. However, in Maharashtra, all forms of gambling are illegal. 

Indonesia

All in all, all types of gambling here are illegal. So, according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, there is no minimum gambling age in place. However, some foreign betting sites like Bet365 Casinos accept players from Indonesia if they are 18 years or older. 

Iran

Since Iran operates under Sharia law, all forms of gambling are illegal. What’s more, according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, breaking the gambling law can land you in jail for six months.  

Israel 

Here, not all forms of gambling are legal. At this time, it is only legal to play the lottery and bet on sports. Lastly, the minimum age to gamble in Israel is 18 according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries. 

Japan 

The gambling restrictions in Japan are strict. All in all, most forms of gambling including, casino gambling in Japan are illegal. However, the Yakuza still operates illegal brick-and-mortar casinos throughout the country. Presently, it is legal to bet on motorcycle racing, powerboat racing, horse racing, and bicycle racing. 

What’s more, players in Japan can also play pachinko, a fun pinball-like game. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, players have to be 20 years old and over to gamble in Japan. There is, however, one exception. You only need to be 18 to play pachinko. 

Kazakhstan 

At this time, it is legal to gamble in Kazakhstan. Since 2007, the state has made land-based gambling legal in Kazakhstan. So players here can play everything from baccarat to Caribbean stud poker. 

According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to gamble in Kazakhstan is 18. 

Kuwait

Here, all forms of gambling are illegal. So players have do not have access to casinos offline and online and other types of gaming. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, these restrictions also apply to foreigners.

Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, all forms of gambling are illegal for its citizens. However, foreigners can gamble and play in the country’s casinos. To legally gamble, foreigners must be a minimum of 18 years old according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries. 

Laos

Here, gambling is legal in special zones. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to gamble in Laos is 18. 

Lebanon

All in all, it is legal to gamble in Lebanon. However, players can only gamble legally in two gambling facilities: Casino du Liban and Hippodrome Du Parc De Beyrouth. Here, you can play various casino games or bet on horse races. 

According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to gamble is 21. 

Malaysia 

According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, it is illegal to gamble in Malaysia. What’s more, you can face up to six months in jail if you break any of the country’s gambling laws. 

Maldives 

Here, all forms of gambling are illegal. So, there is no applicable age limit here. 

Mongolia 

All in all, the gambling restrictions and laws here are lax. So, according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, there is no gambling age limit here. 

Myanmar 

Since 2019, some forms of gambling are legal. However, only to foreigners. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to enter casinos in Myanmar is 18. 

Nepal 

Here, gambling is legal for foreigners only. Generally, for foreigners to gamble here, they have to be 21 years old according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries. 

North Korea 

All in all, gambling at casinos is legal. However, only for foreigners

Oman 

At this time, all forms of gambling in Oman are illegal. This includes games of skill or chance. 

Pakistan 

Generally, all forms of gambling are illegal here. However, players can still wager on horse races. What’s more, some foreign online casino sites accept players from Pakistan. In this case, players have to be a minimum of 18 years old according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries. 

Palestine 

Here, all forms of gambling are illegal. All in all, the gambling restrictions here come from Islamic law. 

Philipines 

According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, there are two minimum age restrictions in the Philippines. First, players have to be 21 to enter casinos. Meanwhile, you have to be at least 18 to play other forms of gambling like lotteries. 

Qatar 

Also, Qatar is another Islamic country where all forms of gambling are illegal. However, some foreign betting sites accept players from Qatar. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age limit is 18 years. 

Russia 

At this time, land-based gambling is only legal in four zones in Russia. In these zones, you can play slots and other casino games. To play, you have to be at least 18 years old according to the legal gambling age by Asian countries. 

Saudi Arabia 

Here, all forms of gambling here are illegal. All in all, these restrictions come from the Islam religion and apply to both locals and foreigners. 

South Korea 

All in all, South Korea has a unique set of gambling laws. The state permits locals to gamble through ToTo sites, lotteries, horse racing, cycle racing, and boat racing. However, it is illegal for Korean citizens to gamble in any of the country’s 23 land-based casinos. 

On the other hand, it is legal for foreigners to play in the country’s land-based casinos. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum gambling age for foreigners is 19 years. 

Sri Lanka 

It is legal to gamble in Sri Lanka, and the state regulates all forms of gambling. All in all, the legal gambling age by Asian countries in Sri Lanka. Some casino requires players to be at least 21. Meanwhile, in some casinos, players must be at least 21 years old. 

Syria 

Here, all forms of gambling are illegal. This is because of the country’s Islamic law. 

Taiwan

In Taiwan, almost all forms of gambling are illegal. Except for the national lottery. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to gamble in Taiwan is 21.

Tajikstan 

At this time, all forms of gambling in Tajikstan are illegal. However, some foreign online casino sites accept players from Tajikstan. To play, they must be at least 18 years old. 

Thailand

Only two forms of gambling are legal in Thailand. These are the state-run lottery and betting on horses. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, players must be at least 20 to play the lottery. 

Timor-Leste 

Presently, all forms of gambling are illegal in Timor-Leste. This is partly due to the country’s Roman Catholic religion. 

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Turkey 

Since 2017, almost all forms of gambling are illegal. For example, gambling at land-based casinos. However, both locals and foreigners can bet on horse races, play on the state-sponsored sports betting and lottery. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum gambling age in Turkey is 18. 

United Arab Emirates

Also, the United Arab Emirates is another Islamic country where all forms of gambling are illegal. Here, the state prohibits all forms of gambling, from games of skill to games of pure luck. 

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, all forms of gambling except the lottery are illegal. Here, players have the chance to try their luck on the lottery online on the sites to win the jackpot.

Vietnam   

All in all, gambling in Vietnam is illegal for locals. However, foreigners can play at the country’s land-based casinos. According to the legal gambling age by Asian countries, the minimum age to gamble in Vietnam is 21.  

Yemen

Lastly, Yemen is another country where gambling is illegal. What’s more, the state also blocks many of the foreign online betting sites. 

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