Best online casinos in Saudi Arabia 2024

History of casino gambling in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim state. In the 1960s, Saudi Arabia enacted the first laws that outlawed gambling in its entirety. Since then, gambling conditions have stayed the same and will likely remain so even now.

It is notable to state that specific campaigns have been pushed to make casino gambling legal in Saudi Arabia; however, there has been little progress in this aspect. For Saudi Arabia residents who love gambling, there are relatively liberal laws that allow for some form of legal gambling to take place in the country.

Horse racing is one game in particular that has transcended time and periods. It is a popular type of legal gambling that is available even in Saudi Arabia. It takes place on two tracks near Riyadh.

Playing at online casinos has recently become a favorite pastime for Saudi Arabian residents. Because these online websites do not have a land-based venue in Saudi Arabia, it is difficult for the government to regulate their activities. Still, the Saudi Arabian government has required its citizens by law to abstain from playing online casinos, stating that it is illegal and punishable by law.

How are online casinos regulated in Saudi Arabia?

Gambling in all forms is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Because of this, no regulations or regulatory bodies govern the operations. The law further states that engaging in gambling activities is a punishable offense under the law. So, it is impossible to get real money in casinos in Saudi Arabia. However, players in Saudi Arabia still access these online sites with VPNs.

Main provisions of gambling regulations in Saudi Arabia

Since gambling is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, there are no regulations and no provision for regulations. The government has put in place stringent safeguards to stop citizens from accessing internet gambling sites and from partaking in any kind of gaming. Among these efforts include internet restriction and financial transaction monitoring on gambling.

Nevertheless, some locals can still access offshore online gaming sites using VPNs and other tools. It's crucial to keep in mind that Saudi Arabian citizens who gamble online, even on international websites, may face legal repercussions.

Gambling taxes in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government has set laws against gambling in the country. So there are no taxes. Nevertheless, citizens who are caught breaking the law will have to pay fines and face other punishments.

Top 5 best online casinos in Saudi Arabia

The popularity of online casinos in Saudi Arabia is increasing, driven by the excitement they offer and the enticing bonuses and promotions available to players. Here is a compilation of the top online casinos in Saudi Arabia that you can explore.

#1 1xBet

1xbet welcomes new players with 150 free spins and a welcome bonus of up to 8,000 SAR spread over the first four deposits. There is a 35x wagering requirement on the bonus.

#2 Megapari

Megapari has significantly influenced Saudi Arabia's online gaming market. The bonus has to be wagered 35 times and needs to be spent within seven days of signing up.

#3 Starda

Starda Casino offers new players who make a minimum deposit of 40 SAR a 100% deposit bonus of up to 2,300 SAR plus 500 free spins. The bonus has a 40x wagering limit.

#4 22Bet

22Bet offers new players a 100% matching deposit bonus of up to 500 SAR. There is a 50x wagering requirement on the bonuses.

#5 20Bet

Saudi Arabia players can play at 20Bet, an easy-to-use online casino, and get up to 900 SAR and 120 bonus spins.

The best casinos in Saudi Arabia: Comparison

In general, players can expect to find great bonuses and promotions in Saudi Arabia's casinos. We looked at these casinos using several essential criteria.

The most popular casino games in Saudi Arabia

1. Slots: Slots are the most popular casino game in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. One primary reason is that slots are easy and fun to play. Some popular slot games are Mega Moolah, Gonzo’s Quest, and Thunderstruck.
2. Roulette: Like slots, roulette games are also simple to play and require little to no previous experience. American roulette, 3d roulette, and Mini roulette are popular roulette games.
3. Blackjack: Blackjack is easily one of the oldest casino games around. It also features excellent odds and, as such, is among the favorite games for Saudi Arabian players. Some popular ones are Double exposure Blackjack, Perfect pairs, Surrender, and many more.
4. Poker: In contrast with slots and roulette, which allow only one player at a time, poker will enable players to compete against other players. Some are Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Pai Gow, and more.
5. Baccarat: Baccarat has become a new addition to the casino games that appeal to Saudi Arabian players. As more people become aware of this game, it is gaining popularity.

The most famous casino players in Saudi Arabia

Since casino gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia and its citizens are banned from playing, there is no record of a famous Saudi Arabian player.

Future of online casinos in Saudi Arabia

Big online casino corporations consider Saudi Arabia an untapped market with huge potential. However, this market potential has remained untapped for years and is likely to stay untapped due to the conservative nature of the nation and the prohibition on gambling activities.

Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, known by his initials MBS, made a significant announcement in 2017 that there would be reforms to Saudi Arabia’s economic and social status. This statement has been popularly dubbed the ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ as the year the reforms are scheduled to occur.

With the widespread use of smartphones, fast Internet, and cryptocurrency, it is expected that soon, Saudi Arabian residents will be able to engage in online gambling anonymously without strict restrictions.