Gambling is a controversial and sensitive topic in Indonesia. Unlike many countries that allow gambling under license or restrict it to specific areas, Indonesia has some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the world. The country is officially an Islamic-majority nation, and both its legal system and cultural values strongly oppose gambling. As a result, gambling activities—whether in the form of casinos, sports betting, lottery, or online betting—are almost completely banned across the country. This article explains the current legal rules for betting and gambling in Indonesia and provides facts about whether there are any legal casinos operating inside the country as of 2025.
Overview of Gambling Laws in Indonesia (As of 2025)
In Indonesia, gambling is prohibited under several laws, and there is no legal way for ordinary people to participate in gambling inside the country. The main law that bans gambling is the Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP), especially Articles 303 and 303bis, which criminalize all forms of gambling. These laws apply to both the organizers and the participants. If someone is caught operating or taking part in a gambling activity, they can be fined, imprisoned, or both.
The punishments for illegal gambling can include:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment for organizing gambling operations
- Up to 4 years of imprisonment and heavy fines for participating in gambling
- Seizure of any equipment or money related to the gambling activity
In addition to the national law, Sharia-based local laws are also used in certain parts of Indonesia, especially in Aceh province, where Islamic law is fully enforced. In Aceh, even playing simple games with money at stake can lead to public flogging or lashing, apart from jail time.
Is Any Form of Gambling Legal in Indonesia?
As of 2025, there is no form of legal gambling allowed for the general public in Indonesia. This includes:
- Land-based casinos – Completely banned
- Online gambling websites or apps – Banned and blocked
- Lottery games – Illegal, including private or foreign lotteries
- Sports betting – Not allowed in any form
- Horse race betting – Used to exist in the past in limited areas but now discontinued
There is no licensing system for casino operators or online betting companies in Indonesia. This makes the country officially a zero-gambling jurisdiction. Any gambling activities that exist inside the country are considered underground or illegal, and are often subject to regular police raids. The government takes strong action against gambling, especially when it involves organized crime or cross-border activities.
Online Gambling and Internet Restrictions
Online gambling is heavily restricted in Indonesia. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) is responsible for blocking access to gambling websites and mobile apps. In recent years, the government has blocked hundreds of thousands of gambling-related domains, including foreign casino sites, sports betting platforms, poker sites, and lottery services. The moment a new gambling site is found to be accessible, it is quickly banned and blacklisted.
Many Indonesians try to access gambling platforms using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or offshore e-wallets, but doing so is risky. Authorities monitor payment transactions, and anyone caught transferring money to or from illegal gambling sites can face legal trouble. There have been many cases where people were arrested for promoting or facilitating online betting through social media or private WhatsApp groups. In some cases, bank accounts were frozen, and jail sentences were given.
Are There Any Legal Casinos in Indonesia?
No, there are zero legal casinos in Indonesia in 2025. There are no licensed physical casinos, casino resorts, or private clubs that are allowed to offer games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, or slot machines. Any such operation claiming to be legal is either underground or operating with hidden backing. Even five-star hotels and tourist resorts in places like Bali or Jakarta do not offer any casino or betting services.
In the past, there were rumors about some unofficial gambling clubs or cruise ships operating in Indonesian waters, but the government has shut these down over time. Indonesia has taken a firm stand against allowing casinos, even in tourist areas, to avoid promoting gambling as a social activity.
Gambling in Special Economic Zones or Offshore Areas
Some people believe that offshore islands or special economic zones (SEZs) in Indonesia may allow gambling in the future, especially in places like Batam or Bintan, which are close to Singapore. However, as of 2025, no such legal exceptions exist. The Indonesian government has not granted any SEZ or free trade zone the right to operate a casino or allow gambling of any form.
Although there have been proposals and discussions in the past—mainly focused on generating tourism income from foreigners—they have not moved forward due to political, religious, and public pressure. Any business caught trying to set up a gambling operation in these areas will be shut down and possibly face criminal action.
Gambling for Foreign Tourists: Is It Allowed?
Foreigners visiting Indonesia are also not allowed to gamble, even in private. The laws apply to everyone regardless of nationality, age, or religion. Foreign tourists caught gambling—whether at a private party or online—can face deportation, arrest, or both. The government does not make exceptions based on tourist status.
That said, many tourists who want to gamble travel to neighboring countries like:
- Singapore (Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands)
- Malaysia (Genting Highlands)
- Philippines (Manila casinos)
- Cambodia and Vietnam (legal casinos targeting foreign tourists)
These countries have legal gambling industries and welcome foreign visitors to their casinos. Indonesia, however, does not permit such activities under any circumstances.
What Happens to People Caught Gambling?
If someone is caught gambling in Indonesia, the consequences can be very serious. Police and religious authorities often conduct raids in both cities and villages. These raids sometimes involve:
- Seizing gambling equipment and cash
- Arresting all participants on the spot
- Publishing names and photos in newspapers or local TV
- Charging organizers with criminal conspiracy
- For Muslims in Aceh: public caning or flogging as per Sharia law
In recent years, the Indonesian government has also encouraged people to report illegal gambling activities, and some local communities have set up hotlines and apps to report suspects. There are regular public campaigns about the dangers of gambling addiction, and schools also educate students about the legal and moral problems of gambling.
Exceptions: Charity Lotteries or Contests?
In very rare cases, some government-approved lucky draws or promotional contests are allowed, such as raffles in shopping malls or lucky coupons in supermarkets. However, these are not considered gambling because participants do not stake any money. They are often free-to-enter and run for marketing or charity purposes.
These contests must follow specific government rules:
- No money to enter
- Random selection process
- Clear prize list and terms
- Government permit (if required)
If a promotional contest is found to resemble gambling, the company can be fined and have its license cancelled.
Conclusion
In 2025, gambling remains completely illegal in Indonesia for all residents and visitors. There are no legal casinos in the country, and online gambling is strictly banned and heavily monitored. Indonesia’s government enforces anti-gambling laws seriously, supported by both civil and religious agencies. Unlike countries such as the Philippines or Singapore, Indonesia has no special zones, tribal lands, or exemptions for casinos or betting shops.
Anyone who wants to gamble legally must leave the country and travel to places where it is allowed. Inside Indonesia, the safest and most legal option is to completely avoid gambling, whether online or offline. The combination of harsh punishments, religious opposition, and social pressure makes gambling a high-risk activity that is not worth attempting.
