Gambling is culturally frowned upon and legally prohibited in Bhutan, with the sole exception of the state-run lottery. The Penal Code of Bhutan 2004 makes wagering on games of chance a criminal offence, reflecting a Buddhist, community-centred society that prizes social harmony and wellbeing over risk-taking for profit. Yet Bhutan has a rich tradition of competitive games — archery, khuru and dice — where informal stakes have long been part of the social fabric, and modern online betting has emerged as a growing concern for authorities.

A short history of gambling attitudes

Bhutan’s national identity is closely tied to Buddhist values and, since the 1970s, to the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which weighs spiritual and social wellbeing alongside economic growth. Within this worldview, gambling for profit sits uneasily, and the state has long discouraged it. The prohibition is codified in the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004, which defines and criminalizes the offence of gambling while exempting the authorized lottery. The result is a culture where competitive play is celebrated but wagering for profit is officially off-limits.

Traditional games and the role of the wager

Bhutan’s traditional games are deeply social occasions rather than commercial gambling:

  • Archery (Dha): the national sport, declared as such in 1971, with roots stretching back centuries. Matches are festive, team-based events featuring song, dance and good-natured taunting; the customary stake is often a shared feast sponsored by the losing side rather than cash, and betting for profit is not legally sanctioned.
  • Khuru: an outdoor dart game in which players hurl heavy darts at small distant targets, popular at festivals and gatherings.
  • Sho (dice): dice games are a long-standing pastime and, when played for money, one of the forms authorities associate with gambling offences.

The only lawful wagering-style product is the state lottery run by Royal Bhutan Lottery Limited (Bhutan Lottery Limited), a state-owned enterprise launched in April 2016 under the Ministry of Finance. Section 395 of the Penal Code places an authorized lottery agent outside the definition of gambling. By contrast, the Department of Law and Order has publicly notified that any private lottery business is illegal.

Modern attitudes and online gambling

While traditional games remain celebrated, authorities have grown concerned about a rise in online betting and related scams reaching residents through messaging apps. The government has reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance, warning that repeat offenders face prosecution. This reflects the enduring tension in Bhutanese life between social, festival-based competition and a legal and cultural rejection of gambling for profit.

This article is informational and not legal advice. Gambling is illegal in Bhutan; content is intended for readers aged 18+. If gambling is causing harm, contact the PEMA Secretariat helpline (1010 for immediate danger, 1098 for mental-health support).

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