The Maldives has no gambling culture in the commercial sense: there are no casinos, no licensed betting, and no lottery. As a Muslim nation since the conversion traditionally dated to 1153 — and an Islamic sultanate for over eight centuries — the Maldives treats gambling as prohibited under Islamic principles, and this is reflected in a constitution that makes Islam a basis of its laws. Maldivian recreational culture centres on traditional sports, music and dance such as Bashi, Baibalaa and Bodu Beru, not on wagering. Attitudes toward gambling are overwhelmingly disapproving, rooted in faith and national identity.

A history shaped by Islam

According to tradition, Islam arrived in the Maldives in 1153, when the last Buddhist king converted and took the title Sultan Muhammad al-Adil. From that point the islands were governed as an Islamic sultanate — a succession of dynasties and sultans — lasting until 1968, when the country became a republic. Across more than eight centuries, Islamic law and custom became inseparable from Maldivian identity.

Because of this deep religious continuity, gambling never developed as an accepted social activity. Islam categorises gambling as a prohibited practice, and Maldivian society has consistently reflected that teaching. There is no historical tradition of state lotteries, betting houses or casinos comparable to those found in some non-Muslim countries.

What Maldivians actually play are traditional games and cultural performances — none of which are gambling games:

  • Bashi — a historic bat-and-ball game traditionally played by women, once considered a national sport and popular at festivals and national holidays.
  • Baibalaa — a physically demanding team contact sport often compared to the South Asian game kabaddi.
  • Bodu Beru — rhythmic drumming, song and dance that often accompanies celebrations.

These pastimes are about community, festivity and heritage rather than staking money, and they remain part of Maldivian recreational life.

Attitudes toward gambling

Attitudes are strongly negative and religiously grounded. As a Sunni Muslim society, the Maldives treats gambling as incompatible with Islamic values, and this view is reinforced by the country’s constitution and national identity rather than being a matter of individual preference. There is no significant social movement to legalise gambling.

Sources