Oman has no legal gambling culture in the Western sense: there are no casinos, no state lottery, and no licensed betting. Gambling - known in Islamic law as maisir - is religiously prohibited and criminalised under the Omani Penal Code. Instead, Oman’s competitive heritage centres on camel racing and horse racing, deeply respected traditions pursued for honour, prizes and cultural preservation rather than wagering. Understanding Oman means understanding why chance-based betting is absent by design, not by accident.

A history shaped by faith, not the wager

Oman’s identity is closely tied to Islam. The Basic Law of the State declares Islam the state religion. Within Islamic teaching, maisir (gambling) is forbidden because it generates gain through pure chance at another’s loss. As a result, Oman never developed the licensed lottery, racetrack-betting or casino traditions found elsewhere; the prohibition is a continuous thread rather than a recent policy.

This is consistent with the wider Gulf picture, where the same religious foundation produces similar bans across most neighbouring states. Oman’s position has been consistent and unambiguous throughout its modern legal history.

The laws behind the ban

Gambling is addressed in the Penal Code, which defines gambling as games where chance prevails over skill and penalises organising, managing or running gambling with imprisonment and fines. Separately, Royal Decree 12/2011 (the Cyber Crime Law) criminalises using information networks or IT facilities for gambling - closing the door on online betting specifically.

There is no gambling regulator because there is nothing lawful to regulate; Oman simply has no licensing framework for the activity.

What Omanis actually play and celebrate

Oman’s competitive heritage is expressed through camel racing and horse racing, organised by the Royal Camel Corps and the Royal Cavalry. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said established the Royal Cavalry in the 1970s to preserve traditional equestrian activities as an integral part of Omani culture. A National Camel Race Festival is held each year during the cooler months, organised by the Royal Camel Corps together with government bodies and the Oman Camel Racing Federation.

Crucially, these are spectator and heritage events, not betting markets. Betting is not permitted at the races; they are pursued for honour, prizes and cultural pride. This is a key distinction: the excitement of competition in Oman is deliberately separated from wagering.

Attitudes today

Social attitudes track the legal and religious position closely. Gambling is broadly seen as prohibited and undesirable rather than as a mainstream leisure activity, and there is no visible domestic push to legalise casinos or a lottery. For residents and visitors alike, the practical reality is straightforward: there is no lawful way to gamble in Oman, online or offline.

Gambling involves real financial and legal risk. This guide is informational, not legal advice. 18+.

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