Bhutan is located on the southern part of the eastern Himalayas sharing its borders with China in the East, North, and West and India in the South. The Kingdom of Bhutan was declared as a sovereign state in the year 1907. Gambling is one of the most discussed subjects in many countries of the world and Bhutan is not an exception. Learn about sports betting in Bhutan, regulation and the best gambling platform. This guide includes information on gambling in Bhutan including the legalities of gambling and the top betting sites in Bhutan.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Understanding Bhutan’s Legal Stance on Gambling
It will be useful to first take a look at the legal situation before delving into the topic of betting sites in Bhutan.
Illegal gambling laws in Bhutan
- 1977: It was banned by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, King of Bhutan in 1969. It has been the law of the land since then with only some relaxations.
- 2010+: The ban on gambling was not strictly observed and the vice started tobecome a problem thus making the authorities to come down hard on it.
- Penal Code of Bhutan (393 Statute): All types of gambling are prohibited; however, certain activities are allowed.
Modern Legislative Framework
The statute law concerning gambling in Bhutan is contained in the 393 of the Penal Code. In fact it has prohibited all the forms of gambling except the state’s lottery. Here’s a quick overview:
- Section 393: Prohibits the following: gambling of any kind, except for the lottery.
- Section 395: Allows for the classification of the lottery as not being gambling.
Regulatory Agencies of Betting Sites in Bhutan
Bhutan has a few regulatory bodies overseeing specific aspects of its limited legal gambling activities:
- Bhutan Lottery Limited: A state monopoly for all the legal lottery operations.
- Local Dzongkhags: Some of these provinces monitor traditional games during festivals yet the majority of them follow the national law banning of gambling.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
- Prohibited:
- Any contest that requires betting of money or any other valuable asset.
- Gambling on the internet in foreign sites.
- Permitted:
- State-run lottery.
- Certain traditional games that are played during particular festivals are actually forbidden but they practice it.
Gambling Licenses and Fees
- No Commercial Licenses
- The country of Bhutan does not grant licences for gambling to private parties.
- The lottery still remains the only legalized type of a gambling activity that is regulated by the state monopoly.
- Gambling Taxes
- Players: It has to be noted that winnings are subject to tax at the rate of 20%.
- Operators: The Bhutan lottery limited is subject to taxation like any other normal company.
The Top Betting Sites in Bhutan Bettors
As of now, there is no local betting site that is licensed in Bhutan but several international bookmakers are available that accept the bets from the players of Bhutan. Here’s a look at some of the top choices:
Dafabet
Dafabet: Apart from offering all the popular sports and markets, Dafabet ensures to cover all the possible betting options for every sport lover.
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
1xBet
1xBet: Has relatively good odds and accepts deposits in Ngultrum which is the currency used in Bhutan which makes it a suitable choice for the bettors in Bhutan. The site also has a simple design and offers its customers a choice of payment systems.
Up To £100
22Bet
22Bet: Another worthy mention is 22Bet which possesses a rich selection of betting options and decent odds for the newbies and experienced users.
Up to £122
Review of Major Sports Developments in Bhutan
Sports events have been anintegral part of Bhutan and have always excited the people of the country. Here are some key milestones:
Traditional Sports
- Archery: Archery, Bhutan’s National Sport that is still very much alive in the cultural life of the Bhutanese people.
- Khuru (Dart Throwing): Another traditional game that is played during different festival is Another popular traditional sport enjoyed during various festivals.
Modern Sports
- Football: In 2002, the Bhutanese national football team met Montserrat in what became known as ‘The Other Final’; the match ended in a 4-0 victory for Bhutan.
- Cricket: In cricket, the national team achieved some improvement and got to the quarter final of the 2004 ACC Trophy.
Bhutanese Sports Stars
Even though Bhutanese athletes are not well-known across the global scene, the nation cherishes its local sportsmen who have made the nation proud in various ancient and contemporary sports.
Gambling Laws Between Neighboring Countries
Other neighboring countries of Bhutan also have different gambling laws and regulations concerning the operations of the games. Here’s a brief overview:
Bangladesh
- Primary Law: The first law that was used against online gambling is the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
- Permitted: Gambling such as lotteries, and horse racing.
- Prohibited: Any other category of gambling.
India
- Primary Law: This act is the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
- Permitted: Lotteries, horse racing and some games of chance where certain level of skill is applied.
- Prohibited: While in most states casinos and online gambling is not allowed.
Nepal
- Primary Law: The law on gambling of the year 1963.
- Permitted: Casinos for the foreigners.
- Prohibited: Gambling for Nepalese people.
Conclusion
Bhutan has very strict measures that have been put in place to prevent gambling especially unlawful ones. However, to those who are into placing their money on sports, international betting sites can be considered. First and foremost, one needs to make sure that he or she has a grasp of the legal requirements as well as the measures that have been put in place in regards to the responsible gambling practices in order to venture into this field.
FAQ about Betting Sites in Bhutan
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