The Maldives is a group of Islands located in the Indian Ocean, with India being to the North of Maldives and Sri Lanka to the west of Maldives. It achieved its independence on 26th July 1965 and became a republic on 11th November of the year 1968. As we know, the Maldives has rather stringent rules, which is why it is necessary to comprehend the situation with online betting platforms. This blog is dedicated to the review of the complex system of gambling laws, popular betting sites in Maldives, and the Maldives’ passion for sports betting.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Brief History of Gambling Laws in the Maldives
The activity of gambling has a very extensive history in the Maldives and has evolved over the course of time. Islamic law has always been a cornerstone of the Maldives and gambling is strictly prohibited according to the religion. For many years these laws did not change at all. However, let’s take a closer look at some key historical milestones:
- 1965: Maldives became an independent country after getting out from the colony of United Kingdom.
- 2008: A new constitution was again enacted with reinforcement of the ban on gambling.
- 2015: Revisions to the penal code which remained in existence continued to prohibit both the traditional and the new form of gambling.
Regulator of Betting Sites in Maldives
In the Maldives, the regulation environment is used to implement the strict provisions of the anti-gambling laws. The primary agencies responsible for oversight include:
- Maldives Police Service: It is responsible for the proper implementation of gambling laws through regular search and apprehension of people dealing in gambling.
- Maldives Islamic Affairs Ministry: Offers advice and edicts on the matter of gambling which are used in the formulation of laws.
Some of the Betting Outcomes that are Not Allowed in the Maldives
The Maldives has a very defined position concerning gambling where all forms of it are prohibited. This includes:
- Casino Games: For instance; poker, blackjack and roulette.
- Sports Betting: Both the domestic and the foreign games and other sports activities are also covered.
- Online Gambling: Though, it is widely used across the globe, it is still unlawful in the country.
Gambling permits, charges, and revenues
Due to the strict anti-gambling laws in the country there are no legal gambling licenses issued in the Maldives. This means:
- No Licensed Operators: This also cannot be done by local as well as the international bodies either.
- No Tax Revenue: There are no taxes on gambling and some types of the gambling are widespread in the country, including lotteries, bingo and sports betting.
Best Online Betting Sites in Maldives
But the locals and the tourists have not been left behind in this by still participating in the offshore betting sites. Notable options include:
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Up to £122
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
The Premier Event in Maldivian Sports
The Maldives has several major sporting events marking its glorious history:
- 1972: Thus, the first tourist centers appeared and people started to pay more attention to water-related activities.
- 2004: Athens Olympics men’s 200 meters sprint was won by Mohamed Hussain where he secured the bronze medal.
- 2004: Mohamed Hussain got a bronze medal in the men’s 200m sprint during the Athens Olympics.
- 2018: Maldives got a gold medal in the men’s beach volleyball at the Asian Games held recently.
Celebrating Maldivian Sports Stars
The Maldives boasts several athletes who have achieved international acclaim:
- Mohamed Hussain: One of the bronze medalists in the 200m sprint during the Olympic games.
- Ahmed Naseem: 2006 Asian Games 200m freestyle bronze medalist.
- Ali Ashfaq: AFC player of the year in the year 2011 and is among the list of the best football players in the region.
Comparison of Gambling Laws in Neighboring Countries
For a broader perspective, let’s briefly examine the gambling laws in three neighboring countries:
- India: Depending on the state, there are laws that permit gambling especially in casinos while others have outright bans on it.
- Sri Lanka: Licensed casinos are present in Colombo but as for online gambling it is still unlawful.
- Pakistan: Like Maldives, Pakistan is also an Islamic nation that doesn’t allow gambling at all as it is against the religion.
Conclusion
This paper aims at exploring the regulation of gambling in the Maldives where gambling is be considered unlawful due to Islamic laws. However, the nation’s sports culture has not been dented and is still on the rise, with commendable performances and increasing activity in offshore betting sites. For more information as to the betting sites in Maldives, remember to check back on our page for more info.
FAQ of Betting Sites in Maldives
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