Lottery activities are illegal in Brunei Darussalam under the Common Gaming Houses Act, which comprehensively prohibits all forms of gambling including lotteries. The Act defines lottery as any game, method, or device whereby money or money's worth is distributed or allotted depending upon chance or lot, whether held within or outside Brunei Darussalam (1). Any person who buys a lottery ticket or pays money for any event connected with a public lottery is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of $2,000.
The legal system of Brunei merges Sharia law with English common law, and under both legal frameworks, gambling is strictly forbidden. All forms of gambling including lotteries, sports betting, casinos, and online gambling are completely banned without exception (2). The Royal Brunei Police Force and Sharia Court serve as enforcing agencies monitoring and pursuing illegal gambling activities, with strict vigilance extending to both physical and online operations regardless of whether participants are citizens or foreign nationals.
"All forms of gambling are forbidden, whether house or street gambling for fun, hobby, or whatever other form of activity where there's an opportunity to make a profit."
Every lottery ticket brought into or found within Brunei Darussalam shall be forfeited to the Government, and it is the duty of every police officer or public servant to seize such tickets wherever found. Any person assisting in carrying on a public lottery faces a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, imprisonment up to three years, or both (1). Gambling is considered haram in Islam as it promotes dependence on luck rather than earning livelihood through honest work, reflecting Brunei's position as one of the most conservative Islamic countries with no prospect of legalizing gambling activities.
Source:
https://www.agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LAWS/ACT_PDF/CAP%2028.pdf
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-brunei/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
