Bhutan Gambling License & Online Casinos
Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in South Asia, famous for its natural beauty, culture, and spiritual practices. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Bhutan has strict laws against gambling. The country’s government is committed to preserving its Buddhist heritage and promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than economic growth. Therefore, gambling is strictly prohibited in Bhutan, and there are no legal casinos or betting sites in the country. However, like other countries, Bhutanese people are interested in online gambling, and many of them access offshore gambling sites.
Application Process in Bhutan
As mentioned earlier, Bhutan prohibits gambling, and there is no provision for issuing licenses for gambling activities. Therefore, there is no official application process for obtaining a gambling license in Bhutan.
Cost of the License in Bhutan
Since there is no provision for obtaining a gambling license in Bhutan, there is no cost associated with it.
Types of Gambling Allowed in Bhutan
Gambling, including casino gaming, sports betting, and lottery, is illegal in Bhutan. The government strictly prohibits all forms of gambling activities.
Taxation in Bhutan
There is no tax levied on gambling activities in Bhutan since gambling is illegal.
Compliance Requirements in Bhutan
Since gambling is illegal in Bhutan, there are no compliance requirements related to it. However, the Bhutanese government is committed to preventing illegal gambling activities, and it has taken several measures to curb the same.
Market Size and Growth Potential in Bhutan
The market size for gambling in Bhutan is insignificant since all forms of gambling are illegal. There are no casinos, betting shops, or lottery terminals in Bhutan, and people who wish to gamble do so online by accessing offshore gambling sites. However, given the increasing popularity of online gambling worldwide, there is a growing demand for such sites in Bhutan.
Challenges and Opportunities in Bhutan
The primary challenge faced by the gambling industry in Bhutan is the strict laws against gambling. The government is committed to preserving the country’s cultural heritage and promoting GNH, which does not prioritize economic growth. Therefore, it is unlikely that the country’s stance on gambling will change soon. However, online gambling is becoming increasingly popular among Bhutanese people, presenting an opportunity for offshore gambling companies to tap into the market.
Local Laws and Regulations in Bhutan
The Constitution of Bhutan, enacted in 2008, prohibits all forms of gambling in the country. The Penal Code of Bhutan, 2004, also prohibits gambling and provides for fines and imprisonment for those found involved in gambling activities. The government has taken several measures to curb illegal gambling, such as blocking access to gambling sites and shutting down unauthorized gambling establishments.
Payment Processing in Bhutan
Since gambling is illegal in Bhutan, there are no provisions for payment processing related to it. However, Bhutan’s central bank, the Royal Monetary Authority, regulates financial institutions in the country and monitors their transactions to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Gambling Addiction Resources in Bhutan
Since gambling is illegal in Bhutan, there are no specific resources available for gambling addiction. However, the Bhutan Narcotic Control Authority provides counseling and rehabilitation services for drug and alcohol addiction. They may also provide assistance to individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction.