Gambling in Indonesia

Gambling in Indonesia

Despite the government’s best efforts, online casinos remain extremely popular throughout Indonesia, with both sports betting and table games attracting thousands of pounds in bets per day. In particular, badminton is a hugely popular sport here, with the nation’s players securing 13 victories in the biennial Thomas Cup.

Nevertheless, illegal casinos and betting shops still operate throughout the country, with many of these operated by mafia-like structures that are notorious for their poor treatment of customers. Those that are caught are often punished by prison terms of between 3-5 years.

While this doesn’t stop people from gambling online in Indonesia, with most sites accepting deposits made via e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, it does make it difficult for police to track down any culprits. Those who prefer to gamble on the go can also find plenty of options, with most sites designed to be compatible with mobile devices and offering bespoke apps for an enhanced experience.

The Ministry of Communications & IT in Indonesia (Kominfo) is responsible for internet censorship, information affairs and communications. In less than 12 months, they have overseen the blocking of 805,923 forms of online gambling content. While this hasn’t stopped online casino gamers in the nation from playing at sleazy operators, it has certainly helped to bolster the popularity of legit operators. Those who are unsure about which site to sign up with can always turn to a trusted VPN to make their activity harder to monitor.