So you landed in Bali, coconut in hand, watching the sun melt into the Indian Ocean, and someone goes “Wait… do they even have casinos here?” Well, spoiler alert: nope, not a single one. Even in 2025, that hasn’t changed.
And before you get too sad, let me explain why Bali says no to casinos, why online gambling is tricky, what tourists need to know, and honestly… why it’s probably better this way.
Why Bali Says “No” to Casinos
Bali is magical, right? But the island also sticks to strict laws about gambling. Here’s why:
1. Indonesia’s Nationwide Gambling Ban
Indonesia bans basically all gambling. That means:
- No casinos
- No betting shops
- No lotteries (some used to exist but were banned)
Bali, being part of Indonesia, follows the same rules. So there’s literally no legal way to gamble here.
2. Religion & Cultural Reasons
Most of Indonesia is Muslim, and gambling is considered haram (forbidden). Even though Bali is mostly Hindu, the national laws apply to the island.
Authorities want to preserve cultural values and avoid conflict with religious groups. Imagine bright neon casinos on a beach with temples everywhere — kinda clashes, right?
3. Social Risks
The government sees gambling as risky for families. They worry about:
- Debt
- Addiction
- Money laundering
- Crime
So basically, the authorities want Bali to be chill, not chaotic with people losing money at poker tables.
4. Casino Proposals Rejected
Every few years, investors pitch big casino resorts. And every time, the answer is a hard NO.
- Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, says it would threaten the island’s cultural identity
- The tourism minister agrees: Bali is better known for beaches, temples, and rice terraces than roulette wheels
So yeah, Bali never really had casinos, and probably never will.
Online Gambling in 2025
“But Julia, what about online betting?” I hear ya. Online gambling is HUGE worldwide, but in Bali, it’s tricky:
- Government Crackdowns: In 2025, authorities froze $9.5 million USD in over 800 bank accounts linked to online gambling.
- Blocked Accounts: Banks blocked more than 25,000 accounts suspected of gambling transactions.
- VPNs Aren’t Safe: Some try to bypass the blocks using VPNs, but the government is stepping up tech to detect that.
Basically, if you think “oh I’ll just play online from my villa,” think twice — it’s illegal and risky.
Popular Betting Apps & Sites (For Awareness Only)
Tourists often ask: “Julia, what apps do people use?” Here’s the reality:
- Bet365 – big sportsbook, but blocked
- Bovada – poker, casino, sports
- BetOnline.ag – live dealer games
- 888 Casino / 888sport – blocked in Indonesia
- PokerStars – huge poker platform
- DraftKings / FanDuel – fantasy sports + betting
Disclaimer: I’m just sharing info. Using these apps in Bali is illegal and could get you in trouble.
Can You Gamble in Hotels or Villas?
Technically still illegal, but if you play a small card game with friends in your villa, hotel staff usually ignore it. Just don’t expect Bali to host poker nights or blackjack tournaments.
Good Thing or Bad Thing for Tourists?
The Good:
- Bali keeps its charm, temples, beaches, and rice terraces intact
- Family-friendly & safe
- Focus stays on authentic experiences: yoga, surfing, diving, jungle treks, ceremonies
The Bad:
- No casino nightlife
- No poker tables, slots, roulette… but seriously, the island makes up for it in other fun ways
Bali vs Singapore & Macau: Casino Comparisons
Some tourists ask: “Ok, so where CAN I gamble if I really want to?” Let’s compare:
| Feature | Bali | Singapore | Macau |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Casinos | 0 | 2 (Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa) | 41+ |
| Online Betting | Illegal | Legal & regulated | Legal & regulated |
| Nightlife Focus | Beach clubs, bars, cultural events | Casino + shows | Casino + entertainment districts |
| Family-Friendly | High | Moderate | Low |
| Cost | Affordable | High | High |
So yeah, if casinos are your thing, Singapore & Macau are options, but Bali offers authentic adventure instead of gambling.
Alternative Fun in Bali
Since casinos aren’t a thing, here’s what you CAN do instead:
- Beach Clubs – Potato Head, Finns, Ku De Ta. Sip cocktails, dance, meet travelers.
- Surfing & Diving – Bali’s waters are perfect, from beginner lessons to expert surf spots.
- Temple Hopping – Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Besakih… spiritual vibes for days.
- Jungle Adventures – Trekking waterfalls, swing over rice terraces, monkey forests.
- Wellness & Yoga Retreats – Ubud’s yoga culture is amazing, detox your mind + body.
- Local Experiences – Cooking classes, market tours, traditional dance performances.
Honestly, these experiences are the real “jackpot” in Bali, way better than roulette.
Tips for Tourists
- Don’t try illegal gambling – fines, frozen accounts, or worse.
- Stick to cash or legal card payments – avoid shady online platforms.
- Embrace local culture – Bali is about experiences, not casinos.
- Ask locals for hidden gems – secret waterfalls, quiet beaches, small authentic eateries.
History of Gambling in Indonesia
Just to give some context:
- Indonesia has banned most gambling for decades
- Some government lotteries existed but were banned due to protests
- Bali’s casino proposals were repeatedly rejected for cultural reasons
- Online gambling is new territory, and authorities are now actively monitoring and freezing funds
Basically, Bali’s “no casino” stance is deeply rooted in law, culture, and social policy.
Julia’s Final Thoughts
So, does Bali not having casinos suck? Not really. Bali’s magic isn’t in spinning slot machines or high-stakes tables. It’s in:
- Riding scooters down rice terraces
- Watching sunsets from Uluwatu cliffs
- Floating breakfasts in private pools
- Dancing at beach clubs until sunrise
- Learning local traditions & ceremonies
Your best gamble here is saying yes to the adventure. I promise, you’ll win every single time
