Bali Casino Guide: Why Indonesia Bans Gambling and Where to Play

When you are traveling in Bali or Jakarta, it is natural to want to spend a little time at a casino. Even so, do not go looking for gambling based on outdated information online or the word of suspicious touts.

Indonesian law on gambling is very strict. Under the new Criminal Code that took effect in January 2026, the penalties for gambling, including gambling by foreigners and online gambling, are set out in new articles. Not knowing the law is no defense, and getting involved can lead to serious consequences such as arrest and being placed on the entry blacklist.

What You Will Learn

• Gambling is illegal throughout Indonesia, and simply taking part can lead to up to 3 years in prison.
• Anyone caught gambling may have their visa canceled, be deported and be added to the entry blacklist.

This article takes about 15 minutes to read.

Are There Legal Casinos in Indonesia?

On vacation in Indonesia, you may picture yourself trying your luck at a glamorous casino. Resort casinos are common in many parts of Southeast Asia, so that expectation is easy to understand.

However, gambling in Indonesia is illegal and carries a very high risk.

There Are No Legally Operating Casinos in Indonesia

There is currently not a single legal casino in Indonesia operating under an official government license.

Even in the capital, Jakarta, and on the world-famous resort island of Bali, no casino operates openly. Any venue offering slot machines or dealer-run table games is, without exception, an illegal casino (an underground operation).

Jakarta did allow legal gambling for a short period in the past. Today, however, not one legal venue remains.

Examples of tempting pitches you may hear locally

• “I can take you to a secret gambling den.”
• “It’s VIP-only, so it’s safe to play.”

Any approach like this is an invitation to an illegal venue. Once you walk in, the risk of being caught in a police raid or drawn into a dispute over money rises sharply, so do not go with them.

For a safe trip, act on the basis that there are no legal casinos in Indonesia today.

Religion and National Law Behind the Strict Ban

Gambling is strictly prohibited in Indonesia because the religious precepts followed by the vast majority of the population are written directly into national law.

On the religious side, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. The Quran describes gambling as the work of Satan that leads people to ruin, and, like alcohol and pork, it is forbidden (haram) for Muslims.

This religious view is reflected directly in current law. The new Criminal Code, in force since January 2026, and the amended Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) make both in-person and online gambling subject to heavy criminal penalties. The specific articles and prison terms are covered below.

Casinos on Batam and Bintan: Rumors Versus Reality

You may have heard rumors that casinos will soon be allowed on Batam or Bintan, the islands south of Singapore, and that a major resort will be built there. As of 2026, however, gambling has not been legalized on either island and no legal framework is in place.

The rumors resurface regularly partly because both islands are designated Free Trade Zones (FTZ).

Singapore is only about 1 hour by ferry from Batam and a little over 1 hour from Bintan, and there are real efforts to draw tourist spending into Indonesia. In 2025, Indonesian media even reported a proposal to legalize foreigner-only casinos on Bali and Batam.

Although such proposals have been discussed, the religious and political hurdles described above remain high, and to date the government has neither approved any plan nor passed any legislation.

Will a Casino Ever Be Built on Bali?

Many travelers wish there were a casino on Bali, one of the world’s best-known resort destinations, to make their trip even more enjoyable. With its beautiful beaches and rows of luxury hotels, Bali has repeatedly been named as a possible site for an integrated resort (IR).

However, there is currently no prospect of a casino on Bali.

Why the Governor of Bali Has Rejected Casino Proposals

The main reason the local government, including the Governor of Bali, continues to firmly reject proposals to allow casinos is to protect cultural tourism, the foundation of Bali’s appeal to visitors.

Local media reported that in August 2025, in response to the legalization proposal mentioned above, the governor said, in effect, that Bali would reject casinos even if offered huge profits. The local government’s stance against casinos is clear.

Muslims are the majority in Indonesia as a whole, but Bali is a distinctive region where most residents practice Balinese Hinduism. The gods are believed to dwell throughout the island, and its sacred culture and traditional dance are the main draw for visitors from around the world.

The local government puts the island’s traditional image as the “Island of the Gods” and its local culture ahead of any short-term economic gains a casino might bring. For that reason, a casino that runs counter to the current cultural tourism policy will not be allowed.

Crackdowns on Online Gambling Across Indonesia

Enforcement cases on Batam and in Jakarta in May 2026 show that the Indonesian authorities are now actively policing online gambling as well.

In recent years, online casinos and sports betting on smartphones have become a serious social problem in Indonesia. The police and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) have launched crackdowns on an unprecedented scale.

In May 2026, an online gambling operator was caught on Batam. In Jakarta, too, authorities were reported to have raided a large online gambling operation involving many foreigners.

These cases show that the Indonesian police have strengthened their cyber investigations and that foreigners are also targets of enforcement. The assumption that you will not be caught as long as you stay away from a physical venue no longer holds.

Gambling Laws Apply Throughout Indonesia, Not Just in Aceh

News coverage of Indonesia has included reports of people being publicly caned for gambling in Aceh. Many travelers take this to mean that outside Aceh, which is known for its strict rules, gambling may not be treated so harshly.

This is a dangerous misunderstanding. Gambling is strictly prohibited throughout the country, not only by one province’s own rules but by firm national law.

Criminal Penalties Under the New Criminal Code in Force Since 2026

The basic principle that gambling is a crime has been consistent since the days of Article 303 of the former Criminal Code (KUHP). With the new Criminal Code (KUHP, Law No. 1 of 2023) taking effect in January 2026, Indonesia’s penalties for gambling have been set out again in new articles. Today, anyone involved in gambling faces heavy criminal penalties under the following laws.

Gambling laws and criminal penalties at a glance

• Article 426 of the new Criminal Code (KUHP), operators: up to 9 years in prison for anyone who offers or runs gambling without a license.
• Article 427 of the new Criminal Code (KUHP), participants: up to 3 years in prison, even for an ordinary customer who simply takes part in gambling.
• Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE): up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 10 billion for serious involvement, such as distributing or transmitting online gambling content.

The key point is that the law sets prison terms not only for operators (the house) but also for ordinary customers, who face up to 3 years for simply taking part. Separate penalties for online gambling have also been introduced under the UU ITE.

How Aceh’s Own Penalties Differ from National Law

A common trap for visitors is assuming that the police will be more relaxed in resort areas or on islands where most people follow other religions.

Indonesia is indeed an island nation where many religions and cultures coexist, and harsh penalties based on Islamic law (Sharia), such as caning, are carried out only in places such as Aceh, a special autonomous province.

However, the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) mentioned above are secular national laws. The same strict criminal rules therefore apply everywhere in the country, whether you are in the capital, Jakarta, or on Bali, where Hindu culture is deeply rooted.

The idea that Islamic rules are looser on Bali, so drinking and gambling must be fine, does not hold. As long as you are in Indonesia, gambling is illegal anywhere in the country.

Gambling Risks for Foreign Visitors to Indonesia

Assuming that a small bet among friends will be overlooked because you are a foreigner can have consequences in Indonesia that cannot be undone.

Indonesia’s gambling laws apply strictly and without exception to foreign tourists and expatriates alike.

An Embassy’s Formal Warning About Gambling

One example of a formal warning comes from the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, which has issued formal notices urging Japanese nationals staying in the country not to get involved in gambling.

A notice on gambling was reportedly issued in November 2024. It states that local laws apply to foreigners as well and that enforcement by the authorities has been stepped up in recent years, and it repeatedly warns against taking part in betting of any kind.

Saying that you did not know because you are a visitor is no excuse. When a foreign embassy goes as far as issuing a formal alert, that alone shows how seriously gambling is treated there.

How Even Private Betting Can Lead to Arrest

Even a private game played for money among friends or fellow expatriates – cards, golf or mahjong – can lead to arrest in Indonesia.

Many visitors see such bets as simply part of the game, but in Indonesia the act of betting money is itself a serious crime. Article 427 of the new Criminal Code (KUHP), in force since January 2026, sets a prison term of up to 3 years for ordinary participants (under Article 303 bis of the former Criminal Code, participants already faced up to 4 years).

Assuming that no one will find out as long as you keep quiet is also risky. The embassy’s warning itself describes a past case in which people playing mahjong for money were caught after a household employee reported them to the authorities. People around you are watching more closely than you might think, so avoid any game in which money is at stake, however small the amount.

Immigration Penalties on Top of Arrest and Prosecution

If you are caught gambling, you face not only criminal penalties but also serious immigration penalties that can affect your life and career for years to come.

In addition to criminal penalties such as imprisonment under the new Criminal Code, you are also likely to face administrative measures from the immigration authorities, such as the following.

Severe penalties for breaking the law (including immigration measures)

• Arrest and questioning: detention by the local police
• Criminal penalties: possible imprisonment of up to 3 years under the new Criminal Code
• Cancellation of your visa (stay permit)
• Deportation (deportasi) at your own expense
• Placement on the entry ban list (blacklist)

Once you are blacklisted, the entry ban may be extended depending on how serious the case is, and in some cases you may be barred from entering Indonesia for life.

Given the risk that important business trips and all future travel plans could be canceled, it is clear that gambling in Indonesia is not worth it.

Legal Casinos in Nearby Asian Countries: Routes by Departure Point

Not being able to visit a casino in Indonesia does not mean you have to give up on gambling for the rest of your trip. A short journey from Indonesia takes you to some of Asia’s leading legal casino resorts.

Note: The information below is as of August 2026. Entry conditions, minimum ages, entry fees, venue sizes, ferry and terminal operations, electronic arrival card requirements and travel times may change, so check the official websites of each venue and country before you travel.

Singapore: A Ferry Ride from Batam or Bintan

For anyone staying in Indonesia, the most practical way to reach a legal casino is crossing to neighboring Singapore.

Batam and Bintan in the Riau Islands have close, everyday transport links with Singapore. Although you cross an international border, the trip feels as easy as taking a boat to the next town.

High-speed ferries to Singapore run daily from both islands. The crossing takes about 1 hour from Batam and a little over 1 hour from Bintan, arriving at one of Singapore’s ferry terminals, from where you can go on to play legally.

Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa

Once in Singapore, you can play at the casinos of two government-licensed integrated resorts.

Both operate under the supervision of the regulator, and foreign visitors can play legally once they complete the required procedures. As anywhere abroad, keep an eye on your valuables inside the venue.

• Marina Bay Sands (MBS): A landmark resort known for the ship-shaped pool on top of its three towers. The casino floor is large, with many table games and slot machines, in a polished setting.
• Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): A resort on Sentosa Island. It sits next to theme parks such as Universal Studios Singapore and a huge aquarium, which makes it a good choice if you want to fit in a visit to the casino while sightseeing.

A major advantage of these two casinos is that foreign visitors pay no entry fee. Singapore citizens and permanent residents must pay the Casino Entry Levy, but foreign visitors can enter by showing their passport. There is a minimum age, so check the current entry conditions on each resort’s official website.

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Basic Route to Singapore’s Casinos

The basic route is to enter Singapore by ferry and then continue to each casino by MRT (subway) or taxi. Public transport is well developed, so getting around is easy even if you rarely travel abroad. The basic steps are outlined below.

Leave Indonesia by ferry for Singapore (about 1 hour or more)

Board a high-speed ferry from Batam or Bintan. Most ferries from Batam arrive at HarbourFront in the south, and most from Bintan arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in the east. After arrival, you go through immigration.

Note: Ferry services at HarbourFront moved to a new terminal in July 2026. Check the current arrival point before you travel.

Getting from each terminal to the casinos

From the terminal, take a taxi or public transport. If you arrive at Tanah Merah, a taxi is the easiest option.

If you arrive at HarbourFront, take the MRT to Bayfront MRT station, which connects directly to Marina Bay Sands. For Resorts World Sentosa, board the Sentosa Express monorail from Level 3 of the adjacent VivoCity shopping mall. The ride takes a few minutes.

Entry Requirements and What to Bring

To cross the border and enjoy the casinos without problems, you need documents that meet the entry requirements and the right items with you. Requirements can depend on your nationality, so check them for your own passport. The key points to confirm in advance are summarized below.

Requirements and items for entering Singapore

• Passport (remaining validity): Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry. This is a strict requirement.
• SG Arrival Card (electronic arrival card): You can apply online free of charge from 3 days before your arrival date. If you have not submitted it, you may be delayed at immigration, so we strongly recommend registering in advance.
• Onward ticket: You may be asked to show a ticket home or a return ticket to Indonesia.

In addition, you must show your passport as ID to enter the casinos, so keep it with you at all times.

Even where there is no formal dress code, a venue may refuse entry to anyone dressed too casually (flip-flops, shorts, tank tops and similar). We recommend neat, understated clothes such as a collared shirt, long pants and sneakers.

From Jakarta, a Short Flight Makes a Weekend Casino Trip Possible

Many expatriates based in Jakarta wonder whether they can visit a legal casino over a weekend. Even if you live in Jakarta, where the ferry route to Singapore is not an option, there is no need to give up on casinos.

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta has a wide range of flights to neighboring countries. You can leave Jakarta on Friday night or early Saturday morning and return on Sunday, making a quick overnight casino trip. The trip is a popular weekend getaway among expatriates working in Jakarta.

Genting Highlands via Kuala Lumpur

Genting Highlands lies about 1 hour by car from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. It is home to Resorts World Genting, a huge integrated resort built on a plateau at an elevation of about 1,800 meters. Unlike tropical Jakarta, it stays cool all year, and it is very popular locally as a hill retreat.

As at Singapore’s casinos, foreign visitors aged 21 or older pay no entry fee and can enter by showing their passport (Muslims are not permitted to enter; check the current entry rules with the casino). The casino floors and the games on offer are covered in our separate guide to Malaysia’s casinos, linked below.

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How to Get from Jakarta to Genting Highlands

The basic route from Jakarta to Genting Highlands is to fly from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport to Kuala Lumpur and then continue by road and cable car. The flight takes about 2 hours one way, and even including the onward journey, you can reach the casino floor at 1,800 meters within half a day.

Fly from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) (about 2 hours)

Fly from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1 / Terminal 2). Garuda Indonesia, Malaysia Airlines and various low-cost carriers (LCCs) operate the route. Flights on Friday evening or Saturday morning are convenient for a weekend trip.

Travel by road from the airport to Awana Station (about 1–1.5 hours)

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport or from central Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral), head for Awana Station at the foot of the mountain. You can take an express bus to Genting Highlands, a taxi, or a ride-hailing service such as Grab.

Take the Awana SkyWay cable car to the hilltop resort (about 10 minutes)

At Awana Station, transfer to the Awana SkyWay, a high-speed cable car about 2.8 kilometers long. With views of the forest below, it takes you straight up to SkyAvenue station at the top. Step off, and the casino resort is right in front of you.

One practical tip: the hilltop is cooler than many visitors expect, so pack a light jacket. Also remember to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) required for entry into Malaysia online in advance (applications open 3 days before arrival).

Frequently Asked Questions About Casinos and Gambling in Indonesia

Are there any casinos in Indonesia?

There is no officially confirmed legal casino anywhere in Indonesia. Under national law, gambling is illegal throughout the country, including Bali.

Any offer along the lines of “there is a secret foreigner-only casino” is an invitation to an illegal venue.

Which other countries in Asia have casinos?

Among nearby countries where you can play at a casino safely, Singapore and Malaysia are the main examples. In both, the casinos operate under government licenses as part of integrated resorts.

• Singapore: Reached by high-speed ferry from Batam or Bintan. Entry is free for foreign visitors.
• Malaysia: Reached by air from Jakarta. Genting Highlands is the best-known destination, and visitors must be 21 or older.

Summary: Gambling Is Illegal Throughout Indonesia, So Play at Legal Casinos in Nearby Countries

• There is no officially confirmed legal casino, and gambling is illegal throughout Indonesia under national law.
• Even small bets among friends carry the risk of up to 3 years in prison or a fine.
• If you are caught, you may face immigration measures such as deportation and an entry ban in addition to criminal penalties.
• If you want to play at a casino, the main legal options are to travel to Singapore or Malaysia.

In Indonesia, the only safe choice is to stay away from gambling entirely. If you want to play at a casino, check your passport’s remaining validity and the electronic arrival card requirements, then travel to a legal casino in Singapore or Malaysia.