Bahrain Gaming Market to Reach $53M by 2027

The Bahrain gaming market is also likely to grow from over $38 million in 2023 to over $53 million in the year 2027, according to researches, and the largest and fastest-growing segment will be mobile games. The growth is because of high disposable income, the region’s tech-savvy youthful population, and increased connectivity. Government encouragement, the advent of 5G technology, and the increasing trend towards online social and mobile gaming among the youth are also driving the growth.

New technologies like VR and AR, as well as aggressive marketing campaigns, are further propelling this upward trend. This follows general momentum within the Middle East and global gaming markets, both experiencing healthy growth through innovation and regulatory rebranding.

Digitalization and Income

The major forces behind the growth of this market are increasing digitalization across the country, rising disposable incomes, and increased tourism within the country. In addition to this, the legalization of online gambling businesses and the enforcement of policy regulations are expected to propel the growth of this industry through the forecast period.

Moreover, innovation in technology like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), along with compelling promotional offers offered by operators to procure new subscribers, is also expected to fuel demand for Bahrain gaming services.

Middle East Market

The Middle East gaming market size was USD 4.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 9.57 billion by 2030, having a 12.90% CAGR during 2025-2030.

There has been a surge of sovereign investments, cloud-first infrastructure rollouts, and benevolent policy reforms, accelerating platform innovation and content localisation.

Global Market

The global games market has grown significantly over the past few years. It will grow from $546.85 billion in 2024 to $574.55 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%.

The growth in the historical period owes to emerging markets, growth in female gamblers, and increased wagering in e-sports.

Forbidden Activity

Bahrain has currently outlawed gambling, and even though individuals can access opportunities online. The Bahrain Penal Code, in Article 308, defines a game as one on which its outcome depends on chance rather than expertise. The same article quotes that a person caught playing games in a public place may be jailed for three months or fined up to BD 300. It depicts the extent of how much the country is committed to implementing Sharia law as envisaged in Article 2 of the Constitution.

iGaming in Bahrain

Meanwhile, the iGaming sector in Bahrain is growing. The country’s emerging tourist sector and its aspirations to try to attract tourists on a tourism international scale may introduce a more controlled betting scheme, as has happened in other nations dominated by Muslims. Considering Bahrain’s gaming culture from a legal and religious point of view, there are chances that things will change in the future, particularly when it comes to horse racing.

Regulatory Authorities

There is no licensing system for iGaming operators since the activity is considered illegal. Unlike other jurisdictions that have regulated markets, Bahrain does not have specific regulatory bodies for the oversight of gambling activities. The Ministry of Information & Tourism regulates limited land-based entertainment but does not permit casino activities.

Horse Racing

Although gambling remains illegal, Bahrain has a remarkably long history of horse racing. In more recent times, the country has sought to diversify away from oil and gas revenue with increased focus on tourism, with horse racing at its forefront. Bahrain has also been hosting international horse racing events. Although this increased engagement in horse racing has taken place, gambling on the sport remains illegal.