Brunei bans claw machines due to gambling concerns

Claw machines are prohibited in Brunei Darussalam because to concerns that they may be mistaken for gambling, which is prohibited in the country.

Because claw machines are gaming devices, Brunei’s Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman, deemed them “haram”. Pengiran Isa Pengiran Aliuddin, a member of the Legislative Council, expressed concerns, which led to this decision.

The minister declared these machines illegal, using Public Entertainment Act Chapter 181, and ordered the corporation operating them to stop.

The Minister cited a Fatwa issued by the State Mufti’s Office on December 18, 2023, highlighting the Islamic ruling that deemed claw machines unlawful due to their association with gambling.

The ministry has identified businesses that were previously allowed to operate these devices before to the issuance of the Fatwa and will issue warnings to terminate their licenses in cooperation with district offices and the municipal board.

The minister also stressed the ministry’s ongoing cooperation with the State Mufti’s Office in addressing games that have gambling elements.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief