Indonesia Casino Bonuses

Bonuses for newly registered players

The welcome-offer banner is usually the first thing you notice when you load an online casino on your desktop or mobile device. As a rule of thumb, it is the most generous casino bonus that modern gambling platforms provide. Sign-up bonuses typically include an initial deposit match, often accompanied by free spins on all or selected slots.

Promotions for recurring customers

If you have chosen an online casino worth its salt, the promotional incentives do not end with the welcome offer. One option is reload promotions, which come in various percentages and time frames and encourage players to wager regularly. Rebates are another perk players may encounter; they let bettors recover a portion of their losses as bonus funds, which remain subject to the standard bonus T&Cs.

Indonesia's gambling history

Let’s travel back in time to see how Indonesia’s gambling industry has evolved and how the laws governing it have changed. Would you believe that nearly 700 years ago card and coin games were played openly on the streets? Chinese influence was particularly strong then, and the laws were less beholden to religious teachings than they are today. The country embraced Islam much more seriously in the 14th century, which benefited the faithful but hindered gambling.

The conflict between religion and gambling has continued for centuries, and, while it persists, Indonesia has enacted increasingly stringent regulations. During the 1960s the laws were still quite permissive, allowing citizens to participate in many gambling activities. However, in 1973 the government reverted to religious traditions and revoked all existing gambling permits.

Legislative Framework

Gambling in Indonesia is a crime governed by Articles 303 and 303 bis of the Criminal Code and is classified as a crime against decency. It is generally defined as an act that contravenes religious, moral, and legal norms. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary, gambling games involve staking money and relying on chance. Government Regulation Number 9 of 1981, which implements Law Number 7 of 1974, prohibits or revokes gambling licenses of any form or purpose and empowers authorities to impose extremely restrictive measures aimed at eradicating the country’s gaming industry.

The Criminal Code prescribes a maximum sentence of four (4) years in prison or a fine of ten million rupiahs for individuals who:

• provide opportunities to gamble for a living;
• intentionally organize or offer gambling opportunities to the public (even if not as a source of income);
• participate in gambling activities.

Some segments of the local population are particularly hostile to any form of gambling. Several reports mention punishments not prescribed by law, such as public caning.

Online Gambling

Despite the government’s and society’s strict restrictions, online gambling flourishes in this densely populated country. The closure of more than 500,000 online casino accounts since 2018 (data from Communication and Information Technology Minister Johnny Plate) illustrates the scale of the activity. Nevertheless, numerous international online casinos still welcome Indonesian players. If you decide to play slots or table games on such a platform, ensure it holds a license from a reputable authority such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. Although this will not technically “legitimize” your pastime, it will give you peace of mind about the safety of your funds and personal information.