
Online slot gambling in Indonesia is using QRIS for fast, illegal payments. Learn how it works, the risks, and what authorities are doing to stop it.
In Indonesia, slot gambling—especially online—has grown quietly but rapidly, despite being illegal. What used to require shady apps and hard-to-track transfers can now be accessed with just a smartphone and one powerful tool: QRIS.
What is QRIS?
QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is a nationwide payment system developed by Bank Indonesia to unify all types of digital payments, such as:
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GoPay
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OVO
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DANA
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ShopeePay
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Mobile banking apps
The goal was to make cashless transactions easier and more inclusive—and for the most part, it has succeeded.
But now, QRIS is being used for something it was never intended for: online slot gambling.
How QRIS Is Being Used in Gambling
Operators of illegal online slot sites are now accepting QRIS as a payment method to make deposits and withdrawals faster. Here’s how it typically works:
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A player joins a gambling Telegram or WhatsApp group.
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They’re given a QRIS code disguised under a fake merchant name (like “coffee shop” or “digital goods”).
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They scan, send funds, and instantly get credit to play online slot games.
This method is fast, discreet, and hard to trace—making it very appealing to both players and operators.
Why It’s a Problem
While QRIS is a legal and regulated payment method, using it for gambling is strictly prohibited by Bank Indonesia. In fact:
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Gambling is illegal under Indonesian law.
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Using QRIS for unauthorized purposes can lead to permanent banning of the merchant account.
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Law enforcement has already shut down hundreds of QRIS accounts tied to illegal activity.
“QRIS is being misused. We are actively monitoring and blocking any suspicious usage,” said a Bank Indonesia representative in a recent press release.
What Do the Players Say?
Despite the risks, players continue to flock to QRIS-enabled situs judi slot games.
“It’s so convenient, it doesn’t even feel like gambling,” said one anonymous user. “Just scan and you’re playing in seconds.”
Others admit to knowing it’s illegal, but see it as a gray area since the payment feels like any normal online transaction.
Government Crackdown & Public Warnings
Authorities are stepping up their efforts, including:
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Monitoring merchant QRIS usage
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Educating the public on the dangers of gambling
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Blocking access to illegal websites
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Working with fintech providers to report and shut down suspicious QRIS codes
In some cases, QRIS codes are switched out daily to avoid detection, making enforcement even more difficult.
What You Should Know
If you come across a QRIS code for anything that seems suspicious or unrelated to the business name shown:
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🚫 Do not scan or send money
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📢 Report the code to your e-wallet provider or Bank Indonesia
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⚠️ Remember: participating in gambling is punishable by law
Final Thoughts
QRIS is a brilliant innovation for everyday payments in Indonesia. But in the hands of irresponsible actors, it can also be a gateway to risky, illegal activity like online slot gambling.
The takeaway? Just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s safe.