Gambling Laws in the UAE
⚖️ The Full-Guide on UAE's Legal Landscape for Casino Play ⚖️the gambling licensing body for the UAE was launched - the GCGRA. Ever since, the legal landscape of gambling has been evolving. Check out the full guide of UAE laws on gambling, including state-specific laws and enforcements.
What are the Gambling Laws in the UAE?
Under the Federal Penal Code, gambling is prohibited, both offline and online. Any commercial gaming activity conducted in the UAE without a license is illegal, and violators, including persons who play unlicensed games, will be subject to penalties. 2021, however, was the beginning of a shift where the Government started its first discussions on the legalization of gambling activities.
In 2023, the GCGRA (the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority) was founded. The GCGRA has a mandate to regulate and oversee all commercial gaming activities in the UAE, which include lottery, sports wagering, land-based casinos, and internet gaming.
According to the GCGRA, internet gaming is a form of “commercial gaming that is conducted via the internet, using a computer, a mobile phone or any other digital device with access to websites or apps that offer various games and bets involving chance, skill, or a combination of chance and skill”. The regulator states that this category includes “bingo, casino games, eSports, fantasy games, peer-to-peer games, skill-based games, sports, and more”. Anyone wishing to conduct business in commercial gaming within the UAE must first apply for and obtain a license from the GCGRA.
Commercial Gaming Operators
The country’s official regulator has licensed commercial gaming operators, including the first online gaming site, the UAE lottery, a sports wagering site, and gaming-related vendors, marking a significant step towards allowing residents and visitors to take part in online betting and gambling.
In July 2024, the GCGRA awarded the exclusive license to operate the UAE’s first authorized national lottery to “The Game LLC,” which operates the “UAE Lottery“.
In 2024, the authority also secured a license for the land-based casino Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Moreover, the UAE has given a few other new vendor licences, along with the first authorised online sports wagering and iGaming platform.
Rather than opening the market rapidly, authorities are adopting a regulation-first strategy, establishing detailed rules before granting market access, with Digital platforms at the forefront of this rollout.
One Licensee Per Emirate
The policy shift does not amount to a cultural reversal, but rather a practical response to economic and regulatory challenges. Sources suggest the new regulations allow for one online licensee per Emirate, meaning there could, in theory, be up to seven operators in the market. This, of course, would depend on all seven emirates supporting online gaming.
In the meantime, players use proxies and casino VPNs to access online casinos. It is important to note that the casinos we feature here are fully regulated, licensed, and safe, as per international standards.
Gambling Practices in the 7 UAE Emirates
In this section, we shall outline the gambling laws and practices in each of the 7 Emirati states.
| Emirate | Gambling Practices |
|---|---|
| | |
| Abu Dhabi | Actively searching for a location for integrated resorts, with Yas Island and around Abu Dhabi Port being prime contenders. The Play 971 website has gone live from Abu Dhabi, launching it as the first regulated and licensed site for iGaming. As the head office of GCGRA, Abu Dhabi is believed to be a strong contender for a second licensed land-based gaming site. |
| Dubai | Traditionally playing down the need for casinos based on its thriving tourist industry, Dubai is transforming. Major construction companies such as MGM Resorts are moving ahead with the development of “The Island,” which has allocated 150,000 square feet for proposed gaming floors, subject to Dubai regulatory approval. No land-based license exists for Dubai through early 2026. |
| Ras Al Khaimah | It is presently the most progressive entity in the industry. It features the first ground-based casino license for a project called Wynn Al Marjan Island. It is already under construction, with the help of which it aims to open its doors in 2027. |
| Sharjah | Sharjah is definitely one of the strictest states when it comes to enforcing federal laws, including anti-gambling laws. These enforcements are done through highlighted cultural and religious practices. |
| Ajman | Cultural sports such as falconry and camel racing are very common in Ajman. They are typically held during festivals and/or cultural events. |
| Umm Al Quwain | This state is also a big law enforcer when it comes the federal anti-gambling laws. Umm, Al Qaiwan is still, however, keen on horse and camel racing, which is officially legal within this state. |
| Fujairah | Fujairah is also known to host multiple camel and horse racing events. All other gambling activities are prohibited, and the anti-gambling federal law is enforced accordingly. |
Is it safe to play at UAE casinos?
First and foremost, all the UAE casinos we review are safe. Still, how do we decide they are safe? It’s because world-trusted authoritative bodies properly license them. These are some top licensing bodies, which you can find as licensing bodies in our casino reviews:
Fairness and Trustworthiness
Being adequately licensed means that the casino has to follow safety procedures strictly. This means that the online casino platform has to embody the following:
- They have an SSL-encrypted system to safeguard GDPR standards.
- Their games are RNG-tested to make sure that games are not rigged.
- Transparency through provided menus such as Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, etc.
- Only deemed safe payment providers are offered.
Responsible and Safe Gambling
Responsible Gambling is another core feature that is essential to find in each UAE online casino you visit. This page can be found in all the online casinos’ footer menus.
Once clicked, the casino offers all sorts of information and tips on Responsible Gambling, including setting time limits and budgets; it also points you to any help services you might require with the relevant links.
Common Gambling Practices in the UAE
Since the legal framework of online gambling is not straightforward in the UAE, below are some common practices UAE players can refer to to play more easily.
Use of VPNs
Both UAE citizens and expats commonly use VPNs to access casino sites. This means that players can play more at their own discretion while still enjoying casino bonuses and tailor-made offers for UAE players.
Popular use of Cryptos
Cryptos have become a fast sensation in just a decade, and they have become a very popular payment option in the UAE casinos we feature. It is common for Emirati players to search for crypto casinos as these offer more discreet standards to standard AUD FIAT payment options.
Mobile Use
Online casino experience can also be enjoyed from mobile – since all online UAE casinos offer a mobile-optimized platform that can be played from all mobile devices. It is also common to find online casinos investing in casino apps.
Play Safe and Responsibly
Online and offline gambling has been strictly prohibited in the UAE. However, starting in late 2023, the UAE shifted from a total ban on gambling to a formal, federally regulated commercial gaming framework. While still strictly controlled, gaming is now permitted through specific licensed operators overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
The licenses most commonly trusted internationally are those issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. If you use the guides at emiratescasino.com, rest assured you will find only legal and authorised casinos with all player protection measures in place.
To ensure your safety online, it is important to choose reputable casinos, avoid blacklisted ones, play safely and responsibly, and make sure you are 21+ years old.
Suhair is a seasoned content creator with 20 years of experience, holding a Master's degree in Political Science. With expertise spanning iGaming, marketing, media, and government relations, she brings a unique perspective to online gaming. Suhair's global outlook enriches her writing because she speaks four languages and has lived in five countries. When not crafting compelling content, she enjoys traveling, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and practicing yoga. Her passion for learning and exploration makes her a captivating voice in the Middle East's online gaming scene.