UAE Removes Gambling Provisions from Law Ahead of June 2026 Amendments
Amendments to UAE law come into effect in June 2026.Another significant shift has taken place in the gaming landscape in the United Arab Emirates. Long-standing legal provisions relating to gambling and betting are set to be repealed. This update to the Civil Code signals an important change in regulatory approach, pointing towards the introduction of a legal and regulated framework for commercial gaming, which is expected to launch next year.
What is the New Law Issued?
While the change has now been announced, the amendment to the Civil Code will not come into effect until 1 June 2026.The new law is Federal Decree-Law No.25 of 2025, which issued the new Civil Transactions Law. There are several changes to the structure, but the most notable for Emirati players is that all gambling and betting provisions have been removed.
In the new Civil Transactions Law, the section on betting and gambling is gone. Most importantly, it hasn’t been replaced by any new clauses or sections anywhere else in the Civil Code. From June, civil courts will likely look to the new regulatory body to handle disputes.
This act alone doesn’t provide a clear directive regarding gambling laws. However, looked at as part of the bigger picture, it’s possible to interpret what this means.
A Shift in Approach
It’s not possible to interpret this as a complete or sudden change in the UAE’s stance on gambling, but it does signal a shift in approach. Experts conclude that this could be part of the government’s transition to separate gambling law from the Civil Code. By doing so, it prepares the way for the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority to administer a dedicated gaming law.
The shift in approach makes sense when taken into account with other recent changes in the commercial gaming landscape. The UAE government has taken several steps to establish a formal gaming sector with strict regulatory oversight. Creating the GCGRA, putting in place a framework and giving it the power to license and regulate commercial gaming activities is a clear indicator that things will be done differently from now on.
Progress to Date
The moves toward regulation and the law change show that the government is no longer happy to rely solely on civil law to manage any cases related to gambling. In many ways, a dedicated regulatory body in charge of enforcement is able to be stricter and more effective. The increased effectiveness is a vital building block for the commercial gaming sector.
It’s likely that more legislative review will occur to strengthen this move. That could include changes to Federal Decree-Law No.34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. For investors, operators and players, it signals a shift towards a more defined structure that will pave the way for growth.
Alongside this progress, GCGRA licensing is also going ahead. The first platform licence was issued in 2025, and the building of the country’s first licensed casino resort is underway.
Author
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.