Online gambling in UAE
Background
Until very recently gambling in all forms was strictly prohibited in the United Arab Emirates. There were no land based casinos, sports betting shops and despite the region’s love of horse racing, no wagering.
The prohibitive stance toward gambling was imposed across all mediums including the internet, and authorities took an active approach to blocking websites that offer material deemed to be illegal in the UAE, with ISP’s taking instruction from authorities as well as resident suggestions for which sites should be blocked – and the filter is broad, including pornography, gambling, anti-Islamic material and even dating websites.
But this zero tolerance approach to gambling in all forms is changing, and changing rapidly.
In September 2023 a new gambling regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established. The GCGRA is mandated with oversight of all forms of gambling in the UAE – both land-based and Internet.
In July 2024 the GCGRA awarded its first operator license. The Game LLC was granted a license to conduct the UAE’s lottery. In October 2024, Wynn Al Marjan Island was granted UAE’s first casino license. The $4 billion integrated casino resort project was already well under construction before the license was granted and is expected to open its doors to the UAE public in early 2027.
Evolution’s Arabic Roulette @ 888
Included in the GCGRA’s license categories are Internet gaming and sports wagering. While licenses in these categories are yet to be awarded, there does appear intent to do so in the near future.
Current regulations
Internet and land-based gambling is regulated by the GCGRA. The GCGRA website references the various UAE Federal laws that govern the nascent Emirates gambling industry, none of which contain gambling specific provisions. The laws appear more focused on anti money laundering and counter terrorism.
As an example, there’s Cabinet Resolution No. (24) of 2022 – Amending certain provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. (10) of 2019, concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations. It contains no mention of casinos, casino games, wagering or lotteries. There are provision on weapons of mass destruction however.
It’s quite clear GCGRA will be governed less by the letter of any laws and more by top down instruction from the powers that be.
Be that as it may, its licensing guidelines do provide for operator licenses being awarded under the following categories:
- Lottery operator, with 1 license already awarded to The Game LLC
- Gaming facility operator, with 1 license already awarded to Wynn Al Marjan Island
- Gaming-related Vendor licensees, with a number of suppliers already licensed including Aristocrat, Scientific Games and Novomatic. In October 2025, Live88 received a license paving the way for the first UAE live dealer studio.
- Internet gaming operator (no licensees as yet)
- Sports wagering operator (no licensees as yet)
So there is intent to introduce regulated online casinos and sports wagering. Whats more, the recent awarding of a license to live games provider Live88 suggests live games streamed from locally based studios will be part of the mix.
In the meantime, many casinos offer live dealer tables tailored to the region, including Arabic Roulette pictured above.
Best live casinos for UAE players
 Casinos |
 Player access |
 Banking |
 Toll free support |
 Local language |
 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions. Maintain account in USD |
Yes | Yes | Euro based dealer rooms, 4 exclusive table areas, high limits, Arabic dealers |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions. Crypto-currency account options |
No | No | Extensive game range from multiple providers. Highest limits |
