Casinos in United Arab Emirates

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Introduction

The first thing that comes to our minds when someone says the United Arab Emirates is luxury. In this review, we’ll deal with the most important aspects of gambling in this strict country, with a special focus on the legislation.

But now, a little bit about the country itself…

UAE, commonly known as the Emirates, is a nation in West Asia within the Middle East. Positioned at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, it shares land borders with Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the southwest, and maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran. The UAE is an elective monarchy comprised of afederation of seven emirates. As of 2024, the country boasts a population of approximately 10 million people.

Islam is the official religion, and Arabic is the official language. The capital city is Abu Dhabi, while Dubai, the most populous city, serves as an international hub.

When it comes to gambling…

… it is prohibited in the UAE due to religious beliefs that forbid such activities. This ban encompasses card games, slots, roulette, and other forms of gambling, including online casinos. Under the UAE Penal Code, violations can result in penalties ranging from very high fines to imprisonment for up to two years. Organizing gaming activities can lead to a prison sentence of up to ten years.

However, some activities resembling gambling, such as betting on camel and horse racing, are permitted under strict government regulations, but more about it later on!

History of Gambling

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the gaming population across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and KSA. The UAE government has made significant efforts to promote the development of eSports within the country.

Several factors contribute to the UAE’s appeal as a gaming hub. The nation holds advanced infrastructure and is a leader in emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and augmented reality. This technological foundation supports the growth of the digital gaming ecosystem. Additionally, the government has established specific non-financial free zones that support this industry. These free zones provide commercial trade licenses for various activities within the gaming sphere, including e-gaming, game development and publishing, digital services, and event management.

Despite the prohibition of gambling in the UAE, neither the free zones nor mainland licensing authorities offer licenses for gambling or betting activities. Licensing regimes for gaming, eSports, and amusements are available but are designed to exclude the possibility of legal gambling activities.

Legislation and Jurisdiction

Despite the strict ban on gambling in the UAE, it still exists within certain boundaries. This is possible because gambling facilities are designed exclusively for tourists and are inaccessible to residents. There are up to eight casinos in the area.

The UAE has recently established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), composed of various lawmakers, including those from the United States. According to WAM (the UAE’s state-run media) the authority’s objective is to ‘create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, ensuring that all participants adhere to strict guidelines and comply with the highest standards.’

Legalizing gambling in this country could significantly boost tourism, which currently contributes 9% to the country’s GDP. The government might consider allowing such activities in designated areas, such as cruise ships and hotels.

Before the GCGRA was established, gaming companies had already collaborated with the UAE government. Notably, Wynn Resorts, a major casino and hotel company, has signed an agreement to build a hotel in the UAE that potentially features a designated gaming area. However, this development hinges on changes to the regulations to allow for the licensing and legalization of gaming activities.

Popular Spots and Games

As we mentioned before, licensed land casinos can operate within the country’s specially designated free zones, but they enforce strict entry restrictions to prevent access by UAE citizens and residents. Patrons are typically required to show foreign passports to enter the casino grounds.

In the UAE, ‘sales promotions’ such as raffles and sweepstakes with a skill-based component are generally allowed, provided they receive approval from the relevant licensing authorities. However, chance-based games are typically not permitted, as they are considered forms of gambling.

The betting industry, particularly horse racing, is very popular and continues to thrive despite the laws and restrictions. Horse racing is an integral part of the UAE’s entertainment sector and has a long-standing tradition in the country’s sporting history.

Besides horse racing, camel racing is a legal and popular pastime in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Betting on these races is allowed only within the tracks at authorized Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) outlets run by the Emirates Racing Authority. Off-track or online race betting is strictly prohibited.

In 2017, some Emirates legalized international lottery games. However, these activities are restricted to specific authorized operators and retail points of sale. Domestic or online lottery betting remains prohibited.

Speaking of online gambling…

…it’s banned due to cultural and religious norms. Both residents and visitors should refrain from using illegal VPNs or foreign gambling sites to avoid breaching cybercrime and vice laws, which carry severe fines or jail time. It’s advisable to check updated federal and local laws before engaging in any gambling activities.

However, we must mention some of the notable spots – including Jebel Ali Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

As we already commented, the multi-billion dollar resort, Wynn Resort, is scheduled to open its doors in 2027 on the artificial Al Marjan Island. This is a strategic collaboration with local partners, RAK Hospitality Holding LLC and Marjan LLC.

These developments signal an exciting new era forluxury tourism in the Middle East!

To Conclude

The UAE’s land-based casinos represent a unique blend of luxury and exclusivity, catering primarily to international tourists while adhering to the strict regulatory framework. These carefully controlled environments offer a taste of the high-stakes excitement found in global gaming hubs, set against the backdrop of these stunning landscapes and world-class amenities.

As the nation continues to develop its tourism and entertainment sectors, these casinos play a pivotal role in attracting visitors and enhancing the UAE’s reputation as a premier destination for sophisticated leisure and gambling experiences.