Online Casinos that Accept Players from the United Arab Emirates
Even though online gambling is a widely spread form of entertainment, that doesn’t mean all states and countries have legalized and/ or regulated it. When it comes to Islamic nations, the situation is more or less the same- all forms of gambling, land-based and online, are strictly prohibited.
However, the situation has started to change, and some countries, like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are considering legalizing it. In September 2024, Wynn Resorts, a veteran in the gambling sector, was awarded the first license to develop a luxury resort at Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
Although this primarily represents a huge leap forward in the land-based gambling sector of the United Arab Emirates, it could undoubtedly bring significant changes in the iGaming sector as well. At the moment, the only option local players have is to visit offshore gambling websites that accept consumers from this region.
To better understand local circumstances and the possible direction in which the UAE's gambling industry could develop, it is important to mention that the Emirates belongs to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Established in 1981, the council gathers six Middle Eastern Countries: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar were the first three founding members of this political and economic alliance. The Council was founded to promote unity between countries with similar cultural and political identities rooted in Arab and Islamic cultures.
Gambling Regulations in the United Arab Emirates
Gambling in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is strictly prohibited under the country's laws, which are heavily influenced by Islamic principles, which deem gambling a sin and indecent activity. Gambling is seen as a form of "easy money" which contradicts the moral values of fairness and hard work promoted in the UAE.
Activities such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and other casino table games are illegal in the UAE, and there are no brick-and-mortar casinos in the country.
This ban applies not only to formal gambling establishments but also to informal settings, including private games among friends. Those caught participating in illegal gambling activities can face significant penalties, including substantial fines or imprisonment for up to two years.
The legal repercussions are even more severe for individuals involved in operating a casino. According to the UAE's Penal Code, anyone found running a casino can face up to ten years in prison. While gambling is outlawed in the country, there are some exceptions.
Certain forms of betting, such as camel racing, are permitted under strict government supervision. However, these activities are regulated differently from traditional gambling and are considered part of the country's cultural heritage.
Online gambling is also prohibited in the UAE, with the government taking measures to block access to international gambling websites. Although some individuals may attempt to bypass these restrictions using VPNs, doing so is risky and can lead to legal consequences.
Despite the strict laws, recent developments are suggesting a shift in the UAE's stance on gambling. A landmark project by Wynn Resorts, a Las Vegas-based casino operator, is set to bring legal gambling to the UAE for the first time.
Wynn has been awarded the first license for commercial gaming in the country for its $3.9 billion luxury resort under construction on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This resort, set to open in 2027, will feature casinos along with other high-end amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
This project marks a significant turning point in the UAE's approach to gambling, indicating that the country is exploring the potential economic benefits of regulated gaming.
Best Casino Games for Players from UAE
Talking about online casino games that are popular in the United Arab Emirates, those are more or less the same genres as the ones players from other corners of the world love as well.
Slot games are an undisputed leader because they come in a variety of themes and contain a plethora of engaging and innovative mechanics and features. They also give providers plenty of freedom to experiment with topics, features, visuals, and music, always bringing something fresh and innovative.
Furthermore, an extremely wide betting range makes them suitable for all types of budgets, both low-rollers and high-rollers. Also, payout percentages and volatility levels play a significant role in choosing a slot game to play, as some players like frequent but smaller winnings, while others prefer rare but more substantial wins. Speaking of, check out our highest-paying slots for UAE for some suggestions.
As for table games, some of the most popular options in Asia are Teen Patti and Andar Bahar. Originating from India, Teen Patti is a three-card brag influenced by poker. Involving a single pack of cards, Andar Bahar is a strategic card game where the objective is to create the highest-ranking combo among all players with only three cards dealt.
Other commonly played table games include roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, as well as their live dealer counterparts.
Deposits & Withdrawals in Online Casinos for UAE Players
What is it that players particularly appreciate when depositing and withdrawing at online casinos? Abundance of banking methods to choose from, among everything.
The great thing about accepted payment methods in GCC regions is that there are more than enough of them, so players can have maximum flexibility, regardless of individual preferences. There are even casinos that accept United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).
For starters, there are cards such as Visa and MasterCard, for those who prefer to stick with traditional banking options. Familiarity and ease of use are some of the most prominent advantages of cards, whereas KYC and relatively low maximum cashout limits are some of the most commonly mentioned shortcomings.
E-wallets come in as a handy option as it has quick set-up and quite often don’t require players to share more sensitive information than those already included in their bank account. Some of the most popular options used in UAE include MuchBetter, inpay, Skrill, Neteller, and Astropay.
On the other hand, currency conversion fees can often be quite unfavorable, which may result in significant differences between the sum won and the sum withdrawn.
In case you’re looking for a payment option that provides both efficiency and anonymity, then cryptocurrencies might be an excellent choice for you. Bitcoin, Tether (USDT), Ripple, DOGE, Ethereum, Litecoin, SOL, TRX, and USD Coin are some of the most popular options for players from the United Arab Emirates.
However, not all consumers are comfortable with the lack of regulations on cryptocurrencies. Also, price volatility leads to the unstable value of winnings when converted into fiat currencies, as it decreases and increases quite often.
Of course, if none of the abovementioned work for you, there’s always a bank wire transfer, which provides a high level of security and a higher transaction limit. What players often point out as disadvantages are longer processing time and higher fees.
What Sort of Bonuses Can Players from the United Arab Emirates Claim?
When considering signing up with an online casino operator, players also take bonuses into account, as they provide additional opportunities to grab some freebies and extend gaming sessions.
One of the offers consumers particularly love is the welcome offer, which sees players receiving some freebies upon registering and making the initial deposit. Such packages usually include extra spins and bonus cash.
In addition to this, players can find versatile match bonuses, reload bonuses, cashback offers, slot tournaments and races, a Refer-a-Friend program, and so on, altogether resting players ensure that there are more than enough opportunities to play more games.
On top of everything, a solid number of online casinos feature interesting loyalty programs where players can advance through statuses and gain access to all kinds of exclusive events and versatile benefits. Sometimes there are even interesting side-missions to complete, allowing consumers to enjoy a fully gamified casino experience.
Do check the casino’s individual policy on bonuses, as sometimes it may happen that players from specific countries can register and deposit, but are not permitted to take part in bonuses and promos.
How to Find a Trustworthy Online Casino for Players from UAE
Regardless of where players are, rules for choosing a casino know no boundaries. Although no one can tell for sure whether the iGaming platform selected will be the ideal one, there are ways to fine-tune your quest and increase your chances of finding something attractive.
Here’s what each consumer should pay attention to, so to increase the chances of ending up with something that meets their demands:
- License and certificates
- Payment options and banking policy
- List of software providers and game categories
- Bonuses, promotions & loyalty program
- Customer support options
Also, it would be wise to check the General Terms and Conditions, especially the part where country restrictions are included. Some operators explicitly note if they don’t accept registrations from the United Arab Emirates, registering and depositing despite such restrictions can often lead to account termination or, even worse, confiscated winnings.
Also, if you have time, analyzing other players’ reviews and opinions can be of great help, as it can give some specific insights that are nowhere to be found. Players like sharing both the good and the bad they’ve personally encountered or experienced, which is fantastic, because such info cannot be found in Terms, “About Us” pages, and so on.
Enjoy exploring the best online casinos for players from the UAE & gamble responsibly!
Further Reading
- Best Odds Slots Available in the United Arab Emirates
- Top Online Casinos for United Arab Emirates
- Dirham Casinos
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