When you think of the United Arab Emirates, your first thoughts will probably go towards Dubai. Well, Dubai is just one of the seven emirates in the UAE. The others are Abu Dhabi(capital), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Being an Islamic country, gambling in general is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. But the situation is changing now. Recently, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was created that will setup regulatory framework for a national lottery and commercial gaming.
It is still possible to gamble safely by opening gaming accounts in offshore online casinos. Some of the most respected international licenses for online casinos are Curacao eGaming and Malta Gaming Authority. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about gambling safely in the UAE, including the best online casinos and the best casino welcome bonuses. Let’s get to it immediately.
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Gambling Laws and Regulations in United Arab Emirates
The laws of UAE are primarily determined by the major religion in the country, which is Islam. As such the penal code of UAE prohibits all forms of gambling in the country. People who are found partaking in gambling activities of any form can be prosecuted. There are no land-based casinos or bookmakers in the country. But there is a new luxury resort with casino under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, which will be like a gambling zone in UAE. It is called The Wynn Al Marjan Island and it is expected to be opened in 2027.
Online gambling is still illegal in the UAE but it is possible to gamble safely now.
| Casino or Sports Betting | Legality |
|---|---|
| Casino | Illegal, but it can change soon |
| Online Casino | Illegal, but possible to gamble safely on offshore casinos |
| Sports Betting | Illegal, but it can change soon |
| Online Sports Betting | Illegal, but possible to gamble safely on offshore casinos |
Check the table below for the legal status of the different gambling types in the UAE.
| Gambling Type | Legality – Local | Legality – Online |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Betting | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Lottery | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Lotto | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Keno | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Horse Racing | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Card Games | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Roulette | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Craps | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
| Slots Machines | Illegal | Illegal but possible on legal offshore casinos |
The government doesn’t issue licenses to operators, as gambling is illegal in the UAE.
If you want to find out how to gamble online in another Arab country, Check out our article Gambling in Arab countries.
Gambling in the United Arab Emirates – FAQs
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Is gambling legal in the United Arab Emirates?
No, gambling in the UAE is illegal but changes are coming.
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Can I gamble safely at online casinos while in the UAE?
Yes, you can do this. Just ensure that you follow the steps that you have read in this guide.
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What are the best online casinos for UAE players?
If you want the find best and trustable online casinos for UAE players, check the casinos on our list above.
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What is a welcome bonus?
A welcome bonus is a promotional offer that is given to new players after they sign up and make deposits.
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What are the best payment methods for UAE players?
The best way for players in the UAE to make payments is via the use of cryptocurrencies and e-wallets.
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Which cryptocurrencies are accepted for payments in UAE online casinos?
All popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Binance Coin are accepted.
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What are the best e-wallets for gambling in the UAE?
The best e-wallets to use are Skrill and MuchBetter.
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