UAE Opens Door to Legal Gaming
The UAE begins a new era of regulated gamingNew laws and licenses are opening the door to legal online and land-based gaming across the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seeing changes regarding how gaming-related activities are being perceived in the country. For many years, most forms of gaming were prohibited within the country due to cultural and religious reasons.
However, the UAE has taken steps to relax these laws. Since the nation’s new gaming authority came on board, the gaming sector has opened slowly with licenses for land-based and online casinos. Keep reading for more details.
Who Regulates Gaming in UAE?
The UAE didn’t just relax its laws regarding gaming overnight. Back in 2023, the nation established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This was a federal agency charged with licensing and supervising the operations of all commercial gaming activities, including casino wagering and sports betting.
The GCGRA ensures that operators with its license all follow rules regarding anti-money laundering, responsible gaming, and player protection. Thus, the UAE’s gaming landscape can be said to meet industry standards across the world.
The UAE’s First Licensed Online Casino EVER!
Something that has been making headlines in the UAE for some days now is the fact that the nation’s first licensed online casino, called Play971, is now live. This casino site is licensed and regulated by the GCGRA and allows users to place bets on regular casino games, including slots and table games.
But it doesn’t end there. UAE residents who have a thing for sports betting can do so on the platform’s sportsbook. Here, you can place wagers on events across football, cricket, basketball, boxing, and more.
Note that Play971 isn’t for everyone. Only those who are 21 years or older and residents in the UAE will have access to Play971. What’s better? Responsible gaming is a thing on the site. To aid this commitment, the platform has included add-ons such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion.
The UAE is opening its doors to online casino sites. This throws the spotlight on countries like Qatar, where these platforms are illegal. However, if you still want to enjoy the thrill of playing casino-style games in Qatar, you can do so via international gaming sites. Want to find the brand that fits your needs? Head to Qatar Casino today. Here, you’ll find expert casino reviews of the top online casinos in the country, allowing you to make a pick.
The Land-Based Casino: A New Resort in Construction
The changes in the Emirates’ online casino scene seem to have spread to the land-based casino sector. For context, the UAE is on course to set up its first-ever legal physical casino destination.
An international company called Wynn Resorts got the first commercial gaming license to develop the Wynn Al Marjan Island tower positioned in Ras Al Khaimah. This resort is expected to open its doors in Q1 2027. It’ll feature 1,500+ hotel rooms, 20+ restaurants and bars, and a vast casino floor.
Ripple Effects of UAE’s Gaming Updates on The Economy
The United Arab Emirates making land-based and online gaming legal is bound to spell positives for its economy.
According to a report, a casino with limited online offerings could bring in as much as $1.5 billion. That said, integrated casino resorts combined could rake in an estimated $7 billion, which is 1.7% of the national GDP. However, these values coming to life are dependent on the country’s gaming authority issuing more licenses in the future.
The growth in the UAE’s gaming sector won’t just boost revenues. It’ll boost tourism, create jobs, and support industries like hospitality, construction, and real estate. This will make the nation’s economy diverse and stable.
Suhair is an innovative content creator with 20 years of experience and a Master's degree. Her expertise spans iGaming, marketing, media, and government relations. Suhair's outlook enriches her writing because she speaks four languages and has lived in five countries. When she's not producing engaging content, she loves traveling, exploring new cultures, and practicing yoga. Her curiosity and passion make her a powerful voice in the Middle East's iGaming scene.