Evolution of Gambling Landscape in Dubai UAE and Its Influence on the Poker Sector
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides in the world of gambling, with plans to legalize and regulate casino gambling. This development, expected to begin with the opening of the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in early 2027, marks a new chapter for the country's tourism industry.
In September 2023, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established with the mission to develop a regulatory framework for gambling activities in the UAE. The GCGRA is responsible for licensing, regulation, and supervision of the industry.
The GCGRA is likely to move forward with fully legalising online gambling before any other type of gambling. This move is expected to open up a new avenue for the poker industry, with classical games like poker being tipped for success once gambling is legalized in the UAE.
The UAE has balanced investment across the hospitality industry sectors, making it possible to cater to tourists with varied interests and hobbies. Alongside the upcoming casinos, the country's amusement parks, such as Ferrari World, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Warner Bros. World, and Motiongate Dubai, continue to attract visitors from around the world. Luxury tourism is also encouraged by the development of extensive, elite shopping centres like the Mall of the Emirates and the Sahara Centre.
However, it's important to note that local laws currently prohibit gambling for UAE citizens, rooted in Islamic Sharia principles. This means that while regulatory advances are being made, gambling remains culturally and legally restricted for locals. For now, residents rely on offshore online casinos, including cryptocurrency casinos like CoinCasino, which operate under international licenses outside UAE jurisdiction.
The GCGRA’s proposed regulatory framework includes strict player protections, AML/KYC compliance, and measures to enforce responsible gambling for both online and land-based venues. It remains unclear when and if online casinos will be officially regulated domestically, with current indications focusing more on land-based casino legalization in the near future.
Major gambling brands, such as Wynn Resorts, which operates casinos in Las Vegas, Macao, and Massachusetts, among other locations, have shown interest in entering the UAE market. The country is predicted to become a significant player in the global gambling market, following Morgan Stanley's forecast for Thailand and the UAE.
The UAE has bloomed in the last 25 years as money has been invested heavily in making it a tourist destination. The country is now more serious than ever before about attracting Western visitors, as shown by the latest Yas Island advertisements featuring Ryan Reynolds as the official island ambassador. The legalization and regulation of casino gambling are part of this broader strategy to attract a wider range of tourists.
As the UAE continues to navigate these changes, it is clear that the country is taking cautious but clear steps towards legalized, regulated gambling under strict controls aligned with regional cultural constraints and international standards.
[1] GCGRA website [2] The National News article [3] Arabian Business article [4] Khaleej Times article [5] Gulf News article
- The GCGRA's regulatory framework will likely extend to online casinos, opening a new chapter for the poker industry within the UAE, as online gambling is expected to be legalized before other forms.
- The establishment of the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in early 2027 marks the beginning of legalized casino gambling in the UAE, a significant step for the country's tourism industry.
- The growth of the UAE's gambling industry is not limited to casino games; it also includes sports betting and fantasy sports, with major gambling brands showing interest in entering the market.
- While local laws prohibit gambling for UAE citizens, residents can access offshore online casinos, such as CoinCasino, which operate under international licenses outside UAE jurisdiction.
