💡 Is gambling allowed in the UAE?

No, gambling is prohibited in the UAE, including online casinos. Only lotteries and raffles are permitted by licensed charities or the government.

💡 What happens to illegal gamblers in the UAE?

Illegal gamblers are charged with a fine of up to AED 50,000 or imprisoned for about two years.

💡 Are there regulations for casinos in the UAE?

There are no regulations made officially for gambling in the UAE. However, the General Commercial Gambling Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established to provide recommendations on gambling trends and the industry.

💡 What is the future of casinos in the UAE?

The future of casinos and gambling in the UAE remains unclear as the government's stance has remained unchanged. However, UAE players can access online casino games from other foreign sites on their smartphones.

Best Online Casinos in the UAE

By Sandra Flores Acuña | Last update at 13 February, 2024

List of the best online casinos available in the UAE

Rank	Casino	Rating	Bonus	Get bonus
1	Bitstarz	4.5/5	Bonus: Up to €500/5BTC bonus + 200 Free spins	Read review
2	Arlekin	4.5/5	Bonus: Welcome bonus of up to €5,000 + 150 free spins	Read review
3	Casitsu	4.8/5	Bonus: 100% welcome bonus of up to $300 + 50 free spins	Read review
4	N1Bet	4.8/5	Bonus: 100% welcome bonus of up to €300	Read review
5	Need for Spin Casino	4.5/5	Bonus: 100% up to $200 welcome bonus	Read review
6	KingBillyCasino	4.8/5	Bonus up to: Welcome Bonus up to €2,500 and 250 free spins	Read review
7	K8.io	4.8/5	Bonus: Welcome Package 100% up to $800	Read review
8	BitKingz Casino	4.3/5	Bonus up to: Up to €3000 + 225 Free Spins	Read review

History of Casino Games in the UAE

Although all forms of gambling in The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considered illegal, gambling has an active aspect of the nation’s history. Gambling activities were predominant in the UAE in the earliest times during the pre-Islamic era. Previous gambling activities included using dice to bet, amongst other gambling tools. However, there came a halt to all gambling activities in the country when Islam was introduced in the 7th century.

Fast forward over a millennium, the UAE began producing oil and soon became a well-developed oil country by the 1970s, thereby propelling the popularity of gambling despite the restriction.

The 1980s saw the UAE government crackdown on illegal gambling due to the increase in crime rate and addiction. Online gambling in the UAE increased in popularity in the 2000s, offering punters access to the best and safest online casino game experiences from the comfort of their homes.

However, players should remember that they must use a VPN while trying to access any of these services.

Most Popular Casino Slots in the UAE

Slots are very popular casino games played worldwide and are not different from the UAE players. According to Basketball Insiders, these are some of the most enjoyed casino slots played by UAE players:

Wild Melon: This is a fruit-themed casino slot game played for its interesting game features and graphics.
Mega Moolah Goddess: This is a progressive jackpot slot that guarantees players will win big.
Gonzo’s Quest: This slot title has many symbols and in-game features. Its high winning potential is an added advantage.
Valley of the Gods: This game is your perfect choice for players who prefer video slots. The game is designed with high-quality graphics and themes.
Medusa II: This game will have huge numbers and interesting graphics. This game also offers a high winning rate.

FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Is gambling allowed in the UAE?
No, gambling is prohibited in the UAE, including online casinos. Only lotteries and raffles are permitted by licensed charities or the government.
💡 What happens to illegal gamblers in the UAE?
Illegal gamblers are charged with a fine of up to AED 50,000 or imprisoned for about two years.
💡 Are there regulations for casinos in the UAE?
There are no regulations made officially for gambling in the UAE. However, the General Commercial Gambling Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established to provide recommendations on gambling trends and the industry.
💡 What is the future of casinos in the UAE?
The future of casinos and gambling in the UAE remains unclear as the government's stance has remained unchanged. However, UAE players can access online casino games from other foreign sites on their smartphones.