A recent survey, referenced in the Dubai Casinos report, found that 42.2% of participants expressed opposition to the idea of legalizing casinos in Dubai, citing concerns about a potential clash between Emirati cultural values and the gambling industry.
Casinos in Dubai
You Must Visit
New gambling regulations are out in the UAE, and licenses are being issued, including for casinos.
Everything you need to know about the casinos in and around Dubai.
Whether you’re curious about the current casino scene in Dubai, seeking legal information, or exploring available options, we’ve got you covered.
Last Update December 6, 2024
List of Resorts & Hotels With Casinos in Dubai and Gaming License Applications
Wynn Resorts has secured its gaming license and is moving forward with its casino project in Ras Al Khaimah, north of Dubai.
Meanwhile, MGM Resorts has proposed a casino project in Abu Dhabi and has applied for a gaming license.
Wynn Resorts
Status: License Secured
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
Deadline: 2027
Wynn Resorts has secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming license and is set to launch its first venture into the Middle East region with a multibillion-dollar integrated resort and casino.
MGM Resorts
Status: Casino License Pending
Location: Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Last Update: 2024
In September 2024, MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed that has officially applied for a casino license in Abu Dhabi, near Dubai, aiming to become the first major operator in the UAE’s emerging market.
Banyan Tree
Status: Rumour
Location: Dubai
Last Update: 2023
Soloviev’s CEO Michael Hershman shook the industry with news of a partnership with Banyan Tree for a casino project in NYC, hinting at potential developments mirroring the rebranding of Caesars Palace in Dubai.
Caesars Palace
Status: Discarded
Location: Dubai
Last Update: 2023
The delay in legalizing gambling in Dubai prompted Caesars Palace to move, notably with a competitor sealing a $3.9 billion deal for a pioneering casino project in Ras Al Khaimah, north of Dubai.
Bulgari Resorts
Status: Discarded
Location: Dubai
Last Update: 2024
In light of speculation about the UAE potentially legalizing gambling, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts has taken a clear stance, by commenting that they’re not interested in adding a casino to their properties.
What You Can Expect From the Casino Market in Dubai?
As the UAE enters the world of regulated gaming, Dubai is poised to issue more licenses soon.
The future of the casino market in Dubai is set to unfold with a focus on legal and responsible gambling practices.
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Regulatory Framework and Oversight
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority’s establishment and its regulatory framework are paving the way for the imminent introduction of casinos in Dubai.
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Licensing and Market Entry
The recent issuance of the first gambling license to The Game LLC indicates that the UAE is poised to grant more licenses, potentially including operators in Dubai.
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Legal Market and Responsible Gambling
The UAE’s market will emphasize legal gambling through licensed operators, with players facing legal repercussions for participating in illegal activities.
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List of Best Online Casinos
in Dubai
The timeline for when Dubai will have licensed online casinos depends on how quickly the licensing process and regulatory approvals are finalized.
Similar to physical casinos, we also have a list of top online casinos that are eager to enter the Dubai market.
Gambling in Dubai and Legal Status
Most Frequent Questions
Are There Casinos in Dubai?
No, there are currently no legal casinos in Dubai. The UAE has recently made strides towards regulating certain forms of gambling, and casinos are awaiting license approval.
If you find any form of gambling related to casinos, make sure it is licensed by the gaming regulator.
Is gambling legal in Dubai and the UAE?
When Dubai will have casino with license?
The timeline for when Dubai will have licensed casinos depends on the licensing process and the finalization of regulatory approvals.
There are several projects in Dubai and nearby areas that are already awaiting licenses, which could pave the way for the introduction of casinos in the region.
What is the punishment for gambling illegally in Dubai?
The punishment for gambling illegally in Dubai can be penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or fines up to AED 50,000 (over $10,000).
As for online gambling in the UAE, the convicts face detention and fines between AED 250,000 ($68,000) and AED 500,000 ($136,000).
What are the current state laws?
Article 460 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31/2021 (penal code) defines gambling games as agreements where losers commit to paying predetermined amounts to winners.
To manage gambling activities on digital platforms, the UAE has implemented the Cyber Crime Law. Article 38 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021 specifically targets online gambling activities.
Is online gambling also illegal?
Since they are also forms of gambling, online casinos and sportsbooks are covered by the law and must be licensed by the gaming regulator in the UAE.
Some players use a VPN to access online casinos, although this practice may still be subject to legal and regulatory risks.
And what about sports betting?
Sports betting falls under the same legal framework as other forms of gambling in the UAE – they need to be licensed by the UAE.
Like online casinos, dubai betting sites are subject to regulatory oversight and must adhere to local laws.
Legal Updates on Gambling in the UAE and Dubai
PayBy has received a GCGRA license, making it the first fintech company authorized to provide financial services to the UAE’s casino industry.
Max Tappeiner, President of Wynn Al Marjan Island, shared that Wynn’s $5.1 billion resort in Ras Al Khaimah could become the world’s fourth-largest casino market.
GCGRA granted new vendor licenses to Aristocrat and Smartplay, enhancing gaming equipment, lottery operations, and online gambling. The focus remains on transparency and regulatory compliance.
Wynn Resorts has confirmed that it has been awarded the UAE’s first commercial gaming license. The luxury resort, which was already planned to include a casino, is expected to open in 2027 and will be the first integrated gaming destination in the Middle East.
Latest Dubai Casino report on how gambling news has impacted UAE residents points out that, since the first signs of legalization, interest has increased by 54.38%, with an average jump of 12.54% in interest following gambling-related news.
Michael Weaver, the Chief Communications Officer at Wynn Resorts, has disclosed that the long-awaited introduction of the gaming facility will be strategically synchronized with the highly anticipated grand opening of the resort.
Wynn Ras Al Khaimah has recently unveiled new photos, offering a glimpse into the progress of their upcoming gaming resort set to open in 2027. Todd Lenahan of Wynn Design and Development shared also insights into the resort’s design inspiration.
Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket, a major UAE prize draw platform, has temporarily halted operations under the mandate of the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority. This pause prompts reflection for organizers and regulators, amidst regulatory adjustments and operational reviews.
The CEO of MGM emphasized that their hotel development in Dubai is poised to adapt to gaming should there be favorable changes in the legal environment.
“As a brand, we are not interested in adding a casino to one of our properties,” Attilio Marro, Senior Director of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, told our team. He emphasized the group’s opposition to casino integration in Dubai, prioritizing luxury and elegance over gambling.
A recent survey, referenced in the Dubai Casinos report, found that 42.2% of participants expressed opposition to the idea of legalizing casinos in Dubai, citing concerns about a potential clash between Emirati cultural values and the gambling industry.
MGM Resorts’ ‘The Island’ in Dubai, led by CEO Bill Hornbuckle, is a $2.5 billion project that will initially open without a casino, but is designed to accommodate one in the future, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to the region’s hospitality industry.
Wynn Resorts’ CEO, Craig Billings, predicts the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort to be a transformative tourism gem in the United Arab Emirates, with construction progressing towards its next phase and a strategic focus on long-term shareholder value.
Dubai creates gaming history with the inaugural ‘Casino Countdown’ conference by Arabian Business, setting the stage for a significant shift as the UAE welcomes its first-ever gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
UAE and General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) initiate a suspension of prize draws as part of a regulatory overhaul to establish a framework for national lottery and commercial gaming.
Dubai’s is putting casino plans on hold, as senior government officials see it as ‘not a priority’ due to the booming tourism industry in the city. However, the Casino Ras Al Khaimah project continues to move forward.
The UAE might allocate one casino license per each of its 7 Emirates in an effort to tap the lucrative gaming tourism market.
Bloomberg expects gambling to bring up to $7 billion of revenue annually to the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates sets up a federal entity to regulate gaming and hired veterans of the U.S. gambling industry to lead it, as stated by the news agency WAM.
Wynn Resorts announces the opening of a casino mega resort in 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah, hinting a major turning point in the historically imposed stricter islamic laws regarding gambling.
The global gambling industry anticipates that the UAE might become the first Gulf nation to legalize casinos, potentially surpassing Singapore as a gambling hub, despite current Islamic laws prohibiting the practice; however, official plans remain uncertain.
What Do We Know About Casinos in Dubai?
Although gambling has been restricted under Islamic law, the UAE’s gaming regulatory body has recently introduced a new legal framework for the industry.
This change will allow for the issuance of gambling licenses, including for casino operations.
In Dubai, an ambitious project called ‘The Island’ plans to host names like MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, which have a strong casino culture.
MGM President and CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, has already confirmed that the $2.5 billion resort project is awaiting approval for a gambling license and is set to become the first casino in Dubai.
Exceptions to Gamble in Dubai
Gambling in Racecourses
Meydan Racecourse and Jebel Ali Racecourse serve not only as venues for witnessing the majestic sport of horse racing but also as centers where limited forms of betting take place. It’s crucial to understand that any form of wagering conducted here is heavily regulated and operates within a legal framework designed to maintain the integrity of the sport and adhere to the country’s laws.
Licensed Lotteries
Following the UAE’s first legal lottery license to The Game LLC, GCGRA has expanded its licensing with Aristocrat Technologies and Smartplay International. The focus remains on transparent, fair draws, with tickets available online and prizes awarded promptly.
What Do Dubai Residents Think About Casinos?
Our interactions with residents have given us unique data on their viewpoints regarding casinos in Dubai.
These reports have also been mentioned by the media across the world.
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How Has Gambling News Impacted UAE?
“Whether it’s about new regulations, suspensions of gambling or international casino operators expressing interest, leads to a 12.54% increase in search activity.”
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Will Wynn Resort Casino Change RAK?
“A significant majority of participants (56%) are optimistic about the Wynn Resorts Casino project’s potential to enhance tourism revenue and stimulate job creation in Ras Al Khaimah.”
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Is Casino Curiosity Growing?
“Over the past decade, interest in casinos in the UAE has surged exponentially, with search volumes experiencing an extraordinary increase of over 6600% since 2015. ”
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What Emiratis Think About Casinos?
“42.2% of participants expressed opposition to the idea of legal casinos in Dubai, citing concerns about the potential clash between Emirati culture and the gambling scene.”
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Casino Debate – Online Forums
“Legal casinos in Dubai could boost tourism, mirroring Macau’s success. Yet, clashes with cultural norms raise concerns about preserving traditions. I’d say it will be a game-changer.”
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The Future of Casinos in the UAE
and the Role of Dubai
A Cautious Yet Ambitious Shift
The issuance of a gaming license to The Game LLC for lottery operations was a significant first step, indicating a measured introduction of regulated gambling.
Dubai’s casino future depends on a cautious, well-controlled rollout of licenses, ensuring gambling activities remain responsible and within legal boundaries.
Dubai as a Global Gambling Destination
Dubai’s potential to host world-class casinos is enormous. MGM’s plans for a resort in the heart of Dubai could make the city a central player in the global gaming industry.
These developments will attract high-end tourists, creating a new revenue stream and boosting the city’s already thriving tourism sector.
Responsible Gambling
Dubai will prioritize responsible gaming practices. The government will enforce strict controls, such as betting limits, to prevent gambling addiction.
Illegal gambling will continue to face heavy penalties, maintaining Dubai’s reputation as a safe, controlled environment.
What Are Industry Leaders’ Projections for Casinos in the UAE?
Hear directly from industry leaders such as Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM, or Bruno Ascenção, a gambling lawyer in Macau, as they share their views on the future of gambling in the UAE.
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Craig Billings – Wynn Resorts CEO
“We think there will be three or four casinos in the Emirates. It’s up to each ruler to decide what they want to do and where they want to do it.”
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Bill Hornbuckle – MGM CEO
“I think the UAE will start with lottery and go into digital gaming, and probably the actual first casino license will be issued in Abu Dhabi, followed potentially by what’s happening with Wynn in Ras Al Khaimah.”
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Bruno Ascenção – Gambling Lawyer
“Although there are other casinos in countries where Islam is the dominant religion, Dubai has a considerable challenge to overcome since religions operate in the realm of belief and not reason.”
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Islamic Sharia Law & Gambling in Dubai
Legal Implications
Under Islamic Sharia law, gambling is unequivocally prohibited. This prohibition is not just a cultural norm but a legal mandate that influences the legal framework and judicial practices in many Islamic countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a prominent emirate. The legal status of gambling in Dubai and the broader UAE is deeply intertwined with the principles of Sharia, which serve as a foundational source for the country’s legislation and moral guidelines.
Legal Framework
While Sharia serves as a guiding principle, the UAE’s legal system is a hybrid structure that also incorporates elements of civil law to govern various aspects of public and private life. By now the UAE is a major global tourist destination known for its hospitality and cosmopolitan cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi and visitors are also expected to abide by local laws, including those regarding gambling.
Our Brand Showcased and Featured in the Media
Since the beginning of speculation, we’ve covered news on Dubai’s casinos and the legalization of gambling.
Our team is trusted globally, and our efforts have been recognized by the media.
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Sigma
“In a report by Dubai Casinos, Attilio Marro, Senior Director of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, expressed his opposition to the inclusion of gambling facilities within their Dubai resort.”
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Casino.org
“A new poll conducted by “Dubai Casinos,” a media outlet focused on the potential liberalization of gambling, found lackluster backing for casinos.”
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Arabianpost
“A survey undertaken by Dubai Casinos about the idea of legalising casinos in the emirate has revealed that 42.2 percent of the respondents opposed such a move.”
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InterGame
“Gambling might be illegal in the United Arab Emirates, but according to Dubai Casinos, interest in the activity there has climbed sky high in recent years.”
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GlobalGamblingNews
“Most recently, Dubai Casinos has collected data from over one million casino searches conducted since 2015, compiling a report that provides unique insights.”
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WOW-RAK
“As per the recent survey done by Dubai Casinos, a spectrum of opinions among UAE residents regarding the anticipated impact of the Wynn Resorts project in Ras Al Khaimah. ”
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