Is Casino Curiosity Growing Among UAE Residents?
Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered data from over one million casino searches conducted since 2015. This report provides insights into the online search behavior of UAE residents, offering a closer look at the prominence and interest surrounding this topic in the UAE.
Last Update April 9, 2024
We Analyzed +1M Casino Searches in the UAE
In the UAE, amidst the shimmering towers and bustling streets, a digital phenomenon is quietly but unmistakably gaining momentum.
It’s the story of casino searches—a narrative of exponential growth and boundless curiosity. With each passing day, the digital footprints of eager explorers multiply, painting a vivid picture of an evolving landscape.
We shared our journey through the labyrinth of online data, where every search query signifies not just curiosity, but a beacon of growth illuminating the path towards new horizons in the realm of UAE’s casino scene.
First Key Points About UAE Searches on Casinos
Interest Increased 66x Since 2015
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. This remarkable growth underscores the significant rise in interest and demand for casino-related information and activities in the region.
The Boom Started in 2021
In 2021, the UAE saw the beginning of discussions regarding the legalization of gambling, sparking a significant uptick in interest in casino-related topics. This marked the start of a notable boom in casino-related searches, with search volumes nearly doubling compared to previous years. The surge in interest reflects the anticipation and excitement surrounding the potential legalization of gambling activities in the UAE.
Significant Growth Metrics in Casino Searches
Q1 2024 Outpaces Q1 2023 with 43.2% Increase
The first quarter of 2024 witnesses a remarkable 43.2% increase in casino search activity compared to the same period in 2023, indicating a substantial surge in interest and engagement within this timeframe.
Q1 Shows 13.7% Growth Compared to Q4
Compared to the previous quarter, the first quarter of 2024 sees a notable 13.7% growth in casino search activity, highlighting a positive trend in engagement and interest during this period.
Year-on-Year Growth Surges by 32.5%
Casino search activity experiences a significant surge of 32.5% year-on-year, signaling increased interest. Anticipated to set a new record in 2024, this growth reflects escalating engagement in the topic.
Top 5 Emirates With the Most Casino Searches Since 2004
Dubai Dominance
This top reveals the top 5 Emirates with the most searches about casinos since 2004. Dubai leads with a score of 100, followed by Umm Al Quwain (75), Ras al Khaimah (73), Abu Dhabi (72), and Ajman (57).
Understanding Google Trends Scores
Google Trends scores interesting search values on a scale from 0 to 100, indicating the popularity of a search term compared to total searches in a region.
A score of 100 represents the highest popularity, while 50 denotes half as much interest.
What Casino Topics Interest UAE Residents?
Casino Legalization Drives UAE Search Trends
While the growth rate for physical casino searches is lower compared to online casinos, there is still a significant uptick of approximately 430% from 2015 to 2023.
The surge in searches since 2021/2022 may be attributed to rumors circulating about the potential legalization of casinos and the establishment of the first casino in the UAE.
Surging Interest Despite Legal Restrictions
The period from 2020 to 2023 witnessed particularly rapid growth in online casino searches, with a remarkable surge of approximately 480% during this timeframe.
This accelerated expansion can be attributed to various factors, including the global pandemic, which led to increased online activities and entertainment options as people sought alternative forms of recreation while staying indoors.
Did Legal News Had Impact On Global Search?
UAE First Casino – January 2022
The announcement of UAE’s first casino resort in January 2022 had a significant impact on casino searches.
Despite the absence of historical data prior to 2021, we observed a substantial increase in physical casino searches from 2021 to 2022, with searches rising by approximately 56.7%.
This suggests that the announcement of the casino resort may have played a pivotal role in driving up curiosity and demand for physical casino experiences in the UAE.
Gaming Regulator – November 2023
In November 2023, the UAE announced its Gaming Regulator, impacting global and local gambling searches.
UAE searches grew consistently,there is approximately a 49.59% increase in average search volume after November 2023 compared to before November 2023.
This suggests the Gaming Regulator influenced gambling search trends, showcasing the regulatory impact on consumer behavior and gambling interests.
Prize Draws – January 2024
The suspension of prize draws by the UAE regulatory body in January 2024 did not significantly influence online activity.
Despite the suspension, online casino searches continued to rise steadily, increasing by approximately 21.36% from September 2023 to March 2024.
This sustained interest in online casino activities suggests that the suspension of prize draws may not have been a key factor in shifting entertainment preferences.
2024 Projections
Anticipated Volume
Notably, the year 2024 is projected to set a new record in casino-related searches, with an anticipated volume of 378,792 searches if we consider only the main queries.
The surge in interest reflects a significant rise in curiosity and engagement with casino-related topics and activities in the UAE over the past decade.
2024 Will Set New Record
As of 2024, casino-related search volumes in the UAE are poised to reach unprecedented levels, with projections indicating a record-breaking year.
Reflecting a growth of approximately 48.25% compared to 2023, 2024 promises to be a landmark year for the casino industry in the UAE, underscoring the region’s growing interest and engagement with casino-related topics and activities.
How We Did It
Ahrefs
Using Ahrefs, we conducted keyword research and analyzed search volumes and other metrics, gaining valuable insights into popular search queries.
Google Trends
With Google Trends, we analyzed search popularity over time, revealing insights into shifting user interests and emerging trends.
In Dept Analysies
We combined data from Ahrefs & Google Trends to provide actionable insights about casino search in the UAE.
About Us
We are dedicated to providing you with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on casinos in Dubai and the broader UAE.
We go into the legal intricacies and cultural considerations surrounding gambling in the region, ensuring that our readers receive the most accurate and insightful coverage.
We strive to simplify complex legal concepts and present them in an accessible manner, making our content engaging and informative for all.