What Emiratis Think About Casinos?
The legalization of casinos has become a hot topic in the UAE. Currently, gambling remains restricted due to legal and cultural considerations.
Over the course of three months, we conducted a survey in the UAE, reaching out to over 10,000 individuals and receiving feedback from 3,000 respondents. The primary focus of our survey was to get public opinion on the ongoing debate surrounding the potential legalization of casinos and gambling in the country.
Last Update February 23, 2024
Before You Get Into The Details
1. This is Something New
Casinos have never been a part of the UAE’s reality, making this topic entirely new, particularly for local residents.
2. Legalization Process
Since 2023, the legalization of gambling and the potential establishment of casinos in certain Emirates have become hotly debated topics in the UAE.
3. Concerns About Cultural Aspects
One of the key aspects of this debate is the cultural perspective, as gambling is generally prohibited by Islamic law.
Target Population
We covered all of the UAE, with special attention given to Dubai.
90% Living in the UAE
Our target audience consisted of UAE residents, including both local citizens and expatriates living in the country.
60% Living in Dubai
We received responses from across the UAE, with a notable concentration of participants from Dubai.
78% Emiratis
While we target opinions from all participants, we particularly valued the perspectives of Emiratis.
Public Opinion on Legalizing Casinos in Dubai
42.2% Opposed
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.
28.8% Neutral
Some participants adopted a neutral stance when asked about this topic. Given the sensitivity of the issue in the UAE, some individuals expressed concerns about voicing their opinions publicly.
28.8% Supportive
However, we also encountered a representative group that supports the legalization of casinos. Given the increasing number of expats in Dubai and the evolving lifestyle, this shift could lead to the formation of alternative perspectives.
The Legalization Would Have a Positive Impact on Dubai’s Economy?
59.6% Supportive
59.6% of participants expressed support for the idea, citing the potential positive impact on Dubai’s economy. This feeling suggests that the establishment of casinos could also benefit other Emirates in the UAE.
18.4% Neutral
Although some participants adopted a neutral stance when asked about this topic, it was clear that discussing the economy is not a sensitive issue.
22% Opposed
However, we also encountered a small representative group that does not support the idea that casinos would benefit the Dubai economy.
Legalization Could Lead to Cultural Tensions?
53.2% Supportive
53.2% of participants agree that casino legalization will led to a cultural tension. As the UAE is not accustomed to having casinos around and gambling is against the law, this new topic is sensitive.
24% Neutral
Some participants adopted a neutral stance when asked about this topic. Given the sensitivity of the issue in the UAE, some individuals expressed concerns about voicing their opinions publicly.
22.8% Opposed
However, we also had a representative group that does not support the idea that there will be cultural tensions, and they believe that the legalization will not face this issue.
How The Government Should Address Potential Issues Related to Gambling?
As the topic is connected to legal and governmental decisions, we asked how they think the government should address gambling issues. The participants could choose multiple answer.
Public Awareness and Education
Only Allow Foreigners to Gamble
Engaging the Community in Decision-Making
Don’t Regulate At All
Don’t Have Opinion
Other
Overall Opinion On Casinos?
We also asked about the overall opinion on casinos and gambling, without any correlations to the UAE. The participants could choose multiple answers.
Concerns About Gambling Addiction
Negative Impact on Local Culture
Positive For Tourism and Economic Growth
Depends on Regulation
No Strong Opinion
Other
Extra Feedback
Our survey included an additional option for participants to provide extra feedback, and we received some valuable insights on this topic.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
“Prevention is better than cure. Legalizing drinking, gambling and then trying to solve drunken driving, addiction, bankruptcy etc… will require turning a blind eye to the impact to the society.”
Social Consequences
“Religion and local values aside, gambling has social consequences that may outweigh the economic development it provides (which there are many other sources for).”
Discourage Gambling
“Instead of banning it for Muslims, discourage it by charging them higher.”
Government Impact
“I’d have liked if the Government addressed the issues, but thats not how the government of UAE works.”
3 Things That We Realised With This Research
1. Opinion on Legalizing Casinos
There is a more balanced opinion on the legalization of casinos in Dubai, with some respondents opposing it, even though they have a winning percentage, while others are supportive or neutral.
2. Concerns About Cultural Aspects
There’s still a lot of concerns about gambling addiction, followed by concerns about the negative impact on local culture.
3. Overall Opinions of Casinos
Despite concerns, a significant portion of respondents believes that casinos could have a positive impact on tourism and economic growth.
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.
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