No Casinos in the UAE? Check Out Nearby Options in the Middle East

Egypt: London Club Casino

• Location: Situated in the heart of Cairo, within the Ramses Hilton Hotel.
• Gaming Options: Offers a mix of table and machine games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, with 18 tables and 34 slots. Games are supplied by top developers like IGT.
• Amenities: The hotel features a pool, fitness center, sauna, and spa. The casino itself operates 24/7 and accepts USD as the playing currency.
• Unique Feature: Overlooks the Nile, providing a luxurious gaming experience with the option for private rooms for more secluded play​.
• To Cairo (Ramses Hilton Hotel) from Dubai: About 3 to 3.5 hours’ flight time.

Lebanon: Casino du Liban

• Location: Located just north of Beirut, offering scenic views and an elegant atmosphere.
• Gaming Options: Encompasses 376,000 square feet with 56 table games, 6 poker tables, and 423 game machines. Offers a variety of games including roulette, poker, and blackjack.
• Amenities: Aside from gaming, visitors can enjoy a range of restaurants, a theater, and a hotel. The main area requires formal attire, while a more casual atmosphere is available in the slot machine area.
• Unique Feature: It’s the largest casino in the region, designed with high rollers in mind, providing a luxurious gambling experience​.
• To Beirut (Casino du Liban) from Dubai: About 3 to 4 hours’ flight time.

Morocco: Mazagan Beach And Golf Resort Casino

• Location: Set along the Atlantic Ocean near El Jadida, it’s part of a larger resort.
• Gaming Options: Features a variety of table games and slot machines, catering to both casual and serious gamblers.
• Amenities: The resort includes a golf course, spa, and several restaurants and bars. The casino itself offers a luxurious gaming environment.
• Unique Feature: Its location by the sea and comprehensive resort facilities make it a destination for more than just gambling​.
• To El Jadida (Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort) from Dubai: Approximately 7 to 8 hours, often with a stopover.

Tunisia: Casino La Médina

• Location: Located in the Yasmine Hammamet tourist area, part of a larger entertainment complex.
• Gaming Options: Offers a selection of slot machines and table games in an exotic setting.
• Amenities: The complex includes a theme park, shopping center, and restaurants, providing a diverse entertainment experience.
• Unique Feature: The casino is part of La Médina, a recreated historic Arabic city, offering a unique cultural backdrop to the gambling experience​.
• To Hammamet (Yasmine Hammamet tourist area) from Dubai: Approximately 6 to 7 hours, often with a stopover,

These casinos offer a glimpse into the luxury and diversity of gambling experiences available in the Middle East, despite the region’s generally strict stance on gambling.

They cater primarily to tourists and are often located in scenic or culturally significant areas, adding to the allure and experience.

Honourable Mentions

Beyond the major casinos highlighted in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia, the Middle East offers other notable gambling destinations that cater to tourists and provide unique gaming experiences within luxurious settings.

Here are a few additional options worth mentioning:

• Egypt’s Casino Semiramis: Located in Cairo within the InterContinental Hotel, offering a range of table games and slots with scenic views of the Nile and historic pyramids.
• Morocco’s Casino de Marrakech: Situated in the vibrant city of Marrakech, part of the Es Saadi Resort, it offers traditional table games, poker tournaments, and slots in a lively atmosphere.
• Tunisia’s Grand Casino Hammamet: In the coastal town of Hammamet, this casino offers a variety of gaming options in a resort setting, catering to international tourists with a taste for leisure and luxury.

These establishments, along with the casinos previously discussed, demonstrate the Middle East’s diverse and culturally rich gambling scene, which, while restricted, still provides pockets of luxury entertainment for those seeking it.

What Do These Middle East Casinos Have in Common?

Embarking on a journey to the Middle East’s most prestigious casinos offers more than just a flutter of excitement at the gaming tables; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where luxury, culture, and entertainment converge.

Here are three essential insights for tourists drawn to the allure of these unique destinations:

1. Know the Rules: Gambling laws in the Middle East can be strict and vary significantly from one country to another. Most casinos cater primarily to foreigners, with specific regulations in place. Familiarizing yourself with these rules not only ensures a smooth experience but also deepens your understanding of the region’s customs and values.
2. Beyond Gambling: The casinos often form part of larger luxury resorts, offering a plethora of experiences outside the casino floor. Whether it’s a spa day, a round of golf by the sea, or a night out at an exclusive show, there’s a wealth of activities to enrich your stay. Make time to explore these offerings; they are as integral to the experience as the games themselves.
3. Sustainability and Community: In an age where travelers seek meaningful and responsible experiences, it’s heartening to know that many of these establishments are embracing sustainability and contributing to local communities. By choosing to spend your time and resources here, you’re often supporting broader initiatives that benefit the environment and the people who call these beautiful places home.

As you prepare to explore the Middle East’s casino havens, remember that these destinations are about so much more than gambling.

They are sanctuaries of luxury and culture, designed to offer an unforgettable experience that marries the thrill of the game with the heart and soul of the Middle East.

Whether you come for the casinos or the myriad other experiences they offer, you’re embarking on a journey that promises both excitement and enlightenment.