UAE Gambling: 2024 Recap and 2025 Projections

GCGRA Loses Momentum as UAE Lottery Takes the Spotlight

Search interest in GCGRA dropped by approximately 58.5% over the year, but there’s a clear correlation—the focus shifted to the UAE Lottery when The Game LLC secured the first gaming license in the UAE.

With an astounding increase of roughly 3,100%, the UAE Lottery saw an explosive surge in searches, making it the biggest winner of 2024.

Wynn Gains Momentum, Casino Interest Remains Steady

With ongoing licensing processes and construction projects, interest in the topic remained moderate. At the beginning of January, people were more curious about physical casinos, such as Wynn Ras Al Khaimah and the establishment of MGM in Dubai.

Overall, public interest in these projects was sustained, but in October, searches spiked by 17% compared to September when Wynn Resorts received its first commercial gaming operator’s license.

Online Gambling Growth Continues

Online gambling saw a growth of approximately 61%, indicating a significant shift toward digital gaming platforms. Even though it’s not yet regulated, interest in the topic continues to rise.

Additionally, searches for online casino platforms increased steadily by around 28%, suggesting consistent and growing interest in digital casino experiences. With GCGRA licensing online providers, new developments in this space are expected in 2025.

Licenses, UAE Lottery, and GCGRA

The dramatic surges from late 2024 have mostly faded. For example, the UAE Lottery saw over a 50% drop from December to January, and The Game LLC fell by nearly 87% after its previous spike.

Meanwhile, GCGRA experienced a moderate dip followed by recovery. This suggests that while event-driven news can create huge short-term buzz, their impact tends to normalize quickly.

Normalization of Market Interest

As the market matures, we can expect fewer dramatic spikes and a steadier level of engagement—providing a more predictable environment for both operators and regulators.

The 2024 and 2024 suggest that while headline-making licensing events can trigger short-term buzz, the underlying interest tends to settle into a more stable, sustainable pattern over time.

Localization, Physical Casinos, and Wynn

Wynn Ras al Khaimah stands out with a strong rebound—up about 63% from December to January—indicating that licensing updates continue to capture public interest.

In contrast, terms like Casino in Dubai and MGM Dubai remain steady with only small percentage changes, reflecting consistent local engagement regardless of headline events.

Online Gambling

Both Online Gambling and Online Casino searches show modest fluctuations (around ±10%).

This steady performance suggests that digital gambling continues to attract a reliable, stable audience, unaffected by the episodic events that impact the licensed and localized sectors.

1. Imminent Regulation of Online Gaming and Sports Betting

The online gambling sector is already well-established and stable, showing only minor fluctuations of around ±10% month-to-month, even without official licensing.

The introduction of Internet Gaming and Sports Betting licenses—currently the only major segments without regulation in the UAE—will likely spark significant surges in public interest, similar to past market shifts.

It is expected that the GCGRA will expand its regulatory framework in 2025, bringing these segments under legal oversight to offer users secure and regulated gaming options.

2. Growth of Physical and Hybrid Gaming Venues

Interest in Wynn Ras Al Khaimah surged by 63.3%, largely driven by recent licensing announcements, highlighting strong public engagement with land-based gaming projects.

This trend suggests that as more land-based and hybrid venues (combining gaming, hospitality, and leisure) advance or receive approvals, interest will continue to grow.

2025 is likely to see further expansion in this sector, with hybrid venues playing a key role in diversifying revenue streams and attracting a broader audience.

3. Strengthening of the Gaming Vendor Ecosystem

The GCGRA has recently licensed several gaming-related vendors, including Aristocrat Technologies Europe, Smartplay International, PayBy Technology, and Xpoint Technology.

As these companies introduce new products and innovations, they are set to enhance both digital and physical gaming experiences—whether through lotteries, prize draws, or integrated gaming systems for online and land-based casinos.

With continued investment in gaming vendor licenses, 2025 could mark the beginning of more real gaming opportunities for players, driven by an expanding technological ecosystem.