The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the wealthiest federations in the world, and most of its income comes from oil production. It also has some of the strictest laws regarding what people can enjoy in their free time. While smoking in private is allowed, drinking alcohol, kissing in public, and consuming THC and CBD are all prohibited. [/caption]
The rules mainly apply to locals, and while tourists can drink alcohol — under certain conditions — some foreigners have been jailed for expressing affection in public.
As for gambling, it’s also an absolute no-no for everyone in the UAE, whether they live there or are just passing through.
Why Can’t People Gamble in the UAE?
The UAE is a strict religious nation. It follows the teachings of the Quran, in which the fourteenth sin is gambling. Gambling is considered a vice, and it’s believed that if the people of UAE fall victim to this vice, it can snowball into other issues like theft and violence.
The belief in the Quran is the basis, but it’s also illegal per government authorities. All forms of betting are outlawed in the UAE under Article 460 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31/2021 — even games like chess fall under this ruling. The penalties are stiff: two years in jail and an AED 50,000 fine.
As such, there are no lotteries, casinos, or race betting of any kind allowed anywhere in the UAE.
Horse and Camel Racing
The Dubai World Cup Carnival, a thoroughbred horse race held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, is one of the highlights of international horse racing. The event is all about the prestige and honor of competing and winning. Even though it draws crowds in excess of 100,000, plus an online audience of 25 million, betting on the results at the venue or anywhere in the UAE is forbidden.
Camel racing, mostly held on the sand, is exciting for locals and tourists. Once again, though, betting on the results is strictly prohibited.
Gambling on Cruise Ships in the UAE
Most cruise ships operate casinos onboard. When they’re out in international waters, they’re able to offer gambling under whatever rules they want. Once they reach the Persian Gulf, however, it’s a different story.
Gambling isn’t allowed in UAE waters. International waters begin 12 nautical miles (22km) from shore. As soon as the cruise ship leaves international waters, the laws of that state or country apply. Once the cruise ship enters the Gulf of Oman from the Indian Ocean, the casinos must close and cannot reopen until the vessel returns to the Indian Ocean.
Online Gambling
Even online gambling is forbidden. Article 38 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021 targets online gambling, and anybody creating or maintaining a website for these purposes will face jail time and fines between AED 250,000 and 500,000.
Caesars Palace and Wynn Resorts
Caesars Palace, one of the legendary names in casinos worldwide, opened a resort in Dubai in 2018 and has been attempting to get a gambling license ever since. After the last attempt failed in 2023, it’s been announced that the doors are closing forever, and the property will be rebranded as a Banyan Tree.
Wynn Resorts, however, has just announced it will be building a resort in Ras Al Khaimah that is expected to be completed by 2027. When questioned if it will have a gaming license, Craig Billings, the CEO of Wynn Hotels, used the word “imminently.”
He may be onto something, as a spark of hope was ignited in the UAE a week before Caesars Palace announced it was closing.
The Future of Gambling in the UAE
With oil supplies depleting, the UAE has been trying to determine where its next source of income will come from, and tourism has been deemed the likely solution. However, with drinking restrictions and something simple that foreigners are used to doing, like showing affection in public, not allowed, it’s been a hard sell. Things are changing, though.
Gambling is one way to encourage tourists to visit the UAE, and there may be some hope of it being legalized there in the next few years.
In September 2023, a new government body was established, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Its role is to discuss the possibilities of allowing lotteries and commercial gaming into the UAE. It will establish a framework to demonstrate how betting might work and develop a roll-out plan.
It’s early days, yet as the body has just been formed, any citizens and visitors to the UAE who want to play some of the most popular games at a casino will have to wait quite a while.
Gambling in the UAE – Not Yet
Anyone wanting to bet in the UAE cannot do so without risking a fine or jail time. The rules have been established based on the Quran and government legislation.
Gambling is forbidden regardless of the source, whether cruise ships, horse or camel racing, online, or casino-themed resorts.
There is hope now that the GCGRA has been established, but it won’t happen anytime soon.
Also published on Medium.
