What Is the Future of Gaming in UAE in 2025 and Beyond? UAE Gambling Trends and Predictions

The United Arab Emirates is entering a bold new era. With its first legal casino project underway and online gambling gaining momentum, the future of gaming in the UAE is shifting fast. Recent regulations, landmark developments, and rising investor confidence are changing the narrative. This article explores key trends shaping the market and how iGaming software development is powering the shift.

• The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) now oversees all legal gambling in the UAE, including licensing, compliance, and regulation for casinos, lotteries, and online platforms.
• The launch of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah marks the UAE’s first integrated resort with a licensed casino, setting the stage for future development.
• The introduction of The Game LLC as the official national lottery platform reflects growing interest in regulated online gambling and digital lottery operations.
• The introduction of a new federal licensing framework for lotteries and prize draws has prompted operators like Emirates Draw (operated by The Game LLC) and Mahzooz to seek national licenses, reflecting growing interest in regulated digital gaming operations.
• The UAE’s gambling strategy remains highly controlled, primarily targeting tourists and high-net-worth individuals, and is designed to support economic growth while respecting cultural and religious norms.

Introduction to UAE iGaming

For decades, the United Arab Emirates maintained a strict stance on gambling in line with Islamic law and cultural expectations. But 2023 marked a turning point. With the introduction of new frameworks and interest from global operators, the UAE is quietly positioning itself as a future hub for legal casinos and online gambling.

This transformation is not just about entertainment. It’s part of a larger strategy to diversify the national economy and boost tourism. From online platforms to luxury resorts, commercial gaming is emerging as a key growth area. With the groundwork now in motion, many investors want to learn how to start an online casino in UAE. The answer lies in navigating new regulations, seizing opportunities, and building trust in this new digital frontier.

Current State of the Casino Market in the UAE

As of 2025, the UAE’s casino market is still in its early stages, but change is happening fast. Ras Al Khaimah is leading the charge with Wynn Al Marjan Island set to become the country’s first legal casino resort. While no full-scale casinos are operational yet, the growing interest in legal gambling signals a major shift in national policy.

There are expectations of more gaming licenses in the near future. So, developers and investors are preparing for expansion. Although the casino industry is currently limited, foundations are being laid for regulated growth. The demand for tailored casino software development is rising as operators anticipate increased opportunities across the seven emirates.

The Evolution of Gambling Regulations in the UAE

The UAE is undergoing a historic shift in its approach to gambling. Once completely restricted, the sector is now seeing controlled openings under the guidance of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). New laws are laying the foundation for legalized gaming, including casinos, lotteries, and digital platforms. Let’s see how gambling laws are evolving in the UAE below.

Formation of the GCGRA (General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority): A Game-Changer for UAE Gambling

In 2023, the UAE took a bold step by establishing the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. The GCGRA is the federal body responsible for overseeing all commercial gaming in the country. Led by Kevin Mullally, a seasoned U.S. regulator, and chaired by former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren, the GCGRA sets licensing standards, ensures compliance, and monitors operations across the country.

Its formation signaled a clear shift from prohibition to structured regulation. The GCGRA provides the legal foundation for issuing gaming licenses, managing gambling activities, and implementing responsible gaming practices. By focusing on international best practices and local cultural sensitivities, the authority is positioning the UAE as a credible and well-regulated player in the evolving global casino industry.

Licensing and Legalization Roadmap

The UAE is taking a selective, step-by-step approach to legal betting. Not everything is permitted. Casino licenses are issued under strict federal guidelines, with the first one going to Wynn Resorts.

Prize draws and lotteries are now regulated under the GCGRA. This has prompted operators of established draws like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw to pause operations to apply for the new federal license, while others like Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket have continued to operate within the new framework.

The government aims to attract investment without losing control. All licenses are issued by the GCGRA and require full compliance with national standards. Operators must meet responsible conduct guidelines and demonstrate financial transparency. This roadmap allows the UAE to open its market without compromising its values or long-term vision.

Federal vs Emirate-Level Control

Gambling in the UAE follows a shared model of authority between the federal government and individual emirates. While the GCGRA sets national regulations and licensing frameworks for all commercial gaming activities, emirates can decide how and when to implement local laws.

Ras Al Khaimah was the first to permit gambling through Wynn Resorts. Other emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are closely watching but have not yet launched similar projects. This flexible structure enables each emirate to act in accordance with its unique culture, priorities, and readiness.

Taxation and Compliance Framework

The UAE’s gambling tax regime is still under development, so specific rates have not been finalized. Analysts suggest a blended 10–12% tax on casino gross gaming revenue, similar to global hubs. A formal revenue-based tax of around 25% for mass-market gambling and 8% for premium gaming has also been reported.

Operators must fully meet GCGRA standards, including financial transparency, anti-money laundering systems, and responsible gaming tools. Since gambling is newly regulated, tax authority guidance is expected in the coming months. Until formal rates are published, VAT may apply to gaming services at the standard 5%, subject to the rules. Compliance safeguards aim to strike a balance between revenue and market fairness.

The Economic and Tourism Impact of Legalized Gambling

Legal gambling is a major economic player in the UAE. The government views commercial gaming as a means to boost leisure travel, create jobs, and attract international investment. By linking legal casinos with luxury resorts and experiences, the UAE hopes to unlock lasting benefits. The following sections explore how this strategy is already taking shape.

Unlocking an $8.5 Billion Market

The UAE’s emerging casino sector is projected to generate up to $8.5 billion annually once fully operational. This estimate includes revenue from legal casinos, potential online betting platforms, and regulated lottery operations.

Experts believe the country’s unique blend of luxury tourism, world-class infrastructure, and global investor interest will fuel rapid growth. As more gaming licenses are introduced, these numbers could climb even higher. With comparisons already being drawn to Las Vegas and Singapore, the UAE’s gambling future is quickly becoming one of the most promising opportunities in the global casino industry.

Tourism Strategy and High-End Hospitality Integration

In the UAE, gambling is being woven into the broader luxury travel experience rather than treated as a standalone activity. Resorts are designed to offer a full range of services, including fine dining, wellness spas, shopping, and entertainment, as well as legal casinos. This approach appeals to high-value travellers and encourages longer visits.

Wynn Resorts is following this model with its Ras Al Khaimah development. By combining gambling activities with five-star hospitality, the UAE aims to attract elite tourists, increase travel revenues, and establish a new benchmark for integrated resort experiences in the global gaming industry.

Boost to Real Estate, Jobs, and Investment

The legalization of gambling is expected to deliver major economic benefits beyond tourism. Integrated resort projects drive up real estate demand. This is already happening in Ras Al Khaimah and the surrounding areas.

As construction progresses, thousands of new jobs are being created across various sectors, including hospitality, security, IT, and operations. Foreign direct investment is also increasing, as global brands seek early entry into the UAE gambling industry. In the long term, these projects could reshape local economies. They can create business zones, raise property values, and accelerate growth in sectors connected to legal casinos and commercial gaming.

Cultural and Social Considerations Around Gambling

Legal gambling in the UAE comes with deep cultural sensitivities. While the government is opening the market, it’s doing so carefully to ensure that local values are respected. Most gambling activities are designed to cater to tourists rather than residents. Their operations must also align with broader social norms. In the sections below, we examine how the UAE addresses these concerns through zoning, public engagement, and responsible gaming initiatives.

Navigating Sharia Compliance and Social Norms

The UAE is legalizing gambling with strict safeguards to protect cultural and religious values. Gambling is forbidden under Islamic law. So, the government is positioning these activities to primarily attract tourists and expatriates. Casino resorts like Wynn Al Marjan Island will be built in designated zones, separate from residential areas and everyday public spaces.

Additionally, there will be strict regulations on marketing and advertising to avoid targeting the local Muslim population. This careful approach allows the country to develop a legal casino industry while avoiding direct conflict with its traditions, beliefs, and social expectations across the seven emirates.

Public Opinion and Emirate-Level Attitudes

Public reaction to legalized gambling in the UAE is mixed. Some residents view it as a necessary step toward economic growth and tourism leadership. Others remain cautious, concerned about its impact on culture and values.

Attitudes also vary by emirate. Ras Al Khaimah has embraced development, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi are observing. So far, the government’s cautious rollout and tourist-only focus have helped ease concerns while keeping local opposition relatively quiet.

Responsible Gaming Measures and Social Safeguards

As part of its regulatory framework, the UAE is placing strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Operators must provide tools that help players set time and betting limits, as well as access to self-exclusion programs. The GCGRA also requires all licensed platforms and resorts to offer support for gambling addiction, including helplines and educational materials.

Public awareness campaigns will target both tourists and residents to promote healthy behaviors. These safeguards are designed to protect individuals while maintaining the integrity of the market. With legal betting now a reality, ethics and accountability remain central to the country’s long-term strategy.

Landmark Projects and Casino Developments in the UAE

The Future of Legal Casinos in the UAE Is Starting with One Major Project, but Many Are Watching What Comes Next. Developers, Investors, and Global Operators See the Country as a High-Potential Gaming Destination. Below, We Explore the Wynn Al Marjan Resort, the Current Single-Operator Model, and Which Other Emirates Might Follow Ras Al Khaimah’s Lead.

Wynn Al Marjan Island: The UAE’s First Casino Resort

Wynn Al Marjan Island is the UAE’s first licensed integrated resort to include a legal casino. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the $3.9 billion project is a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. The resort will feature over 1,000 rooms, high-end retail, Michelin-star restaurants, a spa, and a gaming area covering approximately 18,500 square meters.

Set to open in 2027, it marks the country’s first real move into the world of regulated casino gaming. The property will be developed in line with GCGRA regulations and is expected to attract international high-rollers, VIP tourists, and luxury travelers. Wynn is positioning the resort as a full entertainment destination, not just a gambling venue.

As of now, it remains the only confirmed casino development in the country. This makes it a pilot project that could shape how other emirates approach legal gambling in the near future.

Monopoly or First Mover? The Sole License Issue

Wynn Resorts currently holds the only officially approved gaming license in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, it is only natural for people to wonder if Wynn is a temporary first mover or the beginning of a long-term monopoly. The government has not yet confirmed when or how additional licenses will be granted.

Some experts believe this cautious rollout is intentional, as it allows regulators to observe and refine the model. Others suggest that more legal casinos could follow if Wynn’s launch proves successful. Either way, the single-license strategy reflects the country’s methodical approach to introducing commercial gaming.

Expansion Potential Across Emirates

With Ras Al Khaimah leading the way, attention is now turning to other emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure, high travel volumes, and established hospitality brands make them ideal candidates for future casino developments. However, no formal announcements have been made. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Dubai Casinos

Dubai has long been viewed as the most likely next location for a casino project. It already hosts resorts managed by MGM, Caesars Palace, and other notable companies. While none of these include legal casinos yet, the infrastructure exists. If permitted, the Dubai gambling industry could quickly become a global hotspot. For now, its position remains unofficial, but industry insiders believe the potential is strong.

Abu Dhabi Casinos

Abu Dhabi is taking a wait-and-see approach. As the political capital, it tends to be more conservative in public policy. However, its luxury hotels and cultural attractions make it a viable option for casino market expansion. Should the federal government endorse wider legalization, Abu Dhabi could play a significant role, particularly in targeting high-end travelers and hosting exclusive gaming experiences.

The Rise of Online Gambling and Digital Lotteries

Though land-based casinos are grabbing the headlines, the United Arab Emirates is also exploring opportunities in online gambling and digital lottery operations. The country’s shift to regulated online platforms is inevitable due to its growing digital economy and a young, tech-savvy population. We explore the rise of online gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates below.

The Game LLC and the National Digital Lottery

In early 2024, prominent digital prize draw operators like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw (run by The Game LLC) temporarily paused their services to apply for a new national lottery license under the GCGRA. This move signaled the end of the previous grey-market system and the beginning of a fully regulated national framework. While these operators aim to relaunch, other established draws like Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket have continued operating under the new regulations.

The initiative is designed to bring the lottery into the legal economy while eliminating grey-market alternatives. By licensing and regulating digital draws, the UAE ensures player protection, revenue transparency, and compliance with national standards. The platform is seen as a model for future online gambling laws across the country.

Legal Outlook for Online Gambling Platforms

Online gambling is not fully legalized in the UAE, but it is clearly on the horizon. Authorities are exploring regulated frameworks that would allow licensed online casinos and betting platforms to operate under strict supervision. Early signs suggest a focus on restricting access to protect vulnerable users and minors, similar to the controls planned for land-based resorts.

Future gaming licenses may cover both desktop and mobile experiences. As the digital market grows, operators are positioning themselves for entry. A legal pathway would open the door for top online casinos to provide secure platforms that align with the UAE’s broader gambling regulations.

Compliance, Enforcement, and Consumer Safety

The UAE is building a strong enforcement framework to support its evolving online betting landscape. Only licensed platforms will be permitted to operate, and strict penalties will be imposed on illegal sites. The gaming regulator will oversee audits, fraud prevention, and consumer protection policies.

Additionally, cybersecurity and player verification will be mandatory. These measures aim to create a safe, transparent environment where users can trust digital gambling activities without risking scams or unregulated operators.

Key Trends and Global Comparisons

The UAE aims to set a new global standard for legal gambling. From luxury resort models to regulated online platforms, its approach mirrors global leaders while adding regional nuance. The next sections look at how the UAE compares to Las Vegas and how global brands are responding.

UAE vs. Las Vegas and Singapore: A New Global Hub?

As the UAE steps into legalized gaming, comparisons with Las Vegas and Singapore are inevitable. All three markets focus on luxury, strict regulation, and high-yield tourism. However, the UAE adds a unique twist. Its resorts are positioned within Islamic cultural norms, with a primary focus on attracting tourists.

Unlike Vegas, where casinos are central, UAE properties will be more discreet and integrated into full-service resorts. Compared to Singapore, the UAE is more cautious in issuing gaming licenses but shows similar ambition. If its first projects succeed, the UAE could rival these global giants in prestige.

International Brands Eye UAE Market Entry

The UAE’s shift toward legal casinos has caught the attention of major global operators. Brands like MGM Resorts, Caesars Palace, and Las Vegas Sands are actively exploring opportunities, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

While no formal licenses have been granted beyond Wynn Resorts, these companies are already involved in hospitality partnerships and are ready to expand if the rules allow. Their interest reflects confidence in the UAE’s gambling future.

VIP vs. Mass Market Segmentation

The UAE is clearly prioritizing the VIP segment in its early casino strategy. Resorts are designed to attract high-net-worth individuals with private gaming areas and luxury services. Mass market appeal is secondary for now.

However, digital platforms may shift this balance by offering broader access under strict regulation. As more gambling activities roll out, the UAE may adopt a dual model to serve elite visitors and everyday tourists.

Conclusion: What the UAE Gambling Future Really Looks Like?

The UAE is entering the global gaming market with precision and purpose. A controlled rollout of legal casinos, lotteries, and digital platforms is underway through the GCGRA. Projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island signal ambition, while tourist-only restrictions show caution.

The country is striking a balance between innovation and tradition to capitalize on opportunities without disregarding cultural realities. In a few years, the UAE gambling industry could reshape the region’s economy and tourism. For operators and developers, now is the time to explore premium software development solutions tailored to this unique and fast-evolving market.