Bruce Dias 
The United Arab Emirates is a powerful driving force in numerous industries but lags far behind the rest of the world when it comes to casino entertainment. The casino industry has struggled to get a foothold in the country primarily because of religious reasons. But recently, the UAE has made concessions and specific changes, leading to a transformative journey towards accepting and regulating casinos on its territory.
The development of integrated resorts featuring gambling as part of their entertainment offer has laid the foundation for introducing gambling into this Gulf country, albeit for foreign visitors to the luxury resort. Regarding online gaming, the nation has shown more interest in sporting events, with 41.7% of UAE citizens engaging in sports betting. In this article, we’ll explore the current shift in the attitude towards casinos and why the UAE has decided to pursue this new path to legalizing gambling.
UAE’s Path to Online Gaming Acceptance
Arab countries, including the UAE, comply with the Sharia Law, which prohibits gambling, and the government has no interest in changing its legal codes. This law does not permit gambling practices among Islamic followers, including visiting online casino platforms.
Be that as it may, the idea of building an integrated casino resort in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) led to several changes in legal requirements that ensure safe and responsible gambling. Al Marjan Island in RAK was recognized as the perfect place for building a modern resort where people can gamble and enjoy the beach view at the same time. The island is man-made, allowing the US-based casino and hotel operator Wynn Resorts to build an unparalleled holiday resort with high-end amenities and a breathtaking view of the Persian Gulf.
This $3.9 billion project is expected to be finished by 2027, and its 1500 rooms will be opened to tourists worldwide. The casino venue will take up 4% of the total space, but unlike other resorts in countries where gambling is legal, it will be placed out of sight.
The consequences of the global pandemic include an expanded curiosity in online gambling. It was easy for many people to connect to their devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones, and challenge their luck when they were stuck at home for multiple days on end.
From that point on, more and more people have been using online betting platforms in the UAE. This trend is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years, especially after the casino resort is finally built.
Rules
After considering the popularity of online gambling and its potential impact on tourism, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is open to making changes. However, that doesn’t mean they will simply legalise gambling in this country. Instead, they will allow the inclusion of gaming elements in their hotels.
The Entertainment and Gaming Regulation Department was founded to establish the legislative framework for this industry and secure responsible gambling practices. It also handles taxes, consumer safety, and the prioritization of cultural regulations.
Trends
The iGaming industry has seen tremendous growth in the past decade, a sign of increased digitalisation of this type of entertainment. Online gambling sites are easily accessible, enabling people to have fun even from the comfort of their hotels while enjoying their vacations.
For this reason, an increasing number of online casino sites in Arab Gulf countries have started appearing, providing more entertainment choices for people. Research shows that 13% of UAE citizens play online card games like Blackjack and Poker, and 20% place sports bets online or through mobile apps. Some also engage in games of chance like gambling, lottery, and bingo.
Despite Sharia Law banning all forms of gambling in the UAE, the UAE is witnessing a major shift towards online gambling, and we are yet to see how this landscape will change by establishing region-specific guidelines by the Entertainment and Gaming Regulation Department.
The versatile nature of the entertainment industry in this country and its vast tourism offer contribute 9% to the country’s GDP, with hotel revenues amounting to AED 38 billion or over $10 billion. Although it is less likely to become Las Vegas’s direct competitor, the UAE never disappoints and takes bold steps toward a more casino-friendly environment for foreigners and residents.
Final Thoughts
Online gaming offers accessible entertainment for UAE citizens and tourists. The country has now become a part of the iGaming industry, allowing online gaming sites to operate effectively and for players to access their favorite games, potentially earning money and assuredly having fun.
Opening an integrated casino resort in RAK may lead to other Emirates, like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, accepting this type of recreational opportunity and including it in their already versatile tourist offer. Legalized gambling will put the UAE on the map of tourist destinations, attracting casino fans from all over the world.
