Effect of Emerging Gambling Innovations in Dubai, UAE, on the Poker Sector
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to make a significant move in the global gaming industry, as the country prepares to legalise and regulate commercial gaming, including casinos. This strategic plan aims to boost tourism and the economy, marking a significant shift in the UAE's approach to gambling.
In the last 25 years, the UAE has bloomed as a tourist destination, catering to tourists with varied interests. From adventure and eco tourists satisfied by desert safaris, dune buggy expeditions, and surfing beaches, to luxury tourists drawn to extensive shopping centres like the Mall of the Emirates and the Sahara Centre, and amusement parks such as Ferrari World, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Warner Bros. World, and Motiongate Dubai, the UAE offers a diverse tourism experience.
Until recently, gambling was not part of this picture. However, in September 2023, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was formed to develop a way to legalise gambling in the UAE. This regulatory body is responsible for licensing, regulation, and supervision of the industry.
Online gambling remains illegal in the UAE, with strict penalties for violators. Federal Decree-Law No. 3 of 1987 explicitly bans all forms of gambling, including online casinos and sports betting. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) actively blocks access to gambling websites, and financial institutions monitor and restrict transactions related to gambling.
Regarding land-based casinos, the UAE has not yet established any legal casinos for locals. However, the GCGRA is laying the groundwork for future integrated resort casinos. The planned Wynn Resort casino on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is a notable example. Although casino licenses haven't been issued yet, major gambling brands are showing interest in entering the region.
The Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort is expected to open in early 2027. This resort, along with other planned casino resorts, will be accompanied by luxury hotels, restaurants, and other amenities, further enhancing the UAE's tourism offerings.
The UAE's move towards legalised gambling is a strategic decision aimed at attracting Western visitors. This is evident in the latest Yas Island advertisements featuring Ryan Reynolds as the official island ambassador. Morgan Stanley predicts Thailand and the UAE to become major players in the global gaming industry.
While the specifics and timelines are not fully public, the development of these land-based casino resorts is expected to begin in the near future. Local citizens remain prohibited from gambling given cultural and legal restrictions, but the UAE is moving towards a regulated framework for commercial gaming, primarily targeting tourism and international visitors.
In summary, online gambling remains illegal for now, but land-based casino development is in preparation, with openings likely in the coming years under a new regulated framework. The UAE's transformation into a hub for responsible and well-regulated gambling is expected to bring success to classical games like poker and attract visitors from around the world.
- The UAE's plans to legalize and regulate commercial gaming, including casinos, aim to transform the country into a hub for responsible and well-regulated gambling, attracting tourists interested in casino-culture and casino-games like poker.
- The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is responsible for licensing, regulation, and supervision of the casino-and-gambling industry in the UAE, setting the stage for integrated resort casinos to offer fantasy sports and other casino games to international visitors.
- World-renowned gambling brands, such as Wynn Resorts, are expressing interest in entering the UAE market as the country introduces legalized gambling, with casino-resorts like the Wynn Al Marjan Island expected to open doors to a diverse tourism experience, offering not only casino games but also luxury accommodations and amenities.
