With more than 4+ years of experience in the iGaming industry, Boris Atanasov writes exciting content about slots, video poker, roulette and blackjack.
, | Updated: September 30, 2024
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is formed from a federation of seven emirates. The economy of the United Arab Emirates mainly relies on petroleum and natural gas revenues. Tourism also contributes substantially to the country’s economy. The official religion in the UAE is Islam, and the Quran is the holy book of Islam.
The UAE has strict rules regarding gambling. That is because the legal framework is based on teachings from the Quran, which states that games of chance, including maisir, are a “grave sin”. Gambling-related advertisements are also prohibited. The law actively prosecutes Emirati people who participate in gambling activities.
Best Casinos in United Arab Emirates
The law prohibits Emirati people from gambling online or offline. According to the Penal Code, those who violate the law may end up being imprisoned for up to two years and fined up to AED50,000.
Despite the strict gambling regulations in the UAE, many online casinos accept Emirati players. Such web-based casinos are licensed in foreign countries where the UAE’s laws are not valid. That being said, offshore gambling sites are in no way obliged to comply with the UAE’s laws. Our readers can find a list of the most reputable gambling sites that accept players from the UAE below.
#AD New customers only, min deposit £10, wagering 40x, max bet £5 with bonus funds. 100% up to £99 bonus + 99 free spins on 1st deposit. No max cash out on deposit offers. Welcome bonus excluded for players depositing with Skrill or Neteller.
18+ and of legal age to gamble. First deposit only. $20 Min deposit. Max bonus 1 BTC or currency equivalent. First deposit free spins are added as a set of 50 per day for 2 days, amounting to 100 free spins in total. The first 50 free spins are added immediately after a successful activation of the bonus. The next 50 free spins are added in 24 hours. Winnings obtained with the help of free spins have a x40 wagering requirement. All deposit bonuses must be wagered at least 40 times before the player can withdraw the winnings received through them. General Bonus Terms & Conditions must be observed.
This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead. Spin Value: £0.10. After your first deposit you may claim your 30 Extra Free Spins by visiting the Kicker Section. No min withdrawal. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
First Deposit Only. Min. deposit: €10, max. Bonus €100. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: €0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min €0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or €5 (lowest amount applies). Free Spins must be used before deposited funds. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.
New customers only. Min £10 deposit. 100% up to £50 in Bonus. Neteller/Skrill excl. Max. bonus £50. Wagering 40x on bonus amount within 30 days. Bonus max bet £5. Spins paid 10/day on Book of Dead and valid for 24 hours. Game weighting and T&C apply.
18+ Full T&C's Apply. New players Only. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 20 Spins on Starburst will be credited instantly + then 20 per day for 9 days. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded. - www.begambleaware.org
18+ Full T&C's Apply. New players Only. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 30 Spins will be credited instantly upon qualifying deposit + then 30 per day for 9 days on pre-selected games. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded. - www.begambleaware.org
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to €250 on 1st deposit of €20+. Additional bonuses of up to €250 on 2nd deposit of €20+ and up to €500 on 3rd deposit of €20+. 50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements. Credit Card, Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. Irregular gameplay may invalidate your bonus.
New Customers Only, 18+. Min deposit $10. Max Bonus $400. 40 free spins credited upon first deposit. 20 Free Spins credited for the following eight consecutive days.
18+ Full T&C's Apply. New players Only. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 40 x wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. Minimum £5 wager to activate 200 Spins. 20 Spins on Starburst will be credited per day for 10 days after qualifying deposit/wager is met. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Skrill + Neteller excluded. Always refer to Bonus Terms - www.begambleaware.org
New customers only. £10 min deposit. Bonus 100% up to £100. 35x bonus wager in 30 days. Skrill, Neteller, PaySafe excluded. Game weighting and terms apply.
New customers only. Opt in is required. 1st deposit only. Bonus expires 7 days from issue. Min €20 deposit. Max Bonus €100. 35x Wagering. Max redeemable €2,000. Player, country, currency, game restrictions and terms apply.
New Casino customers only. Deposit min. €10. Applies to first deposit to Casino only. Max. bonus €100. 20x wagering (game weighting applies) on deposit and bonus to make the bonus balance withdrawable. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Opt in required. Available 1x per customer. First deposit only. Minimum £10 deposit. Maximum £300 bonus. 40x wagering. Bonus expires 7 days from issue. New customers to casino page only. Player, currency, country, game restrictions & terms apply.
18+. Minimum deposit £10. Only real money wagering with minimum 1.80 odds qualifies for the promotion. Bonus bet stake is not included in any winnings and winnings are paid in cash. Bonus bets are valid for 7 days and cannot be split. Additional T&C apply.
18+ New Customers only. Min deposit $20. Max bonus $5000. EXCLUSIVE: Up to 25% Rakeback on each bet! Instant, Weekly, and Monthly Rakeback. No wagering requirements. No upper limits on the Rakeback amount. The Rakeback percentage depends on the Rakeback reward level.
18+. New customers only. 30x Deposit + Bonus wagering requirement. 10 days expiration time. €5 max bet. Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify for this promotion.
18+. New customers only. 40x Bonus wagering requirement. 14 days expiration time. LOKI100 bonus code. The Free Spins can be played only on Prince of the Sky Slot.
18+. New customers only. 30x Deposit + Bonus wagering requirement. 7 days expiration time. €5 max bet. No wagering requirements on free spins winnings.
18+. New customers only. 30x Deposit + Bonus wagering requirement. 10 days expiration time. €5 max bet. Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify for this promotion.
New Players Only. Wagering occurs from real balance first. 50X wagering the bonus or any winnings generated from free spins. Contribution may vary per game. Available on selected games only. The wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus is valid for 30 days / Free spins valid for 7 days from issue. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from free spins: £/$/€20.
#Ad, New Players only, Min deposit £10, wagering 60x for refund bonus, max bet £5 with bonus funds. Free Spins bonus has x40 wagering. The welcome bonus or match bonus is issued as a refund bonus the following day if 1st deposit is lost. 23 free spins on registration (max withdrawal is £100). No max cash out on deposit offers. Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse. Welcome bonus excluded for players depositing with Ecopayz, Skrill or Neteller. Gamble responsibly, 18+, Full T&C's Apply
18+ New customers only. Spins valued at €0.25 for deposits of less then €100 and €1.25 for deposits of €100 or more. 35x Bonus wagering. Winnings from spins are wager free.
18+. New customers only. Minimum deposit €10. First deposit matched 100% up to €100 + 100 Spins on Starburst. Second deposit matched 50% up to €150 + 100 Spins on Berryburst. Third deposit matched 125% up to €250 + 100 Spins on Aloha: Cluster Pays. 35x Bonus wagering applies. Only slots contribute towards wagering requirements. Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify. Free spins credited 20/day for 5 days.
18+ New Customers only. 100% up to €300 and 50 free spins on Turn your Fortune. Expiration: 3 days for free spins winnings / 7 days for bonus amount. 10x D + 25x B wagering requirement.
New players must deposit at least $25 for the first time. They need to use promo codes NEWONE, NEWTWO and NEWTHREE in their respective order to enjoy First, Second and Third Deposit Bonuses.
150% match bonus and 150 free spins on players’ first deposit and 50% match bonus of up to 1 BTC on their second, third, and fourth deposits. 60x wagering for 1st deposit bonus and 50x for the rest. 30 Days expiration time.
18+ New customers only. 110% up to 1BTC 1st deposit bonus. 55% up to 1BTC 2nd deposit bonus. 50% up to 2BTC 3rd deposit bonus. 40x D+B wagering required. Each bonus is valid for 30 days.
Players must deposit at least £/€/$10 and they will receive a 100% Match Bonus instantly in their accounts. Before a withdrawal, players must meet the bonus wagering requirements of 40x bonus amount within 90 days.
Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Max. Bonus €100. Maximum amount of Free Spins is 25. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: €0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min €0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or €5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. *Games are subject to availability. Bonus Policy applies.
18+ New customers only. €10 min deposit. First deposit bonus 100% up to €100 + 100 Free Spins. Second deposit bonus 50% up to €200 + 50 Free Spins. Third deposit bonus 75% up to €200 + 75 Free Spins. High-roller bonus 50% up to €2,000. 40x wagering applies. 5 days expiration time for each bonus.
18+ New customers only. Min deposit €25. 30x Wagering. Bonuses are cashable after the completion of the wagering. Maximum bets with bonuses are restricted to €7.50. Bonus terms and conditions apply.
18+. New players only. One offer per player. Min Dep €10. Max bonus bet €5. 1st Dep offer is 100% up to €100 + 25 Bonus spins on Gonzo’s Quest & Starburst. Spins expire after 10 days, funds after 30 days. Bonus funds separate to Cash. Wager Req of 35x Deposit + Bonus apply. Terms Apply. BeGambleAware.org.
18+. New players only. 1 bonus offer per player. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Bonus funds are 200% match up to £500 on your 1st deposit, 25% match up to £1000 on your 2nd deposit, and 50% match up to £500 on your 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus, cash & bonus spins. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.
18+. New players only. One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20 Max bonus bet is £5 Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £300 on your 1st deposit,50% match up to £250 on your 2nd deposit, and 100% match up to £250 on your 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus, cash & bonus spins. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.
18+ New customers only. Min deposit €10. 35x wagering applies to the bonus amount and 40x of winnings from the Free Spins.
Best Casino Bonuses in the United Arab Emirates
Although online gambling is illegal in the UAE, some people have found ways to bypass the laws and play their favorite casino games online. Emiratis are often treated to some tempting casino bonuses. We will discuss the most common bonuses that web-based casinos offer to casino enthusiasts from the United Arab Emirates. However, if you reside in the UAE, it is not advisable to participate in gambling activities, considering the harsh punishments they may face.
Welcome Bonuses
Reload Bonus
Cashback Bonus
VIP Program
Important Bonus Terms to Consider
Welcome Bonuses
Web-based casinos accepting players from the UAE often provide their newcomers with the opportunity to benefit from a Welcome Bonus. Welcome Bonuses are usually quite generous because they must attract the attention of newcomers. A Welcome Bonus consists of a match deposit bonus and free spins. Casino fans must deposit a specific amount to claim the Welcome Bonus.
Reload Bonus
Online casinos pamper their regular players with tasty reload bonuses. A minimum deposit is required to claim a reload bonus. Some gambling sites offer reload bonuses as part of their welcome offers. Reload bonuses are designed to cater to the needs of players who have made at least one deposit and usually consist of free spins and a match deposit bonus.
Cashback Bonus
Cashback bonuses are relatively new. However, many web-based casinos have added them to their lists of available promotions to retain their existing casino fans. Thanks to cashback promotions, you can overcome a losing streak. A casino cashback bonus is a reimbursement of the amount you have lost within a specific time. The refund is not always associated with a wagering requirement. Sometimes the cashback bonus is credited in the form of real money.
VIP Program
Regular casino patrons can also take advantage of various VIP rewards and exclusive bonuses. Web-based casinos run different types of loyalty schemes, but the most common VIP program is based on comp points. Casino fans earn comp points when they place real-money wagers. Depending on the total number of comp points, players are assigned a VIP level. Besides, casino fans can redeem their comp points for bonus cash. High VIP levels offer more generous promotions and comp point conversion rates.
Important Bonus Terms to Consider
Casino bonuses have a cap on the maximum amount you can claim. Most casino promotions are subject to a wagering requirement. Casino enthusiasts must meet the playthrough requirement before being able to cash out their profits. To beat the rollover requirement, casino fans must familiarize themselves with the game weightings. Some games contribute more than others toward the bonus turnover.
Emirati players must comply with a maximum bet limit while playing with an active bonus. Besides, bonuses usually expire after a certain period. If the bonus turnover is not cleared within a specific timeframe, the casino operator will forfeit the bonus funds and winnings generated from the promotion.
As mentioned earlier, Emirati law is based on passages from the Quran. According to teachings from the holy book of Islam, Muslims must work hard instead of relying on luck to earn their living. The Quran explicitly prohibits Muslims from playing games of chance (gambling).
Several laws prohibit all gambling activities and gambling-related commercials within the UAE borders. The Penal Code provides a definition of gambling and outlines the punishments for those who violate the law. The Penal Code also prohibits the opening and managing of a gambling venue.
People who engage in illegal gambling will be sentenced to no more than two years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of up to AED50,000. Those who organize gambling activities open to the public or manage a gambling establishment will be imprisoned for up to ten years and fined at least AED100,000. Residents of the UAE as well as tourists must comply with the country’s anti-gambling laws.
Legal Forms of Gambling in the United Arab Emirates
What About Online Gambling in the United Arab Emirates?
The First Land-Based Casino in the United Arab Emirates
Legal Forms of Gambling in the United Arab Emirates
The Civil Code of the UAE is another piece of legislation that has to do with gambling. Article 1013 from the Civil Code states that competitions with prizes in running, shooting, sports, or preparation for trials of strength are legal. However, specific conditions should be met for a competition to be permissible. For example, there should be detailed information about the prize and the person who will give it.
Betting on horse and camel racing is legal in the UAE because predicting the outcome of such races is considered a matter of skills. Raffles and lotteries are also compliant with Sharia law. Physical lottery retailers can be found at the Abu Dhabi International Airport only. However, Emirati residents can buy lottery tickets online. The most popular raffle in the United Arab Emirates is the Big Raffle. As for lottery games, Mahzooz and Emirates Draw enjoy great popularity among Emirati citizens.
What About Online Gambling in the United Arab Emirates?
Under the Internet Access Management Regulatory Policy, Internet providers are required to block the access of Emirati residents to websites that include unacceptable content and promote or offer gambling services. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority must ensure that Internet providers comply with the policy.
Players from the United Arab Emirates are prohibited from using proxy servers to access gambling sites. Moreover, web-based casinos explicitly forbid the use of VPNs in their terms and conditions. In 2012, President Sheikh Khalifa issued Federal Legal Decree No.5 on combating cyber crimes. The decree stipulates that people who create and run websites to send, transmit, publish, or promote gambling activities will be penalized.
The First Land-Based Casino in the United Arab Emirates
In 2026, the first land-based casino in the United Arab Emirates, Wynn Marjan, is expected to open doors on Dream Island located in Ras Al-Khaimah. This will be one of the world’s biggest land-based casinos, occupying 18,500 square meters. The gambling establishment will be built by the Nevada-based casino giant Wynn Resorts. The resort will include 1,000 luxury rooms, 10 restaurants and lounges, a spa, shopping venues, a convention facility, and a gaming area. The announcement of the construction of the casino resort came in 2022, alongside the introduction of the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation, which will be responsible for regulating the gaming area within the resort.
Dubai was also rumored to allow gambling to attract more tourists. But Dubai senior tourism official Issam Kazim explained that there are no such plans. Interestingly, Caesars Palace in Dubai is the only one of Caesars Entertainment’s resorts without a gaming area.
Since gambling is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, there is no minimum gambling age. However, Emirati residents must be at least 18 years old to participate in online lotteries (one of the few legal forms of gambling in the country).
Islam is the official religion in the UAE. Moreover, 85% of the population are Sunni Muslims. The country’s laws are created in accordance with the Quran, which condemns gambling. It is unacceptable for a Muslim to gain money without effort. That is why the United Arab Emirates has strict anti-gambling rules.
Although gambling is not legal in the UAE, some web-based casinos licensed in foreign countries accept Emirati players. Casino fans from the UAE can pick from various currencies to add funds to their gaming balances, including cryptocurrencies and USD. Speaking of cryptocurrencies, the UAE established a legal framework for businesses related to virtual assets in an attempt to become a pioneer in blockchain technology.
Yes, the most recent case of people being punished for participating in and organizing illegal gambling is from July 2022. Over a dozen people were arrested for running an illegal casino from a villa in Dubai, while five others were fined for participating in illegal gambling activities. A Chinese citizen was accused of organizing illegal gambling activities. In April 2022, seven Asians were arrested and fined for running an illegal gambling den in a clothing store in Dubai.
Most forms of gambling are illegal in the United Arab Emirates. However, several forms of gambling are permissible under specific conditions, including competitions with prizes in running, shooting, sports, or preparation for trials of strength. Betting on horse and camel racing, lotteries, and raffles are also allowed in the United Arab Emirates.