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Tunisien The government of the United Arab Emirates has just announced that gambling and casino games remain illegal in Dubai.
For the moment, there is no desire to change the legislation on gambling and casinos.
But driven by the Wynn Resorts project in Ras Al Khaimah, horse racing which is becoming more and more popular and other betting games, it is possible that in the future the law on gambling will change in the United Arab Emirates.
Gambling in the United Arab Emirates remains illegal
This is reflected in the statement by Issam Kazim, Dubai's senior tourism official, who reinforces the fact that Dubai and the UAE remain a closed destination for casino and gambling enthusiasts for the time being.
After the opening of gambling in Saudi Arabia, all eyes were on the Emirates hoping that they wanted to compete with Saudi Arabia.
The response from the UAE government was swift
and had the effect of a cold shower and presently, gambling stays illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
Two exceptions:
- Jebel Ali Racecourse
- Nad Al Sheba Racecourse
A ray of hope with the Wynn Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, which is one of the 7 Emirates, has however announced its intention to legalize gambling and betting. This project, which contradicts the decision announced by Dubai, is supported by the upcoming opening of the Wynn resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
The project is already announced as being larger and more innovative than the famous establishment of the same name in Las Vegas.
Craig Billins, the boss of Wynn Resorts, explained that by its artificial location, Ras Al Khaimah lends itself perfectly to the opening of a gambling establishment and that the place should welcome a gambling in 2026. With more than 1,000 rooms, a spa, a sauna and entertainment venues, the Wynn Resort in the UAE would be the perfect place to open the first casino in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates and gambling
Dubai and the UAE are subject to the Islamic law which is the basis of their culture. In the Islamic law, gambling is prohibited and is seen as a Haram or sin.
There is, however, an exception in Dubai for horse racing. The Emirates also host one of the biggest horse races in the world.
However, it is impossible under the Islamic law of the UAE to open a physical land-based casino.
Regarding offshore casinos, the United Arab Emirates are a little more flexible than some other Islamic countries and players can play in casinos hosted outside the Emirates. Some offshore casinos therefore accept players from the UAE and even offer content translated into Arabic.
Conclusion
Online Casino or Gambling is forbidden in Dubai and can lead you to jail.
Even though, some players, use proxies or VPN to be able to play in Casino registered in Malta or Cyprus, gambling in United Arab Emirates can be risky.
The Telecommunication Authority's (TCA) cyber unit and the city's media department are working together to monitor access to online casinos and block operators who try to set up shop illegally in Dubai.