Is online gambling legal in UAE?

Online gambling in the United Arab Emirates is now legal, but only through operators that have been licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This marks a significant departure from the country's previous stance, which was a complete prohibition of all forms of gambling.

The legal basis for this change is Federal Law by Decree No. (30) of 2022, which created the GCGRA and gave it the sole authority to regulate the UAE's commercial gaming sector. The law defines “commercial gaming” to include “internet gaming,” which encompasses all forms of online gambling, from casino games to sports betting and poker.

The GCGRA is responsible for setting the standards for online gambling operators, including requirements for responsible gaming, player protection, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Any online gambling operator, whether based in the UAE or offshore, must obtain a license from the GCGRA to legally serve customers in the UAE.

The GCGRA has emphasized that it will enforce the law against unlicensed operators, and has warned residents about the risks of playing on unregulated sites. The new legal framework is still in its early stages of implementation, but it represents a clear move towards a regulated and legal online gambling market in the UAE.