If you’ve been asking whether gambling is legal in Dubai or the wider UAE, you’re not alone. With the launch of the UAE’s first casino resort on the horizon and a national lottery already operating, this is one of the most searched questions about life in the Emirates.
The short answer: most forms of gambling remain illegal in the UAE. However, the legal landscape is changing rapidly, and 2026 marks a historic turning point for the entire region.
This guide covers everything you need to know — what’s legal, what’s not, who regulates it, and what’s coming next.
The Current Legal Status of Gambling in the UAE
The UAE operates under a federal legal framework that prohibits gambling in all its traditional forms. This includes casino games, sports betting, poker, and online gambling platforms. The prohibition is rooted in both civil law and Islamic principles that govern life in the Emirates.
Penalties for illegal gambling can include fines and imprisonment. Expatriates found gambling illegally also risk deportation. This applies to both operating gambling services and participating in them.
However — and this is the critical point — the UAE government has begun carving out specific, regulated exceptions to this blanket prohibition.
What Is Now Legal in the UAE
Two forms of gaming activity are now fully legal and government-sanctioned in the UAE:
The UAE National Lottery, operated by The Game LLC, launched in November 2024 with full government approval. Any UAE resident or tourist can legally purchase tickets and participate in draws.
Land-based casino gaming at licensed integrated resorts is now legal in Ras Al Khaimah. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), established in September 2023, issued the UAE’s first casino license to Wynn Resorts in October 2024. The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is expected to open in late 2027.
What Remains Illegal
Private gambling, card games for money, and informal betting remain prohibited. Unlicensed international gambling platforms are also illegal for UAE residents — using a VPN to access them does not make it legal.
Online Gambling: Now Partially Legal
In a historic move, the GCGRA issued the UAE’s first online gambling license to Play971 in November 2025. The platform, operated by The Game LLC, offers online sports betting, racing, and casino games. It is currently available in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Users must be 21 or older and physically present in the UAE to play. Dubai has not yet opted in to online gaming.
Can Tourists Gamble in Dubai?
Tourists visiting Dubai itself will not find any casino facilities — Dubai emirate has no licensed gaming venues. However, tourists visiting Ras Al Khaimah from 2027 onwards will be able to access the Wynn Al Marjan casino legally.
As for the UAE National Lottery — yes, tourists can legally purchase tickets during their visit.
What Is the GCGRA?
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority is the UAE’s official gaming regulator, established by federal decree in September 2023. The GCGRA is responsible for issuing licenses, setting standards, and overseeing all regulated gaming activity in the UAE. Their official website is gcgra.gov.ae.
The Bottom Line
The UAE is undergoing a historic transformation in its approach to regulated gaming. While traditional gambling remains illegal, the government has created a clear legal framework for licensed casino resorts, the national lottery, and now online gaming through Play971. The opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in 2027 will mark the beginning of a new era for gaming in the Gulf region.
DubaiCasinoNews will continue to track every development as the UAE’s gaming industry evolves. Bookmark this page for the most current updates.
Last updated: February 2026. Facts in this article are verified to the best of our knowledge. Please refer to gcgra.gov.ae for official regulatory information.
Sources & References
- General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority — gcgra.gov.ae
- The National: UAE’s first regulated online gaming website begins operations — thenationalnews.com
- UAE National Lottery — uaelottery.ae
- Wynn Al Marjan Island — wynnalmarjan.com
