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Is gambling illegal in the United Arab Emirates?

Partly. Gambling is restricted in the United Arab Emirates. Only a licensed lottery for now. Its first casino opens in 2027.

Gambling was banned until the GCGRA was set up in 2023; it licensed a national lottery and gave Wynn the first casino licence (Oct 2024). The Ras Al Khaimah casino opens early 2027 (Khaleej Times, 10 Nov 2025). Unlicensed gambling stays illegal.

Source: GCGRA via Khaleej Times

• The United Arab Emirates is one of 10 countries where gambling is banned, and 4 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 2 of 2 (Oman and Saudi Arabia).
• In Asia: banned in 8 of 46 countries.

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Other countries that ban gambling

Saudi ArabiaKuwaitBahrainOmanIranAfghanistanBruneiIndonesiaCubaMongoliaAll 10 on the map ›

What else is banned in the United Arab Emirates