Casino Licensing Begins in UAE

Back in the day, people in the UAE couldn’t play their favorite casino games or bet on sports because it was illegal. Now, the UAE is opening its doors to gaming-related activities for the first time ever. Ride along with us as we run you through updates that have made the UAE gaming-friendly.

A Giant Casino That Hits The Sky

Earlier this week, a massive tower called the Wynn Al Marjan Island reached new heights. For context, this building stands at 283 meters. However, when its spire is installed, the Wynn Al Marjan Island will reach 352 meters. This will make it the tallest man-made building in Ras Al Khaimah.

While the tower’s architecture is great, what makes it even more special is the fact that it’ll be the UAE’s first casino resort when it opens in Spring 2027. This structure will have over 1,500 rooms, over 22 restaurants and bars, private beach clubs, and a deep-water marina. 

That said, the spotlight is on the 225,000-square-foot casino gaming floor, which takes about 4% of the building’s entire floor area. As such, UAE residents and visitors will be able to enjoy gaming-related acts with space to spare!

Online Gaming Is On The Rise

Those in the UAE can now access an online casino specifically created for them for the first time. Recently, the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) awarded a license to Play971.

Play971 lets players place wagers on casino games across slots and table games. This site also has a sportsbook that accepts bets on notable football competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League. And if you’d like to diversify your sports betting adventure, you’ll be able to place bets on cricket, horse racing, and basketball.

While Play971 is fully operational within the UAE, it’s vital to note that the site isn’t for everyone. According to GCGRA rules, only individuals who are 21 or older and residents in the United Arab Emirates can access the platform. That said, the use of VPNs to gain illegal access to the site is prohibited and could result in the forfeiture of winnings.

Additionally, Play971 ensures that all those playing on its platform play responsibly. For context, the site has responsible gaming tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and a self-exclusion feature in place. 

While the UAE now has an official online casino, Middle East countries like Kuwait haven’t become this lenient yet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t play casino games in the country. There are hundreds of offshore gaming sites available for those residing in Kuwait. 

Would you like to get started on a site that fits your gaming needs? Check out the reviews at Kuwait Casino to make an informed decision.

Parting Shot

There you have it, folks. The United Arab Emirates, which once frowned upon offline and online gaming, has now relaxed its stance. 

But this isn’t surprising. The UAE wants to become the hub of tourism in the Middle East, so they’re doing stuff that’ll make the region more attractive to tourists. 

And with casino and sports betting legal, more people will visit, and the country will generate billions in revenue. Talk about a win-win situation.