Sports Betting Online in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2024

History of online betting in the United Arab Emirates

All kinds of gambling in the UAE are prohibited. This is due to the Islamic rules of the country. Gambling is illegal under these laws. Even before the internet, there was no legal means in the UAE to wager on sports for money.

With the rise of the internet, online betting became famous worldwide, but the UAE maintained its tight prohibition. The government prohibits access to Internet betting services and has the authority to prosecute anybody who uses or operates them.

Some UAE residents may use specific internet tools to access betting sites, which is extremely dangerous. If they are apprehended, they may face harsh legal repercussions.

Up until today, the UAE still doesn't allow any gambling.

This also includes online sports betting. This reflects the country's commitment to its traditional values and laws.

How is online betting regulated in the United Arab Emirates?

In the United Arab Emirates, internet betting is governed by a restrictive legal framework. This reflects the nation's conservative approach. The law encompasses both traditional and digital forms of gambling. It says that they are all illegal.

Gambling is defined under Federal Decree-Law No. 31/2021. Additionally, it has harsh punishments for gambling activity. This includes imprisonment and substantial fines. The Federal Law No. 5/1985 declares any gambling-related agreements null and void.

To specifically address online gambling, the UAE has implemented the Cyber Crime Law, which includes heavy fines for those managing or promoting unauthorized gambling websites. The Media Regulatory Office sets content regulations for gaming companies, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority actively blocks access to gambling-related content online.

However, there are exceptions to these strict laws. The Civil Transactions Law permits betting under specific conditions in activities like racing, shooting, sports, and muscle building, provided the betting agreements meet specific criteria.

The UAE recently established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. This agency was to oversee the gaming industry. It aims to create a socially responsible and well-regulated environment.

Top 5 best online betting sites in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates' online betting landscape features diverse platforms offering unique betting experiences. These online sports betting platforms vary regarding safety ratings and modern features like cryptocurrency support, addressing different player preferences and needs.

Sportaza

Sportaza is highly rated for safety, indicating it's a great option for betting. It offers a significant selection of sports markets. The platform also accepts cryptocurrency deposits. Players can expect a positive experience and good treatment​​​​​​.

Starda

Starda is also marked with a high safety index. This suggests that it is a secure betting environment. The platform stands out with exciting promotions. It has a user-friendly website design. The platform also has a mobile app. This is optimized for iOS and Android users. It supports cryptocurrency deposits as well​​​​​​.

BetBeast

This is a relatively new entry in the market. BetBeast is smaller revenue-wise. It offers various responsible gambling options. The platform also offers competitive odds. It supports cryptocurrencies. However, it's too new to have a long-standing reputation and has many restricted countries​​​​​​.

Rabona

Rabona boasts a very high safety index, the best rating from the reviewing body. It is a smaller sports betting platform in terms of revenue. This may affect its ability to pay huge wins. The platform is known for accepting players from many countries. It supports multiple languages. They also offer competitive odds. Players will enjoy 24/7 live chat support​​​​​​.

22Bet

22Bet has a low safety index, suggesting it might not be the best option for most players. It's a medium-sized platform popular in Europe. The platform supports numerous cryptocurrencies and payment methods. These can also be used for withdrawals.

New Betting Sites in the United Arab Emirates December 2024

Despite the UAE's strict betting rules, many new betting sites are taking root. Here is an overview of the top best new betting sites in the United Arab Emirates.

• 🔝 Sportaza: Sportaza started in 2020. It's easy to use and offers lots of soccer betting. They give new users a unique bonus and have good odds of winning. Sportaza is safe and keeps user information private. It has many sports to bet on and live betting where you can bet during live eSports events.
• 📈 Starda: Starda is suitable for beginners. It's run by a company with a Curacao license, making it safe. New users get a big bonus when they join. Starda has many sports like football and basketball. You can bet on live eSports events. They offer different bonuses and have a VIP club for regular users.
• ✅ BetBeast: This online sports betting platform is vast. It has a lot of sports markets to bet on. Dama N.V. runs it. The platform is licensed in Curacao. Your money is safe here. They offer live betting with clear streams. BetBeast has good odds. It also has lots of choices for betting.
• 🏆 Rabona: Rabona started in 2019 and is safe with a Curacao license. New users get a bonus. They have over 30 sports, like football and tennis, and you can bet live, especially on eSports. Rabona offers good odds and different ways to bet.
• ⚽️ 22BET: 22BET was founded in 2017. It is simple to use. The platform is entirely secure. The Curaçao Gaming Commission and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission license it. They provide several bets on sports such as cricket and tennis. 22BET allows you to cash out early on select bets but does not provide live game streaming.

How popular is mobile betting in the United Arab Emirates?

In the United Arab Emirates, mobile betting is becoming more popular. There are many smartphones and fast internet connections, which contributes to this tendency. By 2024, about 4.57 million UAE residents will own smartphones, making mobile betting even more popular.

However, the UAE government has severe laws regarding using the internet and apps, making mobile betting difficult. Despite these restrictions, over 42% of UAE residents wager on sports yearly.

Betting applications have made betting from anywhere more accessible and more convenient. These apps also provide exclusive offers. Despite the severe rules, many people in the UAE like mobile betting since it is simple and convenient.

Best sports betting apps in the United Arab Emirates

Online sports betting platforms in the UAE provide unique features to appeal to a vast population. These platforms enhance the online betting experience by combining wide game selections, appealing bonuses, and improved security. The following are the top three sports betting apps in the UAE.

Sportaza App

Sportaza was launched in 2020. It offers a vast selection of over 8,600 games. The platform has a sportsbook with many betting options and big jackpots. Players can enjoy various bonuses like welcome offers and cashback. It focuses on safety, using strong encryption, and following strict regulations.

Rank	Bookmaker	Rating	Bonus	Get bonus
1	Sportaza	4.5/5	100% Welcome Bonus up to USD 100	PlayRead review

Starda App

Starda is known for being safe and reliable. It's part of a larger group, ensuring financial stability. The platform offers exciting promotions. It has a user-friendly website. Users can also enjoy cryptocurrency deposits. However, game and payment options vary by country, and its responsible gaming features are limited.

Rank	Bookmaker	Rating	Bonus	Get bonus
1	starda	4.5/5	150% welcome bonus up to 540 AED	PlayRead review

BetBeast App

BetBeast is relatively new and smaller in size. It's known for fast payouts, a smooth gaming experience, and an excellent design. It offers responsible gambling options and live dealer games.

Rank	Bookmaker	Rating	Bonus	Get bonus
1	BetBeast	4.5/5	Welcome Bonus up to 3500 AED	PlayRead review

The Future of Online Betting in the United Arab Emirates

Online betting in the United Arab Emirates might see changes in anti-gambling regulations.  An increase in economic interest in diversifying away from oil dependency. Confidential discussions suggest interest in exploring the gambling sector, with predictions of significant revenue generation.

However, Islamic law strictly prohibits gambling, posing a significant challenge to legalization. Dubai is known for luxury and tourism. It could greatly benefit from legalized gambling. The gambling market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2026. This will be made possible by growth driven by online platforms, mobile gaming, and interest from affluent tourists.

With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%, the sports betting industry in the Middle East and Africa is expected to reach USD 11,142.38 million by 2030.

Responsible Play in Sports Betting in the United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, responsible gaming is important because the rules are strict. It's vital to know these rules well. When betting, it's good to set a money limit that you can afford. This helps you spend only a little.

Betting should be for fun, not to make money. Watch out for signs of betting too much, like thinking about it all the time or borrowing money for it. Taking breaks while betting helps you think clearly. Also, don't bet if you've had alcohol or drugs.

Some places in the UAE, like the Ministry of Community Development, help with betting problems. Another organization set up to tackle gambling addiction is the National Rehabilitation Centre. These organizations give advice and help. Betting safely means keeping it fun and not letting it cause problems.

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