Across the globe, sports enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to the world of online betting. Recent advances in betting have catapulted the sports betting industry to unprecedented levels. From football to basketball and many other major sports, a plethora of legal online betting opportunities await.
With this in mind, we've curated an all-encompassing guide to the top-rated betting platforms in the United Arab Emirates for your convenience.
Prohibitions on gambling and gambling advertising are outlined in a variety of local laws. It should come as no surprise that the United Arab Emirates does not host any online betting sites or casinos due to the country's rigorous adherence to Islamic laws and ethics on the subject. Most of the country's regulations and statutes can trace their origins back to the Quran's teachings and verses. Since gambling is widely viewed as a sin, religious authorities are often the ones to impose bans on the activity.
Many expats have discovered that utilizing offshore bookmakers online allows them to wager on events like the Dubai World Cup and cricket games. Online offshore sportsbook sites allow visitors and foreign nationals to participate in the activity without breaking any laws.
Regulation in the UAE
🌍 Country
UAE
👌 Language
Arabic
💶 Currency
د.إ (Emirati dirham)
⚽ ️Popular sports
Football, Boxing, Horse Racing.
⚖️ Is betting legal?
No
🕵️♂️ Gaming Regulator
Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation
📃 Gambling tax
N/A
💳 Most popular payment methods
Bank transfer, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Much Better, Paysafecard, Neteller
Best Betting Sites Comparison
Bookmakers
No. of Sports
Welcome Bonus
Live Betting
Mobile App
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Withdrawal
20+
Welcome Bonus up to 400 AED
Yes
Yes
5 AED
40 AED
40+
100% welcome bonus up to 400 AED
Yes
Yes
5 AED
5 AED
45+
100% welcome bonus
Yes
Yes
5 AED
5 AED
20+
100% up to 400 AED
Yes
Yes
20 AED
N/A
20+
Welcome bonus up to 400 AED
Yes
Yes
40 AED
40 AED
Top 5 betting sites in the UAE
Are you a sports lover seeking the best bookmaker online but finding it hard to pick one among so many options out there? There is no need to worry! We've got you covered with our comprehensive list of the best sports betting sites available in the UAE.
#1 Starda
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Although Starda is best recognized for its world-class casino, the quality of its bookmaker should not be overlooked. It also has a very strong sportsbook, which deserves more attention. The markets are vast and dynamic, and the bookie’s services are always evolving to meet the demands of customers.
International and local leagues like UCL, UAE Pro League, Setka Cup, etc., are available
Responsive Live Chat, Online Calls and Telegram support
Supports cryptocurrency
User-friendly layout and design
Minuses
Does not support Arabic
Emirati Dirham is not accepted, you can only play with Euro
#2 Rabona
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Rabona is one of the top-tier online betting platforms. Its welcome bonus is enough to set it out as a serious rival to the greatest sites on the market. Numerous new markets, including statistics-based ones used at some of the biggest football events, have been introduced to the sportsbook’s site.
Global and local leagues like EPL, Arabian Gulf League, and NBA are available
You can switch language to Arabic
Live chat support is available
Live-streaming available
Minuses
Does not support Emirati Dirham
#3 1xbet
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
1xbet is a household name among seasoned bettors. The 1xbet welcome bonus is one of the most generous in the betting industry, with the minimum deposit being one of the lowest you’ll find. Some of the most interesting and diverse sports markets are offered by this bookie.
1xbet Betting Site
🌐 Official Website
1xbet.com
🎁 Welcome Bonus
100% Welcome Bonus Up to 400 AED
⚽️ Sports
25+
💳 Payment Methods
VISA, Mastercard, Bank Transfer
➡️ Minimum Deposit
5 AED
⬅️ Minimum Withdrawal
40 AED
Pluses
Wide range of sports, markets and leagues, including EPL, UCL, NBA and Local UAE Pro League
Crypto payment option available
Platform is available in the native language
Impressive customer support services
Live streaming and cashout features
Minuses
Bonus wagering requirement can be better
#4 22bet
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
22bet has become one of the most popular platforms in the UAE, thanks in large part to the fantastic welcome offer it is currently running. There is a great deal of tempting daily offers, ranging from wager boosts to free bets.
22Bet Betting site
🌐 Official Website
22bet.com
🎁 Welcome Bonus
100% Welcome Bonus Up to 400 AED
⚽️ Sports
45+
💳 Payment Methods
VISA, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard
➡️ Minimum Deposit
5 AED
⬅️ Minimum Withdrawal
5 AED
Pluses
Wide sports range with leagues like UAE Pro League, EPL, La Liga, etc.
Multiple sports and leagues
Supports multiple languages, including Arabic
Minuses
No Live Streaming for sportsbooks
22bet sight can be a little challenging for newbies
#5 20Bet
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
20Bet has quickly gained popularity among bettors because of its generous sign-up offer. The site is a cutting-edge sportsbook that provides punters with everything they could want, including a wide variety of markets to bet sports on and generous promotions for returning customers.
20bet Betting Site
🌐 Official Website
20bet.com
🎁 Welcome Bonus
Welcome bonus up to 400 AED
⚽️ Sports
20+
💳 Payment Methods
Credit or Debit cards, e-Wallets, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin
➡️ Minimum Deposit
40 AED
⬅️ Minimum Withdrawal
20 AED
Pluses
Large market range for local and international sports
We provide our ratings for sports betting sites in the UAE based on several criteria, such as those listed below.
1
License
When rating a sports betting site, we place a high value on the site’s reputation. We check for gambling commission licenses and SSL certificates to assure a 100% secure betting experience. Therefore, only legal bookmakers make it to our list. The following are the most reputable gambling authorities:
1. MGA (Malta Gaming Authority)
Founded: 2001
Headquarters: Malta
Employees:132
2. United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: United Kingdom
Employees: 350+
3. Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Founded: 1996
Headquarters: Kahnawake
Employees: 3
2
Odds and Payout Percentage
Bettors place a strong emphasis on the best odds and payout percentages, with many customers seeking the best odds available to maximize the winnings they get from successful bets. This is an important feature that we look for in the best betting sites.
3
Variety of Betting Markets
We check to see if the sportsbooks provide various betting markets and events. The number of markets that are offered inside the big sporting events is also something we emphasize.
4
Betting Offers
When signing up for a new betting site, one of the most important things we look for is a generous welcome bonus and promotions for existing players. We also make sure the wagering requirements and terms and conditions are reasonable.
5
Payment Methods
All the top betting sites accept a wide variety of e-wallets, debit cards, and cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. Most clients care deeply about how quickly they can get their money back into their accounts after making a withdrawal.
6
Betting Features
A few of the features we consider are the variety of bets offered, the accessibility of the site (mobile and desktop versions), and the quality of the live betting interface.
How to Find the Best Betting Sites in the UAE
Every bettor wants to have the best experience while betting online and strives to maximize their winnings. However, they have to check out a few factors while choosing betting sites online in the UAE. Consider the following when looking for the best betting site in your country.
Examine the payout, odds, and lines
It is important to conduct some research and check out reviews before committing to an online bookmaker because the odds, lines and payout can vary greatly among them.
Check Out the Promotions and Bonuses
Taking advantage of a bookmaker’s substantial welcome bonus is a terrific way to get started. The best betting sites typically provide multiple bonus options. Examples include deposit matches, free bets, bet credits, accumulators, and cashback.
Types of Bets Available
Several of the best betting sites provide their customers with a diverse selection of bets so that they may remain competitive. See if they offer standard options like Singles, parlays, lines, and exotics, along with more distinctive bets.
Security point
Before starting, you need to check whether the bookmaker has a license and a good defense in case of cyber-attacks, because only this assures that your personal and bank data will be protected. This information is always available on the main page of the bookie.
Here are just a few examples of the different types of sports bets you can place with the UAE sites on our recommended list.
Moneylines
Moneylines are the most popular and easy-to-place bets. When using the Moneyline, a bet is placed on the winning team.
Point Spread
Point spread betting involves betting on a team’s final margin of victory. The minus symbol represents the underdog, whereas the plus sign represents the favorite.
Total Line Bets
The goal of this bet is to correctly forecast whether the final score will be under or above a specified point total, which is based on the sum of each team’s point totals.
Parlay Bets
Multiple picks are bundled into one bet, called a parlay. It can range from a minimum of two choices up to the maximum number that a particular bookmaker will accept (10-12 picks).
Common Bonus Types in the United Arab Emirates
We’ll go over the most popular betting bonuses in the United Arab Emirates. Take a look:
Welcome Bonus
This is something you can expect at all bookmakers. It is a reward meant to welcome you to the site. Most frequently, it takes the form of a deposit match on your first deposit or deposits that are up to a certain amount.
Free Bets
Online sportsbooks offer a unique bonus called free bets, which can be compared to betting coupons that can only be used on events that the bookmaker has already set.
Reload Bonus
This bonus is available if you reload your account with new funds. Existing players are eligible for reload bonuses, which are awarded after a period of inactivity during which no bets were placed.
Shop for the best lines. When you’re ready to bet on a team, you should check multiple sportsbooks to choose the best line.
A sports bettor can make a bet opposite to their previous bet. Future bets where the odds on your bet move considerably in your favour are one example of when hedging is suitable. By Middling, punters can potentially win both bets.
Top 5 Sports Betting Mobile Apps UAE
The following is a list of the top 5 sports betting apps available.
1
1XBet
Almost any sports market you can think of is available on the 1XBet App, and the UI is praised for being simple to use. The company broadcasts thousands of events each year so that bettors can use their mobile devices to watch games while they bet on them.
2
22Bet
When it comes to betting apps, 22Bet is the go-to platform. The mobile sports betting app offers a diverse range of premium features, such as the ability to change unsettled multi-bets or withdraw winnings. It also offers top-notch sign-up bonuses.
3
20Bet
20Bet is widely recognized as one of the most reliable online betting apps. The 20Bet app is available for sports lovers to download on their iOS or Android devices. More so than many of its competitors, this program supports multiple languages.
4
Rabona
Rabona app has become increasingly popular for those who like to wager while on the go. This Curacao-licensed sportsbook features a vast choice of betting markets. With its many fantastic features, the Rabona app gives users the option to bet using cryptocurrencies.
5
Starda
Starda is a highly reputable betting app that works throughout several markets worldwide. The Starda app is easy to navigate, regardless of the device being used to place bets, so players can quickly and easily switch between pages.
Live Betting in the UAE
The term live betting refers to wagering on a game or race as it is being played. Most online betting sites provide live betting, but the experience varies widely.
There are betting sites that only let you wager in real-time, and there are others that provide a fully-fledged live betting platform where you can see in-game statistics, analysis, commentary, and even a virtual live representation of the game.
Live betting is exciting because it allows bets to be placed, adjusted, and cashed out during the action.
Best Bookies for Live Betting
We recommend the following bookies for live betting. These platforms have enormous betting choices; a fantastic live betting platform, a huge welcome bonus, and a variety of easy payment options.
1xbet
Rabona
Megapari
20bet
1bet
Popular Payment Methods in the United Arab Emirates
Take a look at the most common payment methods you will find in the best UAE bookmakers.
Among betting enthusiasts, bank transfers reign supreme as a dependable method for depositing and withdrawing funds from online betting accounts. While not the swiftest option out there, bank transfers never cease to get the job done effectively.
Credit/debit cards
Embraced by bettors across the globe, credit and debit cards from Visa and Mastercard are by far the most prevalent online payment methods, particularly at betting sites. Effortlessly deposit or withdraw from your favorite bookmaker using this accessible option.
E-wallets
For the avid online sports bettor, renowned e-wallet services such as Skrill, Paypal, and Neteller stand out as go-to choices for seamless transactions.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have swiftly emerged as preferred options within the betting industry in the UAE. Known for their security and promptness, these digital currencies facilitate secure financial transactions via blockchain technology.
Which Sportsbook Has the Best Odds?
Sport betting odds can be presented in one of the three formats mentioned below.
British fractional odds measure how much was bet in relation to the amount earned (profit).
The amount won for every $1 bet is represented by European decimal odds.
American money line odds can be read as either the amount wagered to win $200 or the amount one would win for every $200 bet, depending on whether the sign is negative or positive.
If you’re looking for a sportsbook with the best odds on all your favourite sports, go no further than our list of bookies below.
1XBet 🍀
1bet 💲
20bet 🤑
Rabona 💰
Starda 🎰
For example, 1XBet has an average of 1.40 odds for a match between Manchester City vs Manchester United, with the city being the favourite.
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions about bookmakers in the UAE
No betting service regularly offers the best odds and lines for all betting markets. You can always get the best odds and lines by checking what is offered at various sites before placing a bet.
The required minimum deposit varies by website and deposit method.
Most licensed and regulated sites display licence information at the bottom of each website page.
The answer to this question depends on your location as well as the location of the websites you use. Whether you can legally place an online bet depends on the local laws in your nation.
Although this varies by operator, e-wallets are the fastest.
Like many aspiring writers, Jarin focuses on bringing life to the text for her readers. She is an avid sports lover, growing up in a family obsessed with bookies. She is an expert in the iGaming niche and has secondary obsessions with Gardening and cooking.