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Best Online Casinos In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2024

⏲️ Reading time: 10 minutes

Sports gambling is an addictive arena with zero prospects to maintain your sanity. However, casinos across the UAE are constantly catching up and becoming safer alternatives. Several best online casinos in the UAE have sprung up with their distinctive qualities. Here is a detailed exploration of the best online casinos in the UAE you must surely check out!

Ranking of the best online casinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Rank Casino Rating Bonus Get bonus
1
4.5/5
100% Bonus up to 3 920 AED + 1 Bonus Crab
PlayRead review
2
4.5/5
Welcome bonus up to 2000 AED + 200FS + 1 Bonus Crab
PlayRead review
3
4.5/5
100% Welcome Match Bonus 1 850 AED
PlayRead review
4
4.8/5
Welcome package up to 7684 AED + 150 free spins
PlayRead review
5
4.5/5
100% welcome bonus up to 1992 AED + 200 FS
PlayRead review
6
4.8/5
100% first deposit bonus up to 1150 AED
PlayRead review

History of casino gambling in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

For a country as diverse and colorful as the UAE, the prospects of casinos may seem likely. However, the UAE follows strict laws regarding the prohibition of establishing casinos or any related gambling setups. The country also follows strict measures to ensure that the formation of illegal casinos could be curbed. While it is widely known to the world that the standards of entertainment are unbelievably high in the UAE, it sure comes as a surprise when we realize that casino gambling remains out of touch with the common people. Instead, people here resort to other forms of culturally rich entertainment, which is the main focus.

Even in the city of Dubai, a worldwide famous location, you will find that almost all establishments seek to promote a culturally-focused entertainment prospect rather than one involving casino gaming. Although casinos are not currently a part of the country's vast landscape, they are still a widely used mode of entertainment in the online format. Online casinos come as a safe and secure way to engage in the various games that can offer exciting winnings. Thus, even if there’s a ban on land-based casinos, the desire to engage in casino gambling can be effectively fulfilled with online casinos.

How are online casinos regulated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Casinos generally are not legal according to the Gambling Laws and Regulations in the UAE. While the government is devising ways to secure commercial gaming, online casinos remain largely unregulated at the moment. However, their safety is not to be questioned, for they have been a secure way for people to engage in gambling for a long time now. Recently, the GCGRA, which is the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, has been set up as a federal regulatory body that can revolutionize the working of casinos. At the moment, acts of gambling and casino gaming are punishable under the law until a safer way to go about these activities can be devised.

🇦🇪 CountryUAE
🇦🇪 LanguageArabic & English
💰 CurrencyUAE Dirham
🎰 Popular Casino GamesRoulette, Baccarat, Poker, Slots, Blackjack
📜 Is Gambling Legal?No, offline gambling is not legal
⚖️ Gambling RegulatorGeneral Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA)
✅ Gambling Tax25% (estimated)
💳 Popular Payment MethodsVISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Apple Pay

Top 5 best online casinos in the UAE

Engage in a luxurious gaming expedition in the United Arab Emirates with the top 5 online casinos. In this exclusive overview, discover the epitome of entertainment and excellence that each casino brings to the discerning UAE player.

#1 1xBet

1xBet, a prominent online betting platform in the UAE, offers various sports betting and casino games.

1xbet Overview
💰 Welcome Bonus100% Bonus up to AED 500 + 200 Free Spins
🎲 Popular Casino GamesSlots, Table games, Live Casino games
♠️ SuppliersMicrogaming, NetEnt, Playtech
💳 Payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin
💬 Customer Service24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone
⚠️ Minimum DepositAED 50
Pluses
  • Accepts a wide range of payment methods
  • Exclusive promo code to claim bonuses
  • Large games library
Minuses
  • Not-so-friendly user interface

 

 

#2 Megapari

Discover the allure of Megapari in the UAE, where online gaming meets excitement. This platform offers diverse games, providing a thrilling and secure gambling experience for enthusiasts.

Megapari Overview
💰 Welcome Bonus100% Bonus up to AED 500 + 200 Free Spins
🎲Popular Casino GamesSlots, Table games, Live Casino games
♠️SuppliersBetsoft, Playson, Quickspin, Red Tiger
💳 Payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin
💬 Customer ServiceLive chat, email, phone, WhatsApp
⚠️ Minimum DepositAED 50
Pluses
  • Wide range of betting options
  • Accepts Cryptocurrencies
  • Bonus can be used on any game
Minuses
  • Limited amount of country-supported

 

 

#3 22Bet

launch into an exhilarating journey with 22Bet in the UAE, where various online gambling options await. This platform seamlessly blends entertainment with top-notch service.

22bet Overview
💰 Welcome BonusUp to AED 5,000 + 150 Free Spins
🎲Popular Casino GamesSlots, Table games, Live Casino games
♠️SuppliersBig Time Gaming, Elk Studios, Nolimit City
💳 Payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay
💬 Customer Service24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone
⚠️ Minimum DepositAED 50
Pluses
  • Wide range of sports
  • Excellent odds
  • Fast withdrawals for non-credit card banking methods
Minuses
  • No phone support

 

 

#4 20Bet

Embark on a thrilling online betting adventure with 20Bet in the UAE. Offering a diverse sportsbook and casino brings a fusion of excitement and entertainment to players in the region.

20bet Overview
💰 Welcome BonusUp to AED 400 + 100 Free Spins
🎲Popular Casino GamesSlots, Table games, Live Casino games
♠️SuppliersYggdrasil, Thunderkick, Push Gaming
💳 Payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, Ethereum
💬 Customer Service24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone
⚠️ Minimum DepositAED 50
Pluses
  • Large selection of payment options
  • Extensive library of casino games
  • Wide range of bonuses and promotions
Minuses
  • Limited live chat

 

 

#5 Rabona

Discover Rabona Casino in the UAE, where luxury meets entertainment. Featuring a lavish selection of games, Rabona provides a sophisticated gaming experience in a luxurious virtual environment.

💰 Welcome BonusUp to AED 1,500 + 200 Free Spins
🎲 Popular Casino GamesSlots, Table Games, Live Casino
♠️ SuppliersEvolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming
💳 Payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Direct Bank Transfer
💬 Customer ServiceLive chat, email, phone
⚠️ Minimum DepositAED 50
Pluses
  • Slots, table games and live dealer betting.
  • Multiple payment methods.
  • Loyalty rewards.
Minuses
  • High wagering requirements.

 

The best casinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Comparison

Step into the glamorous online gaming world in the UAE by comparing the finest casinos: 1xBet, Megapari, 22Bet, 20Bet, and Rabona. Unveil the luxury, variety, and unique offerings that set each apart in this elite gaming landscape.

CasinoWelcome BonusGames AvailableLive GamesMinimum DepositWithdrawal Time
1XBET betting online Bangladesh100% Bonus up to AED 500 + 200 Free Spins4,000+ Slots, Table Games, Live CasinoYesAED 50Up to 24 hours
Megapari betting onlineUp to AED 5,000 + 150 Free Spins5,000+ Slots, Table Games, Live CasinoYesAED 50Up to 24 hours
22bet betting onlineUp to AED 5,000 + 150 Free Spins3,000+ Slots, Table Games, Live CasinoYesAED 50Up to 24 hours
20bet Up to AED 400 + 100 Free Spins3,000+ Slots, Table Games, Live CasinoYesAED 50Up to 48 hours
RabonaUp to AED 1,500 + 200 Free Spins3,000+ Slots, Table Games, Live CasinoYesAED 50Up to 24 hours

Main Provisions of the Gambling Ordinance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The Federal Decree-Law No. 31/2021, alternatively known as the UAE Penal Code, is a placeholder regulation until the UAE becomes a country that can precisely release safe casino gaming. Issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State, this law came into effect in 2022. The major provisions of this law are as follows:

  • Defining Gambling

The law clearly understands gambling as a state of agreement where losers are bound to pay predetermined amounts to the winners.

  • Penalties for Gambling

According to the law, it is unsafe and unethical to engage in gambling, which is punishable by imprisonment until further notice. Unless the government finds effective ways to conduct commercial gaming more safely, the careless engagement of people in these activities remains punishable and unacceptable.

  • Provisions related to Lost Property

Article 454 of this law states that a person who unethically obtains someone else’s possessions that have been lost due to unethical gambling practices is to face prison time as well as fines.

A good look at the way these laws work in the context of casinos shows that the UAE is largely against unethical conduct in gambling. The government is currently in discussions to allow casinos to follow their standards of conduct and safety. Since casino gaming is a widely renowned activity, it is safe to say that the masses are only able to access casinos internationally in the online format. Online casinos with valid licensing from neighboring or other countries are good sources to avail these activities from when there are no local counterparts to resort to.

Gambling taxes

As mentioned earlier, casino gambling in the UAE remains a matter of discussion and debate since the government is still looking for ways to make the industry work following its set standards. The setting up of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) indicates a path towards better tolerance and safer casino setup in the future. A great shift in the UAE’s stance towards gambling, which is currently not allowed, can be expected in the coming years. In between this, the authorities have also been deliberating on the estimated rates of gambling taxes they should be imposing on the player’s total winnings. These taxes are an important cog in the system of safe conduct of casinos in the UAE, both online and offline. While some debate that the tax should not be higher than 12%, the government has been firm in its opinions about imposing an estimated 25% tax on mass-market gambling and an 8% tax for premium gaming options.

Payment methods accepted by online casinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Payments

As a well-endowed country, the UAE has a wide offering of payment options in its online casinos. These help the players get better access to a wide range of online casinos. Top casinos offer a good variety of payment options, allowing a wider audience to access them. Here are the most-used payment methods in online casinos in the UAE:

  • E-Wallets
    E-Wallets
  • Credit and Debit Cards payment logo
    Visa and MasterCard
  • paysafecard
    Prepaid Voucher
  • bitcoin
    Cryptocurrencies

E-Wallets

  1. Union Pay
  2. Careem PAY
  3. Emirates Digital Wallet
  4. Beam Wallet
  5. Ali Pay

Credit/ Debit Cards

  1. MasterCard
  2. VISA

Bank Transfers 

  1. Instant Net Banking
  2. Wire Transfer

Mobile Payments

  1. Apple Pay
  2. Pyypl
  3. Empay

Crypto

  1. Bitcoin
  2. Ethereum
  3. ArabianChain

Prepaid Cards

  1. Pyypl Prepaid Card
  2. FAB Prepaid Card
  3. VISA Prepaid Card
  4. VISA Platinum TravelCard

 

Payment OptionsDeposit TimeWithdrawal TimeDeposit LimitsWithdrawal Limits
E-WalletsInstant24 hours€10 – €15,000€20 – €25,000
Credit/Debit CardsInstant1-2 Business Days€20 – €5000€20 – €5000
Bank Transfer24 hoursNo LimitNo limit€20 – €25,000
Mobile PaymentsInstant2-4 Business Days€10 – €5,000€50 – €10000
CryptocurrencyInstant1-2 business days€10 – €15000€20 – €15000
Prepaid CardsInstant2-3 business days€10 – €10000€20 – €20000

The most famous casino players in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Due to the current laws and regulations encircling casinos in the UAE, it has been hard for top players to either disclose themselves or for people to engage in competitive casino gaming. Public tournaments and competitions remain largely absent even when online casinos are everywhere and are used widely. However, as the government devises better ways to conduct casino gaming so that it is safe and accessible ethically, people may likely pursue casino gaming as a widespread passion. Online casinos in the UAE are already providing players with ample opportunities to become seasoned in their respective aspects.

If public tournaments and live competitions become a reality anytime soon, we may see a significant rise in poker, roulette, baccarat, and other champions. With the setting up of the GCGRA, which stands for the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, safer laws are expected to revolutionize the way casino gaming works. Currently, a lot of tournaments cannot be conducted due to strict rules against casino activities. Even virtual casino spaces are not yet capable of conducting live competitions due to the restrictions, which hinder the participation of the local folk. Since better casino setups are currently in the works and discussion, we can expect even better participation in the coming years.

 

Future of online casinos in the UAE

As the global online gambling market moves towards a cap of USD 87.91 billion this year, the prospects of online casinos in the UAE seem to spark great interest. In the backdrop of an online casino market that is expected to experience a growth rate of 9.02% between this year and 2027, the UAE government discusses the ideals for setting up a commercial casino gaming setup, which can very well draw profits of $6.6 billion every year! Thus, with the setting up of the GCGRA and the decision of an ideal gambling tax, it is highly likely that online casinos will emerge in the country very soon.

Gambling addiction stats

UAE is no exception in a world where gambling addiction is prevalent. Since gambling and casino activities remain out of reach of people because of zero establishments, the risk of gambling addiction remains mild. Empirical research presents the risk to be at 2.43%. There are certain reputable mental health organizations that can help you in case you are experiencing addiction:

  1. Estijaba Helpline: Operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, this helpline provides psychological support services. It is a free service available from Sunday to Friday. You can reach them at 8001717.
  2. UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention: This ministry has a hotline dedicated to responding to psychological concerns. You can reach them at 045192519.
  3. UAE’s Mental Health Support Line: The Mental Health Support Line provides confidential mental health support to individuals. You can reach them at 800 4673 (800 HOPE).

 

Conclusion – Find the Best Online Casinos for UAE Players

Willing players in the UAE can always find an online casino of their choice based on their individual preferences. Various casinos specialize in the highest payout rates, while some accept a wide range of compatible payment methods, and these are crucial factors that help you determine the right casino.

FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
  • The average payout rate in online casinos in the UAE is between 97% and 99%.

  • Based on the payment mode you are availing of, your winnings from the UAE online casinos may take around 3-5 days to reflect on your bank account..

  • You must be over 18 years of age to use online casinos in the UAE.

  • No, the regulating authorities are still deliberating upon a safer way to conduct casino gaming in the country and the average tax rate they should levy.

Author
James Akerele
James is a copywriter and iGaming expert with a wealth of experience in online casino gaming, sports betting and crypto. He believes every reader needs access to the right information provided in an engaging way.
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