Gambling Laws in the United Arab Emirates

There is no legal gambling in United Arab Emirates. According to article 414 of the UAE Penal Code, ‘whoever gambles shall be punished by detention for a maximum period of two years or by a fine not exceeding 20,000 AED. A penalty of detention or a fine shall be inflicted if the crime occurs in a public place, a place open to the public, or in a place or house prepared for gambling’. Consequently, gambling in the UAE is illegal, as well as any form of advertisement. Although it is not explicitly prohibited, the articles of the UAE Penal Code make online gambling also illegal. Moreover, the law is applicable to cruise ships which are temporarily docked at the ports. All gambling activities have to be suspended until they leave the UAE waters.

Is Online Gambling Legal in the United Arab Emirates? No. Gambling, including online gambling, is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, according to Article 414 of the UAE Penal Code.

Online Casinos in the United Arab Emirates

As of May 2019, there are no online casino sites in UAE. Online gambling in the country is prohibited under the Islamic Sharia, so no Emirati online casino licenses are on the offer. However, illegal access to casino websites from the United Arab Emirates is frequently reported by many European online casino providers.

Online Poker in the United Arab Emirates

Although there are no specific Emirati online poker laws, the general prohibition on gambling according to UAE Penal Code makes all the online poker sites in UAE illegal. Yet, the game is very popular in the country.

Online Lottery in the United Arab Emirates

There is no tradition in lotteries in the United Arab Emirates, neither as gambling games nor games for charitable purposes. In this way, as of May 2019, there are no online lotteries in UAE. Although there are no separate Emirati online lottery laws, lotto is also illegal according to the UAE Penal Code.

Online Bingo in the United Arab Emirates

As it is the case with the other gambling platforms, online bingo sites in UAE are not legal. Although there are no specific Emirati online bingo laws, the general prohibition on online gambling in the country holds for this game too.

Online Sports betting in the United Arab Emirates

Sports betting is also subject to the general prohibition on gambling. Therefore, online sportsbook sites in the UAE are not legal. However, and although there is an active blockage on any online gambling content, illegal access to sportsbooks from the United Arab Emirates is frequently reported by many European operators.

Online DFS in the United Arab Emirates

There are no online DFS sites in UAE. Although the status of Daily Fantasy Sports is a frequent topic of discussion between lawmakers worldwide, it is plausible to suppose that this game will also fall under the prohibition on gambling, according to the UAE Penal Code.