UAE Provides Six Gambling Licenses – 28% Surge in The Country’s Casino Interest
The gambling landscape in the United Arab Emirates is changing fast. Over the past year, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) formed in the country has issued six new licences, marking a clear shift towards broader gaming activity and a change in some of the historic views on gambling.
Fast Facts 📰
- 📌 The Game LLC’s UAE Lottery saw a 3,100% surge in interest in 2024, but engagement dropped over 50% in early 2025.
- 📌 Wynn Resorts secured the first commercial casino licence, with searches for its Ras Al Khaimah resort jumping 17% after the announcement and rebounding 63% into 2025.
- 📌 Search traffic for online casinos rose 61% in 2024, fueling speculation that UAE may regulate online gambling & sports betting in 2025.
One of the most notable developments has been the rise of the UAE Lottery, operated by The Game LLC, which sparked a massive 3,100% surge in search interest during 2024. However, enthusiasm dipped almost as sharply in early 2025, with engagement falling by over 50% and public interest cooling off.
Alongside lottery growth, Wynn Resorts made headlines by securing the country’s first commercial casino licence for its Ras Al Khaimah resort. Searches for Wynn Al Marjan climbed 17% after the October announcement, and interest has continued to rise into 2025, with a 63% rebound between December and January. Other projects, like the proposed MGM Dubai casino, remain on standby as further regulatory decisions are awaited, but it appears things could be changing for these casino giants.
Although online gambling is still unlicensed, public interest in digital gaming is on the rise. In 2024 alone, search traffic for online casinos increased by 61%. Analysts believe this growing demand could push the GCGRA to introduce online gambling and sports betting regulations in 2025. Some expressed concerns about how the lack of established responsible gambling practices would affect this market if casino betting is introduced so abruptly.
Some global gaming companies like Aristocrat Technologies and Smartplay International have entered the UAE market to support both digital and land-based operations. With expanded investment in technology and infrastructure, the UAE’s gaming sector is poised for further growth.
As the country embraces new opportunities in entertainment and hospitality, 2025 may prove to be a pivotal year in the evolution of gambling across the region as the UAE changes tact on betting.
