Casinos in Dubai: List of Authorized Casinos 2024
Wynn Resorts has secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming license for its resort in Ras Al Khaimah. However, there are still no licensed casinos in Dubai. The Game (lottery) is also licensed and remains the only other legal gambling activity in the country.
No, there are currently no legal casinos in Dubai. The UAE has recently made strides towards regulating certain forms of gambling, and casinos are awaiting license approval.
The timeline for when Dubai will have licensed casinos depends on the licensing process and the finalization of regulatory approvals.
No, there are currently no legal casinos in Dubai
There are several projects in Dubai and nearby areas that are already awaiting licenses, which could pave the way for the introduction of casinos in the region.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority’s establishment and its regulatory framework are paving the way for the imminent introduction of casinos in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates has published new regulations for legal gambling and casino licenses, marking a significant step towards legalizing gaming in the Gulf region. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has outlined a comprehensive framework that includes casino licenses, slot machines, and poker tables, and has issued its first lottery license to The Game LLC. The regulations also emphasize responsible gaming, requiring gaming operators to implement socially responsible gaming programs and undergo audits every two years. Analysts predict that casinos in the UAE could generate as much as $8.5 billion in revenue, thanks to the country's robust tourism industry and favorable business environment.
The form used to apply for a gaming license allows applicants to choose from all seven emirates, suggesting gaming could extend across the sheikdoms and beyond just Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The first casino near Dubai sparks a new gold rush
Status:
Location: Dubai
Last Update: 2024
In light of speculation about the UAE potentially legalizing gambling, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts has taken a clear stance, by commenting that they’re not interested in adding a casino to their properties.
The First Casino Near Dubai Sparks a New Gold Rush
A recent shows that over half (54%) of respondents are eager to attract new tourists through casino gaming, with hopes to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism and drive economic growth.
Dubai takes a back seat in UAEs casino wars, but for how long?
Status:
Location: Dubai
Last Update: 2023
The delay in legalizing gambling in Dubai prompted Caesars Palace to move, notably with a competitor sealing a $3.9 billion deal for a pioneering casino project in Ras Al Khaimah, north of Dubai.
Dubai Casino Hotels, Dubai: Dubai Hotel Guide
“As a brand, we are not interested in adding a casino to one of our properties,” Attilio Marro, Senior Director of . He emphasized the group’s opposition to casino integration in Dubai, prioritizing luxury and elegance over gambling.
Dubai Casino on Instagram • Photos and Videos
A recent , found that 42.2% of participants expressed opposition to the idea of legalizing casinos in Dubai, citing concerns about a potential clash between Emirati cultural values and the gambling industry.
10 Best Dubai Casino Hotels: 2025 Casino Accommodation
MGM Resorts’ ‘The Island’ in Dubai, led by CEO Bill Hornbuckle, is a , but is designed to accommodate one in the future, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to the region’s hospitality industry.