UAE Gambling Market Trends in 2024 and Projections for 2025

The latest UAE 2025 Gambling Report from Dubai Casinos highlights notable shifts in the market, with six licenses issued and a 28% rise in casino-related interest. As regulations evolve, 2025 could see further developments in both digital and land-based gambling.

Key Trends from 2024

The UAE Lottery saw a major increase in interest after The Game LLC received the first gaming license. Searches related to the lottery surged by over 3,000%, while interest in the Gambling and Casino Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) fell by 58.5% as attention shifted elsewhere.

Physical casinos maintained steady interest, with peaks around specific developments. Searches for Wynn Ras Al Khaimah and MGM Dubai saw growth early in the year, while Wynn Resorts experienced a 17% rise in October after receiving a commercial gaming operator’s license.

Online gambling continued to expand, with a 61% increase in search volume. Despite the lack of formal regulations, searches related to online casino platforms rose by 28%, indicating steady interest in digital gaming.

Regulatory and Licensing Updates

In 2024, the GCGRA issued six licenses, including one for The Game LLC and another for Wynn Al Marjan. Vendor licenses were granted to companies like Aristocrat and Smartplay, contributing to the gaming ecosystem.

However, online gambling and sports betting remain unregulated. No licenses have been approved for these sectors, but regulatory changes could be introduced in 2025.

MGM Dubai has yet to secure a GCGRA license, and many in the industry are watching closely for potential developments that could create new opportunities in the UAE gambling market.

What to Expect in 2025

The UAE Lottery’s search volume dropped by 50% from December to January, and The Game LLC saw an 87% decline, suggesting that initial excitement around licensing news tends to fade over time. GCGRA-related searches also dipped before stabilizing.

Interest in physical casinos remained steady, with Wynn Ras Al Khaimah searches rising 63% from December to January, showing sustained engagement. Meanwhile, searches for MGM Dubai and general casino terms remained largely unchanged.

Online gambling searches fluctuated by about 10%, reflecting consistent curiosity about digital betting despite the lack of regulation.

Anticipated Developments in 2025

• Possible Regulation of Online Gambling and Sports Betting
  As online gaming interest remains strong, regulatory changes could lead to a rapid increase in engagement, similar to past market shifts.
• Growth of Physical and Hybrid Gaming Venues
  Interest in land-based casino projects remains high, with integrated resorts combining hospitality and gaming expected to drive further expansion.
• Strengthening the Gaming Vendor Ecosystem
  Vendors like Aristocrat Technologies Europe and Smartplay International received licenses in 2024, and their innovations could enhance both online and physical gambling experiences.

Industry Events and Future Discussions

The AIBC Eurasia Conference in Dubai, set for February 23–25, 2025, will provide a platform for discussions on gambling regulation. As regulatory adjustments continue, 2025 could shape the future of gambling in the UAE.

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