UAE grants six gambling licences as casino interest rises by 28%, report reveals
The UAE gaming sector has seen a transformation in the past year, with six licences granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and a 28 percent rise in casino-related searches, according to data from Dubai Casinos. Among the newly licensed entities are The Game LLC, which operates the UAE Lottery, and Wynn Al Marjan, which is developing the country’s first integrated casino resort.
The report also revealed that despite these regulatory milestones, online gambling remains unlicensed in the UAE. The sector, however, continues to grow, with search interest in online casinos rising steadily. Analysts anticipate that 2025 will bring regulatory shifts that officially legitimise online gaming and sports betting.
UAE lottery dominates 2024 growth
The UAE Lottery emerged as the biggest winner in 2024, with searches increasing by approximately 3,100 percent. The Game LLC, which secured the UAE’s first lottery licence, drove much of this interest. However, this momentum was short-lived. By early 2025, searches for the lottery had dropped by over 50 percent, while The Game LLC saw an 87 percent decline in interest.
The data suggests that while major licensing announcements can drive short-term spikes, long-term engagement tends to stabilise. The GCGRA’s role in maintaining steady interest through regulatory changes will be crucial in the coming year.
Wynn Al Marjan and the casino sector
Wynn Resorts made headlines in 2024 after securing the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator’s licence for its Ras Al Khaimah project. Public interest in Wynn’s casino development remained stable throughout the year, but searches spiked by 17 percent in October following the licensing announcement.
As of early 2025, interest in Wynn Ras Al Khaimah has rebounded by 63 percent from December to January, suggesting sustained curiosity about the project’s progress. However, searches for other potential casino locations, including MGM Dubai, have remained essentially unchanged.
While MGM Dubai has yet to receive its GCGRA licence, industry observers expect further licensing announcements in the coming months.
Online gambling growth despite lack of regulation
According to Dubai Casinos, online gambling searches grew by approximately 61 percent in 2024, reflecting the growing popularity of digital gaming. Despite this trend, the GCGRA has yet to issue online casinos or sports betting licences.
“Internet and Sports Wagering remain unlicensed, which could indicate future evolution in digital regulation,” the report noted. The stable engagement with online gambling, fluctuating only around ±10 percent month to month, suggests a steady audience that could expand if regulatory approval is granted.
With GCGRA’s current focus on land-based gaming, analysts predict that 2025 could be the year when online gambling licences are introduced. This would align with trends in other gaming markets where digital regulation follows land-based legalisation.
Strengthening the gaming vendor ecosystem
Beyond licensing operators, the GCGRA has approved several gaming-related vendors, including Aristocrat Technologies Europe, Smartplay International, PayBy Technology, and Xpoint Technology. These companies play a key role in enhancing both digital and physical gaming experiences.
“As these companies introduce new products and innovations, they are set to enhance both digital and physical gaming experiences—whether through lotteries, prize draws, or integrated gaming systems for online and land-based casinos,” the report stated.
With further investment in gaming vendor licences, 2025 could see expanded gaming opportunities, driven by an evolving technological landscape.
What’s next for UAE gambling?
The regulatory landscape is expected to evolve further in 2025. In the Dubai Casinos report, analysts predict three key developments: online gaming and sports betting regulation, expansion of physical and hybrid gaming venues, and growth of the gaming vendor ecosystem.
The UAE’s gambling industry has transformed in 2024, with licensing milestones shaping the sector’s future. As regulators explore new opportunities, 2025 could be a pivotal year for online gaming, sports betting, and the expansion of casino resorts.
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