UAE public interest in gambling surges after key regulatory moves, report reveals

Jenny Ortiz September 6, 2024

SiGMA news

UAE public interest in gambling surges after key regulatory moves, report reveals

Public interest in gambling in the UAE has seen a notable increase following key regulatory developments, according to a recent report by Dubai Casinos.

According to the report, the formation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in September 2023, alongside other relevant announcements, has driven a surge in search queries related to casinos and gambling. The report found that public curiosity around gambling-related topics grew by 54.38 percent following the GCGRA’s establishment.

The study used data from Ahrefs and Google Trends to analyse public search behaviours related to gambling news and events. By tracking spikes in search volumes for terms such as “Casino in Dubai” and “Online Casinos,” the report identified patterns in public engagement, particularly around regulatory announcements. These insights provide a clearer picture of how the UAE’s evolving gambling landscape is capturing the attention of its residents.

Key findings

According to the report, UAE public is highly responsive to gambling-related news, with each major announcement leading to a 12.54 percent average rise in interest. The establishment of the GCGRA and subsequent regulatory moves have been pivotal in driving this engagement.

Key regulatory events and their impact

The report highlights several critical moments that impacted public interest in gambling. The GCGRA’s formation in September 2023 marked the first official step toward the regulation and potential legalisation of gambling, leading to a 9.51 percent increase in gambling-related search volumes.

In January 2024, the GCGRA suspended prize draws across the UAE, signalling its intent to create a robust regulatory framework. This action led to a 20.96 percent surge in search activity, the largest monthly increase during the report period.

In March 2024, when MGM Resorts, a global casino operator, expressed interest in operating casinos in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, search volumes rose by 12.77 percent, spurring public speculation on the future of gambling in the region.

By July 2024, the GCGRA issued its first gaming licence, allowing entities to apply for both online and physical casino licences, which caused a 6.91 percent increase in search volumes, underscoring sustained public curiosity.

Growing interest in casino locations

Search data from the study also shows growing interest in physical casino locations in the UAE, particularly in high-profile areas like Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Search terms such as “Casino in Dubai” and “Ras Al Khaimah Casino” have seen consistent growth as residents speculate about potential venues for brick-and-mortar casinos.

With the UAE’s regulatory framework still developing and international interest from casino operators growing, the country is poised for further public and global attention in the gambling sector.

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