UAE Gaming Industry Sees Landmark Growth and Regulatory Developments

The UAE gaming sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past year, marked by six licences granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and a 28 percent surge in casino-related searches, according to data from Dubai Casinos. Among the newly licensed entities is The Game LLC, which operates the UAE Lottery, as well as Wynn Al Marjan, the company behind the country’s first integrated casino resort.

Despite these major regulatory advancements, online gambling remains unlicensed in the UAE. However, the industry continues to experience steady growth, with increasing search interest in online casinos. Analysts anticipate that 2025 will bring regulatory shifts that could formally legalize online gaming and sports betting, further reshaping the sector.

The UAE Lottery emerged as the standout success story in 2024, witnessing a staggering 3,100 percent increase in search interest. This surge was largely driven by The Game LLC, which became the first company to secure a UAE lottery licence. However, this momentum proved short-lived, as search volume for the lottery declined by over 50 percent by early 2025. The Game LLC itself experienced an even sharper drop, with interest falling by 87 percent.

The data indicates that while major licensing announcements generate immediate spikes in public interest, long-term engagement tends to normalize. The GCGRA’s ability to sustain this interest through strategic regulatory measures will be a key factor in shaping the market throughout the coming year.

Wynn Resorts made headlines in 2024 after obtaining the UAE’s first-ever commercial gaming operator’s licence for its Ras Al Khaimah project. Public interest in the Wynn Al Marjan casino remained steady for much of the year, but searches spiked by 17 percent in October following the announcement of its licence approval.

By early 2025, interest in the Wynn Ras Al Khaimah development had rebounded significantly, climbing 63 percent between December and January. This suggests that curiosity about the project remains strong as it progresses. Meanwhile, searches for other potential casino locations, including MGM Dubai, have remained stagnant.

While MGM Dubai has yet to secure its own GCGRA licence, industry experts anticipate additional licensing announcements in the near future, potentially expanding the country’s casino offerings.

Despite the absence of regulation, online gambling continues to grow in popularity, with searches rising by approximately 61 percent throughout 2024, according to Dubai Casinos. The GCGRA has not yet issued licences for online casinos or sports betting, but interest in these sectors remains stable, fluctuating only around ±10 percent each month.

"Internet and Sports Wagering remain unlicensed, which could indicate future evolution in digital regulation," the report stated. Analysts believe that with the current regulatory focus on land-based gaming, 2025 may see the introduction of online gambling licences, aligning the UAE with other global markets where digital gaming follows land-based legalization.

Beyond the licensing of casino operators, the GCGRA has also approved several gaming-related vendors, further strengthening the country’s gaming ecosystem. Companies such as Aristocrat Technologies Europe, Smartplay International, PayBy Technology, and Xpoint Technology have received approval to operate in the UAE, bringing technological innovations to both digital and land-based 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 noted. Increased investment in gaming vendors is expected to drive further advancements in gaming technology, expanding opportunities for both operators and players in 2025.

Looking ahead, analysts predict three major developments in the UAE gaming industry for 2025: the introduction of online gaming and sports betting regulations, the expansion of physical and hybrid gaming venues, and the continued growth of the gaming vendor ecosystem.

The past year has been transformative for the UAE gambling sector, with key licensing milestones shaping the future of the industry. As regulatory bodies explore new opportunities, 2025 is poised to be a critical year for online gaming, sports betting, and the expansion of casino resorts, further solidifying the UAE’s role in the global gaming landscape.

By fLEXI tEAM