The United Arab Emirates strictly prohibits any commercial gaming activity, including sports betting, without a valid license. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority specifies that operating sports wagering services without authorization is illegal under federal regulations (1).
Under the UAE Civil Transactions Law, any agreement relating to gambling or prohibited betting is deemed void, and participants have limited legal recourse (2). This reflects the country’s adherence to Sharia principles, which proscribe games of chance under national legislation.
"A person who loses in gambling or prohibited betting may, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, reclaim what he has paid within six months from the time when he paid what he lost. He may prove such payment by all means of claim."
In September 2023, the UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority to oversee licensing for commercial gaming activities, including sports wagering. Operators must obtain a license from the GCGRA and comply with stringent player-protection measures—such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options—to avoid severe penalties for unauthorized operations (1).
Looking ahead, the UAE’s evolving regulatory framework aims to balance revenue generation and tourism growth with social responsibility. As licensed sportsbooks emerge under GCGRA oversight, strict enforcement and ongoing legislative updates will remain crucial to mitigating gambling-related harms and ensuring compliance.
Source:
https://gcgra.gov.ae/en/commercial-gaming/activities-we-regulate/
https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/UAE-LC-En_1985-12-15_00005
Last updated: 28-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
