The United Arab Emirates (UAE) gaming industry experienced significant shifts in 2024, with six licences granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and an increasing interest in casino-related searches.
The sector recorded a 28% rise in search traffic, driven by regulatory changes and growing public curiosity. Among the entities securing licences were The Game LLC, the operator of the UAE Lottery, and Wynn Al Marjan, currently developing the nation’s first integrated casino resort.
UAE Lottery and Its Rapid Growth in 2024
The UAE Lottery was one of the year’s biggest gaming successes, with search interest skyrocketing by 3,100% following the launch of The Game LLC, the first company to obtain a UAE lottery license. However, the excitement proved short-lived, as interest declined by 50% by early 2025, and searches for The Game LLC dropped 87%.
This trend highlights a pattern in gaming regulation, where major announcements generate short-term spikes in interest, but long-term engagement stabilizes. Analysts suggest that GCGRA’s ongoing regulatory initiatives will play a crucial role in sustaining public interest in licensed gaming.
Wynn Al Marjan and the Casino Sector’s Development
In 2024, Wynn Resorts became the first company to secure a UAE commercial gaming operator’s licence for its ambitious Ras Al Khaimah casino project. Public interest in the Wynn Al Marjan resort remained steady throughout the year, with a 17% surge in search traffic in October following the licensing announcement.
By early 2025, searches for Wynn Ras Al Khaimah climbed 63% from December to January, reflecting sustained enthusiasm about the casino’s progress. Meanwhile, other potential UAE casino projects, such as MGM Dubai, have not seen a similar rise in public attention.
While MGM Dubai has yet to receive a GCGRA license, industry insiders anticipate further licensing announcements in the coming months as the UAE gaming landscape continues to evolve.
Online Gambling Interest Grows Despite Lack of Regulation
While land-based gaming is advancing through GCGRA-approved licenses, online gambling remains unregulated in the UAE. Despite this, search data from Dubai Casinos indicates a 61% increase in online casino interest throughout 2024, suggesting that demand for digital gaming is on the rise.
The report states, “Internet and Sports Wagering remain unlicensed, which could indicate future evolution in digital regulation.” Analysts note that engagement with online gambling has remained stable, fluctuating within ±10% month to month, which signals a loyal player base that could expand significantly if official online gaming licenses are introduced.
Given GCGRA’s primary focus on land-based gaming, experts predict that 2025 may see the introduction of online gambling regulations, aligning the UAE with global gaming markets where digital regulation follows land-based expansion.
Strengthening the Gaming Vendor Ecosystem
Beyond issuing operator licences, GCGRA has also approved several gaming-related vendors, including Aristocrat Technologies Europe, Smartplay International, PayBy Technology, and Xpoint Technology. These companies are instrumental in enhancing both digital and physical gaming experiences by introducing new products and innovations across various gaming sectors.
According to the report, “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.”
With continued investment in gaming vendor licenses, 2025 could witness an expansion in gaming opportunities fueled by technological advancements and regulatory progress.
Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be a transformative year for UAE gaming, with analysts forecasting three major developments:
- Potential regulation of online gaming and sports betting
- Expansion of land-based and hybrid gaming venues
- Growth of the gaming vendor ecosystem
The UAE gaming sector experienced remarkable progress in 2024, with new licensing milestones shaping the industry’s trajectory. As regulators assess new opportunities, the coming year may prove to be pivotal for the introduction of online gaming, sports betting, and the continued expansion of casino resorts.
Source:
UAE grants six gambling licences as casino interest rises by 28%, report reveals, sigma.world, February 20, 2025.
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