Which online casinos are licensed in United Arab Emirates?
The register records that United Arab Emirates requires a local licence. 1 casino brand holds an active licence valid there, as of 2 Oct 2026; they are listed below A–Z. In this market, only operators holding the local licence may offer online casino games. Legal age: 18+.
Source: Official source · read 2 Oct 2026
- Status
- Local licences
- Regulator
- General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), federal authority created in September 2023
- Legal age
- 18+not confirmed on the regulator's website (press: exclusion of Emirati nationals)
- Licence regime
- Gaming operator: internet gaming, sports wagering, land-based gaming establishments, lottery; suppliers (vendors); key persons
- Key facts
- Federal Decree-Law No. 25/2025 (in force on 1 June 2026) repeals Articles 1012-1019 of the Civil Transactions Code (prohibition of gambling) in favour of a GCGRA licensing regime. Play971: trial in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah from November 2025, full launch on 5 June 2026. Dubai has not joined the emirate-by-emirate framework: the platform is geoblocked there. Wynn Al Marjan (RAK): land-based licence only.
What a player risks
In this market, only operators holding the local licence may offer online casino games. An offshore licence, or a licence issued for another market, does not make play legal where a local licence is required. A site that is not licensed for this market is outside the local regulator's supervision: its players have no access to that regulator's protection or dispute resolution, and deposits, payments or winnings may be blocked or confiscated. Depending on local law, using such a site may also lead to fines or prosecution. The register records for United Arab Emirates: Illegal: only GCGRA licence holders are authorised; GCGRA consumer notice (9 December 2024) against unlicensed operators; blocking and penalties possible (VARA/DET Dubai actions against unlicensed crypto operators in 2025).
Licences valid in United Arab Emirates
| Casino | Licence | State | Licence no. | Operator | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play971 | United Arab Emirates (GCGRA) | Listed2 Oct 2026 | number not published by the register | Coin Technology Projects LLC | GCGRA register |