Online Gambling Laws in United Arab Emirates
Online gambling is banned in the UAE owing to cultural reasons and is stipulated under Article 414 of the UAE Penal Code. To discourage players from accessing gambling sites, internet providers block players from accessing these sites. But considering the massive population of expats and non-muslims in the country, there are players who prefer to have some fun at online casinos in the UAE through alternative solutions.
Are United Arab Emirates Online Casinos Legal?
No, it's illegal to gamble at online casinos in the Emirates and in fact the UAE bans hundreds of gambling sites each year hoping to deter new players. But as they say, 'where there's a will, there's a way' and gambling enthusiasts in this vibrant country gain access to their favourite online sites through alternative ways and means. The internet is a vast ocean of people making hundreds of millions of online connections each day and it's difficult for authorities to monitor each and every internet connection at all times. Players use VPNs and proxy servers to get past these ISP restrictions which masks their online activity and makes gambling in the Emirates safer. Keeping this in mind, it is all the more important you sign up with a site that is regulated and fully licensed so at least your gambling rights at this site are safeguarded.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in United Arab Emirates?
All forms of gambling are banned in the UAE and this includes online sports betting too. The local authorities and internet providers block access to numerous sports betting sites each year. But enthusiastic bettors find innovative ways to bypass these restrictions which makes it crucial to sign up with a licensed and regulated operator to make sure your best interests are protected.
What is The Future of Online Gambling in United Arab Emirates ?
Although gambling is banned in the UAE, it is also a melting pot of different cultures for some of whom gambling is purely for fun. With no disrespect meant to the people of the land, players from other countries are bound to find a plethora of online casino sites where they can sign up to play. All recommended in the United Arab Emirates are fully licensed and loaded with different types of games and bonuses, much like they are in any other country. With sites already offering reliable customer support, popular payment methods and top-notch security, we can say the future of online gambling in the UAE has never been brighter.
How We Find The Best Legal United Arab Emirates Online Casinos
There are hundreds of online gambling sites in the Emirates even though gambling is banned in the region, making it all the more important you signup with a site that you trust. The easiest way to do this is by reviewing the ones listed on this page and registering with the one that suits your needs the most. But if you are interested to know how we come up with this list in the first place then read on.
- Licensing & Regulation - A licensed and regulated casino ensures safe and fair gaming for all players. So, the first thing we look for at a site, as should you, is a valid license, preferably one that is issued by a reputed regulator. All sites recommended by Top10 are fully-licensed and regulated. Some of the more famous ones are the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission of Canada and the Malta Gaming Authority.
- Variety of Games - Games are the most important aspect of any gambling site and it's important it has a good selection. Inspect the site's lobby to ensure a good mix of 3D slot themes, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, specialty table and live dealer games too. Majority of the best gambling sites are powered by multiple gaming software suppliers and this helps them offer players the best possible slot titles, classic table games and live game shows too.
- Safety and Security - Since you would need to provide your personal and bank details when gambling online, you would naturally also want to know if the site can keep your data safe. We do this by making sure all recommended gambling sites employ the latest SSL technology software that encrypts data transferred between your device and the company's servers. Additionally, sites must also use the recommended and updated firewall settings and have anti-fraud measures in place.
- Banking Options - It is vital you sign up with a site that offers multiple secure and reliable banking options. These can be in the form of credit/debit bank cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, vouchers or wire transfers. Top online casinos in the UAE also allow players to bank using leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin too. We also make sure cashout and deposit time frames are optimal, especially since they vary from one site to another.
- Fair Gaming - All licensed brands must use a random number generator or RNG software that governs the outcome of games. This software is crucial as it ensures results are completely fair and does not have a pattern necessary for chance-based games. Additionally, operators need to make sure their RNG software is audited by an independent third party. Top UAE gambling sites like Zodiac and Casino Classic even publish their audit results as proof of fair gaming for players to review.
- Loyalty & VIP Rewards - All players deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty. So aside from bonuses, gambling brands also offer loyalty and VIP rewards that add value to each player's experience. This could be in the form of a free spins bonuses, cashbacks or value added services like a personal account manager, fast withdrawals and 24/7 phone customer support.
- Mobile Optimisation - More and more players access their games from their mobile devices these days. It lets them break free from the confinements of a desk and have fun playing games on the go. So choosing a site that offers you full mobile optimisation that you can access through any mobile device via your preferred internet browser is of utmost importance. Many sites also have apps that players can download onto their Android, Windows or iOS devices and from our experience casino mobile apps open the door to a world full of possibilities. Apps offer personalised recommendations, games, bonus offers, and services that you can access from all leading smartphone makers including Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and Motorola.
- Friendly User Interface - An intuitive design and website accessibility is an important factor that certainly enhances gameplay. We recommend you browse the site, check how quickly the website and games load and spend time to assess the layout too. While all top online casinos do their best to ensure optimal user-friendliness, it's also important that you gauge this for yourself before you sign up with a brand.
- Customer Support - Another key aspect of any only gambling site is its customer support which forms the backbone of any brand. Depending on the site, you should be able to connect with the support team via live chat, email, phone or post. Review their response time, and from our experience, live chat is usually the fastest way to get answers to queries from customer support. But operators usually have an extensive FAQ section that you can browse for answers to any common queries you may have.
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Popular Online Casino Games in United Arab Emirates
There are loads of exciting online games ranging from slots to classic table games, live dealers to specialty games that you can find at any top gambling operator in UAE. These sites are powered by multiple gaming software suppliers like Barcrest, Evolution Gaming, Play'n Go, Amatic, Realtime Gaming, EGT, Red Tiger Gaming, Ezugi and NextGen to name a few. Most operators allow players to enjoy and review different games for free with no deposit whatsoever. So, let's have a look at the most popular types of games you will find and certainly enjoy at any United Arab Emirates casino.
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Online Roulette
Players from the United Arab Emirates can choose from a long list of roulettes and have a thrilling time at any of the top sites. They can have fun and build their bankroll with games like Zoom Roulette, American, French and European Roulette, Double Ball, Neon Roulette, Mini Roulette, Sapphire Roulette, Premium Roulette & 10c Roulette. Those who'd rather play live roulette games can take on live dealers in games like Roulette Royale, Real Roulette, Spooky Roulette and Dealers Club Roulette.
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Online Blackjack
Take advantage of blackjack's small house edge and enjoy high profits at UAE's online blackjack tables. Moreover, the best online gambling sites offer an exciting range of blackjack variations, most of which you can access for free with no deposit via the sites' demo version. You can play games like European Blackjack, American Blackjack, Blackjack 21, Blackjack Switch, Blackjack Perfect Pairs, Blackjack Surrender, European Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, Blackjack Multihand, Double Exposure, Vegas Strip, Super Fun 21 and Playboy Bonus. Players who prefer live action to RNG-run games can instead engage with live dealers at games like Infinite Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, Free Bet, Power Blackjack and Salon Privé Blackjack.
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Online Slots
Players from the United Arab Emirates can enjoy the most popular slot games, ranging from classic games to the latest arcade slots that have thrilling features and in-game bonuses. Slots fans would never be left disappointed with the different themes they can choose from like fantasy, adventure, Asian, fruit, movie, animal and more. They can revel in popular titles like Gonzo's Quest, 50 Lions, Stardust, Book of Dead, Dolphin Treasure, Family Guy, Tiki Torch, Lucky 88, Jeopardy, Michael Jackson, Red White and Blue, Alaskan Fishing, Couch Potato, Starburst and Secret Romance. You can be sure to find these games at any of Top10's recommended gambling sites and they sure are a delight to play on any mobile device.
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Online Baccarat
You can enjoy your favourite game of chance and play baccarat at an online gambling site in UAE for some slow-paced fun. These games are powered by reputable service providers like Pragmatic Play, Swint, iSoftBet, BGaming, Playtech, Nucleus, Habanero and many more. Enjoy immersive games like Mini Baccarat, Punto Banco, No Commission Baccarat, Baccarat Supreme, Big Win Baccarat, Baccarat Privee, 3D Baccarat, Dragon Bonus Baccarat and Baccarat Babes. There are live casino baccarat games too like Real Baccarat, Speed Baccarat, Lightning Baccarat, Dual Play Baccarat, Multiplay, Live Baccarat Control Squeeze and Golden Wealth Baccarat.
Most Popular Casino Games in United Arab Emirates
Players can expect a wide range of games, right from the latest to the most popular titles when playing at a leading online site in the UAE. These games offer an exhilarating experience with attractive payouts and are perfectly optimised for mobile devices. Here are some of the best games you enjoy at a site in the UAE.
- Book of Ra - This cult classic from Novomatic is one of the most-played video slots on the internet. Book of Ra is an Egyptian-themed game with 10 paylines and an RTP of 95.10%. It has a 5 x 3 layout and offers medium volatility with many free spins, wilds, scatters and multipliers you can collect along the way.
- X-Men - The X-Men 3D slot developed by Playtech is based on the famous X-men comics series from Marvel. It has 5 reels, 3 rows that unlock exciting features like wilds, scatters and a progressive jackpot too. This game has 25 winlines that you can enjoy with captivating visuals and enthralling sound effects especially when played on mobile devices.
- Oink Country Love - This game from Microgaming has 45 paylines on a 5 x 3 grid layout. It offers an RTP of 96.5% and a maximum win of 71,250x the bet amount. Players from UAE can bet a minimum of 0.50 and a maximum of Dh 125.00 on Oink Country Love and enjoy features like wilds, scatters, free spins and multipliers.
- Da Vinci Diamonds - Da Vinci Diamonds is an art-themed slot from IGT that features 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 paylines. It has an RTP of 95% and a maximum payout of 5,000x. Players can enjoy features like wilds, bonuses, tumbling reels, re-triggers and free spins, and bet a minimum of 0.01 and a maximum of 20 AED. You can explore this immersive online slot at 22Bet Casino, but if you'd rather play more games by IGT then try out Texas Tea or Elvis The King.
- 5 Dragons - 5 Dragons is an exciting Asian-themed HD slot from Aristocrat with 5 reels and 25 paylines. This high volatility game offers a maximum payout of 900 coins and features free spins, wilds, scatters and a bonus game. You can enjoy a modest RTP of 95.17% and the game can be played all Android and iOS mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad.
- Siberian Storm - Siberian Storm offers an attractive RTP of 95.80% and 720 paylines and makes for an exciting slot game from IGT. Its 5 reels offers players a maximum possible payout of 720,000x and it features free spins, scatters and wilds. Players from the UAE who enjoy animal-themed online slots can also play similar riveting games Wolf Run developed by the same service provider.
- Piggy Riches Megaways - Piggy Riches from NetEnt has a 5 x 3 grid layout with an RTP of 95.71%. You can strike a maximum win of 10,474x at this uniquely themed game and bet anywhere between 0.10 and 100 AED. It features free spins, wilds, multipliers and scatters that you can enjoy on all mobile and tablet devices. Play and review this game at any of the top online sites like Lucky Days Casino and you can signup for the same through Top 10.
- Buffalo - Buffalo is a fast-paced video slot by Aristocrat. It is a popular 5-reel slot, however, without the traditional paylines. You instead need to fill the screen with Buffalo symbols to win. There are a total of 1024 ways to win at this game, and there are scatters, wilds, free spins and retriggers to boost your payouts in this game which has an RTP of 94.85%.
- Rainbow Riches - This fascinating Irish-themed game from Barcrest has 5 reels and 3 rows with a 95.10% RTP. Rainbow Riches has 20 paylines with features like Leprechauns Road to Riches, Magic Toadstool, multipliers, Free Spins, Cash Crop, and Pots. The maximum payout at this game is 500x the bet amount. Players from the United Arab Emirates can play Rainbow Riches at Casumo Casino for real money or review it for free with no deposit via the demo version.
- Playboy - Tour the Playboy mansion full of bunnies with Microgaming's famous video slot that comprises 5 reels and 3 rows. There are a total of 243 ways to win with spins as low as 0.30 and as high as 15 AED. You can earn a maximum of 20x your stake and enjoy features like free spins, rolling reels, running wilds and multipliers at this fantasy-themed slot. Players can have unlimited access to this game by signing up at LeoVegas Casino through our site.
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No Deposit Bonuses & Minimum Deposit Online Casinos For United Arab Emirates
Many gambling sites in the UAE have bonuses and promotions designed to attract new players and encourage them to sign up. This is usually in the form of no deposit or match deposit bonuses, cashbacks or free spins that players can use to play the best games and popular titles on the website. Here is a detailed look at the different offers players can avail of when signing up with an online operator in the United Arab Emirates.
No Deposit Bonus Casinos In United Arab Emirates
The no deposit bonus is by far the most attractive casino bonus offer among players in 2024 where operators either offer cash or free spins as an incentive for registering with their site. Players can expect anywhere between 10 and 35 free spins on average or cash up to 40 AED. This can then be used to enjoy some of the best games, including popular and high-paying titles too. It is important to note that all no deposit free spins or cash bonuses have their own set of terms and conditions that players need to adhere to. Should they not do so, the site can dock their winnings.
Welcome Bonus of Casino for New Signups
The next best bonus for new players is the welcome or signup bonus, where players are treated with a sumptuous cashback or deposit match bonus. This is usually around the 100% range mark with the maximum limit cashback going as high as 5000 Dirhams. Most top online gambling sites in the United Arab Emirate even offer extra free spins to set you on the winning path. However, the welcome or signup bonus too has its own set of rules that you need to adhere to. Should you not do so, then the company is legally within their rights to withhold any winnings earned using the bonus.
Low Deposit Casinos
These casinos offer players some of the lowest amounts that they can deposit to enjoy games at a site and are gaining much popularity in the UAE. This is mainly because they let players try out different types of games and popular titles without having to spend much money. Moreover, for players, it is lower the risk, more the fun. There are a variety of minimum deposit sites and here is a detailed review of the most popular ones you will find in the UAE.
- 1 AED Deposit Online Casinos in United Arab Emirates - Although this may sound too good to be true, there are sites that allow you to deposit funds as low as 1 AED and still stand the chance of striking it rich. Top online gambling sites like Zodiac Casino, for example, offer extra spins with their deposit of 1 AED that players can use to win a jackpot worth a million dollars.
- Dh 5 Min Deposit Online Casinos - Players from United Arab Emirates can sign up at a top casino with a minimum deposit of 5 AED in 2024 and enjoy the latest games and win enough money to build a decent bankroll. Check out our list of gambling operators that offer the best bang for your buck or shall we say Dirham.
- AED 10 Minimum Deposit Casinos - As you may already have guessed, AED 10 minimum deposit casinos let players deposit a minimum of Dh 10 and enjoy all the benefits the sites have to offer. Depending on the operator, players can expect a match deposit bonus and free spins when they sign up. PlayOJO is one of the leading 10 AED minimum deposit casinos that you can sign up with in the UAE.
How To Deposit at United Arab Emirates Online Casinos
Players in the UAE can take advantage of instant deposit methods via bank cards, e-wallets, vouchers and wire transfers. Many top online sites also accept crypto payments that are a great option for players who prefer keeping transactions anonymous and private. For ease of online gambling, operators have invested in payment processes that are quick and seamless and here are the main steps involved in the process.
- Register for a real money account and login.
- Click on 'Banking' on your homepage or account profile page.
- Then select 'Deposit'.
- Next choose your preferred payment method.
- Then enter the desired deposit amount.
- Confirm and follow through with the payment.
How To Withdraw & Keep Casino Winnings
Similar to deposits, withdrawals too are pretty simple and straightforward. You can conveniently keep your winnings and withdraw funds via credit/debit cards, e-wallets and online transfers. Here is how players can raise a withdrawal request via their preferred banking method at a top gambling site in UAE.
- Log in to your account.
- Click on 'Banking' either on the homepage or account profile section.
- Select 'Withdrawal'.
- Next choose your preferred payment method.
- Enter the withdrawal amount.
- Fill in any additional details.
- Confirm the payment request.
Best United Arab Emirates Online Casino Payment Methods
Online transactions accounted for almost 60% of total payments in the UAE in 2021 and this number has steadily grown each year. With a massive influx of people from all over the world, top brands have been quick to offer the best payment methods available to customers the world over. Players can conveniently bank via any of the most popular and reliable payment methods at a top online casino in the United Arab Emirates and here is a look at the best options available.
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VISA
This is one of the most famous and widely accepted bank cards in many regions of the world and this includes the UAE too. Players can use their VISA debit or credit cards to deposit funds instantly as well as withdraw winnings. Apart from being reliable, VISA is also the most secure bank card transfers that employs a two-factor authentication system with the latest security framework. VISA transactions at online sites are generally free of charge, but you are advised to first confirm this with the operator before selecting this payment method.
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PayPal
PayPal is the most popular digital payment system in the UAE and is widely used by players. All a player needs is an email ID that is registered with PayPal and linked with their bank account. Players can deposit funds within seconds via this method and enjoy fast withdrawals too. Players can rest assured of safety when banking at PayPal casinos as it uses end-to-end encryption that secures all transactions.
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Bitcoin
All the best online casinos in UAE accept leading cryptocurrencies as a method of payment with Bitcoin being the most popular of them all. Bitcoin is a preferred payment method for most online gambling enthusiasts mainly because it offers them anonymity and privacy, something anyone would prefer when gambling in the Emirates. Players can fund their casino accounts instantaneously via Bitcoin and cashouts via this payment method are the quickest when compared to other methods.
Online Casino Bonus Terms For United Arab Emirates Players
Terms and conditions are as important to bonuses as bonuses are to online casinos. These terms and conditions are mainly in place to protect online gambling operators from incurring heavy losses. It is vital players are aware of bonus T&Cs and follow them, as not doing so would directly impact their withdrawals. Here are the important bonuses you should keep an eye out for when signing up with a Dubai casino.
- Wagering Requirements : This is the amount of real money a player needs to wager at an online casino before being allowed to withdraw winnings earned using the bonus. All bonuses are subject to wagering requirements and this is expressed in multiples of the bonus amount, for example, 20x or 35x. It is important you adhere to this requirement as operators can withhold any winnings earned using the bonus. Always make sure you review a site's bonus wagering requirement before signing up for one.
- Allowed Games : Most operators allow players to spend their bonus amount on a select list of games to help them limit the losses incurred through various offers. You'd be wise to stick to these games when using the bonus, as winnings earned from outside of this list would be withdrawn and the spent bonus amount will not be returned. Make a better and more informed decision by reviewing the different games you are allowed to access using your bonus.
- Validity/Expiry Period : Every bonus has an expiry or validity period following which it is deemed redundant and non-replaceable. All players should be aware of this time limitation and make the most of their casino bonus before they lose it. The validity period can be checked or confirmed in the 'Account Profile' or 'Promotions' section.
- Max Bet : Another important condition you need to review before signing up with a site is the maximum amount you are allowed to bet when using the bonus. This directly impacts your gameplay as it restricts how much you wish to spend with each bet. Most sites usually set the average maximum bet between 3 and 5 AED, but this totally depends on the operator and varies from one site to another.
- Game Contribution Percentage : This is the amount in percentage that a player needs to contribute with every bet when using the company's bonus. The amount usually depends on the type of game you play. For example, roulette and baccarat usually have a contribution percentage between 5% and 20%, but games like slots and keno generally have a much higher contribution amount of up to 100%. Again, this T&C also varies from one operator to another.
- Max Cashout : This is the maximum amount of bonus winnings you are allowed to withdraw at one go. This is to limit the amount a player can withdraw and ensure a percentage of the winnings is still left in the account that can be used later. A wise thing to do is join a high maximum cashout limit online casino in the UAE, many of which you can find listed right here at Top10.
Why Trust Our Online Casino Reviews for United Arab Emirates
If you are looking for reliable online casino reviews, then you've come to the right place. We at Top10Casinos choose to stand out from our peers by making sure we offer you value for your money. Here is why you can trust our reviews, especially when searching for a gambling site that best suits your needs.
- Unbiased & Fair Reviews - Our aim at Top 10 Casinos is to encourage players and not influence them. We do this by providing you with correct information through honest reviews, so you know exactly what you are signing up for.
- Expert Reviews - Our team of experts review every aspect of a gambling site and this is done on different devices to gauge user-friendliness. We run checks on visual and audio quality, accessibility, website responsiveness, payment methods and security measures.
- Player Feedback & Forums - We monitor player feedback from different review forums to keep you informed of any issues other players may have faced. More importantly, we also offer you solutions you can use to avoid such issues for the best possible online gambling experience.
United Arab Emirates Online Casino FAQs
- How do online casinos in United Arab Emirates work? Online casinos in the UAE work pretty much the same as they do in other countries. Review and choose a site listed at Top10, select the appropriate offer if any and signup with a site. All that is left after this is to fund your account and kickstart the fun.
- What is the legal gambling age in United Arab Emirates? Online gambling is illegal in the UAE, so as far as the country is concerned there is no legal age limit. But as far as the operators are concerned, most accept players who are 18 and older.
- Are the best online casinos in United Arab Emirates safe? Yes. All the best online betting brands in UAE are licensed and regulated by reputable overseas regulators to protect players' interests.
- How do you start playing at an online casino? Start by signing up at a site listed at Top 10, once you've registered yourself, make your first deposit and you are ready to play at an online casino for real money.
- Do you have to pay taxes on the money you win on the internet? No. This is not possible as online gambling is banned in the UAE. Since this falls into unregulated waters, there are no hard and fast rules and most gamblers do not declare their winnings.
- Can I play the games for free without using money? Yes, of course. You can do this either through a no deposit bonus offer from an operator or simply play the games for free with no deposit via the demo version.
- Can I keep my winnings with a no deposit bonus? Yes, you can and the best way to do this is by adhering to the gambling operator's terms and conditions.
- Is it legal to bet on sports on the internet? No. Unfortunately, sports betting over the internet is banned in the UAE making online sports betting illegal. However, since this industry is unregulated, most betting fanatics use proxy servers or VPNs to mask their activity.
- What is the best casino game to play for real money in United Arab Emirates? When it comes to slots, your best options are Jack Hammer, Spiderman, Gladiator, Raging Rhino and Amazon Queen. But if you are looking for casino table games, then Three Card Poker, Punto Banco, Spanish 21, Texas Hold'Em and American Roulette are the best games you can play.
- What is the best payment methods for the fastest withdrawals? When playing at online casinos in the UAE, your best options are PayPal or Bitcoin. Both are reliable and secure payment methods that offer fast withdrawals.
Written by
Bonnie Gjurovska - Lead Editor Bonnie Gjurovska has been professionally involved in iGaming for over 5 years. She is passionate about online casinos, testing software and finding the best promotions. Her passion makes Bonnie the perfect candidate to help guide players from around the world and to oversee the content published on Top10Casinos.com.
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