Casino

The UAE is a corner of the world that has been attracting global attention lately—and all for the right reasons.

For centuries, this wealthy part of the world has been bustling with activity, and now that progressive leadership is in place, it’s well and truly opening itself up to the rest of the world—including the international casino community.

In this expert-led guide, we’ll examine what the rapidly growing number of online casinos in the Emirates means, their legality, and how to find top UAE casinos.

Are online casinos legal in the UAE in 2025?

Absolutely—and they have been for quite some time! If you're a seasoned player who enjoys exploring new formats, this is definitely exciting news.

The good news is that this once-conservative society has undergone something of a cultural and societal awakening in recent years.

Driven chiefly by the interconnected world of the younger generation, the UAE has come to offer more and more liberal pursuits and pastimes. It's precisely what you want to hear when you love to test yourself against the odds online.

All UAE casinos are overseen by the GCGRA, a highly respected body that is responsible for granting licenses to approved operators. To date, they have awarded a national lottery license, allowed a major casino operator to break ground on a new development, and licensed dozens of popular online casinos.

Add all of this together, including the vision of the UAE's leadership team, and you get a sense of what is coming to life here. This is no longer a country where gambling and online casinos are banned or outlawed.

Right now, the Emirates is the place to be when you want to connect with a new world of opportunity. Let's take a look at how you can get involved.

What to look for in an online casino in the UAE?

If you’re reading, you’re likely an experienced player who doesn’t need to be told twice about the rules, so free spins may not quite have the same level of pull as they do for a brand-new player.

That said, you can use them to test the water and come to a decision about which online casino you want to play for big money in. Whether you take advantage of these offers or not is up to you, but it's good to know they're available.

When shopping for an online casino in the UAE that ticks all the boxes, here are a few things you will want to consider along the way.

GCGRA approval

Finding a trustworthy online casino in the Emirates is a straightforward, low-stress process because of the foresight of the GCGRA.

Their vision when they were first formed was to turn the UAE into a haven of responsible, sustainable, and transparent online gameplay. Fast forward to today, and you will see nothing but tight regulation, clear communication, and fair games across the board.

Experience & reputation

Choosing online casinos with years of experience adds an extra layer of confidence when making a deposit. While the GCGRA ensures all UAE casinos are trustworthy, longevity speaks volumes.

👉 A well-established casino is more likely to offer top-tier customer service and a seamless gaming experience—exactly what you want when looking to enjoy your time online to the fullest.

Positive reviews

Be sure to check online ratings and reviews of UAE casinos as soon as possible.

Seeing feedback from experienced players helps you make an informed decision about whether to proceed. It's a simple step that ensures peace of mind before you go all in

How to find online casinos in the UAE?

You can find any type of casino online in the UAE by referring to one of the many trade sites that compile links to the latest games.

They will also be able to point you in the direction of a range of other interesting things, such as:

• Free Spins — Online casinos that offer free spins so that you can try out a new game of chance while getting to grips with the controls, layout, and how the odds work
• Deposit Bonuses — A list of casinos that offer deposit bonuses to reward new players and also retain them so that they become loyal, long-term players
• Fresh, New Casinos — New online casinos are entering the market, many of whom are backed by some of the biggest, most innovative developers in the world
• Cutting-Edge Games — New online casino games that make the most of seasonal themes, viral social trends, and the latest releases from the world’s biggest entertainment franchises

3 trusted UAE casinos to remember

If you want to make sure you land in the right place, we can even share a few recommendations from our own experience to get you started without delay.

1. FortunePlay for luxury play

If you want to test yourself against the odds and explore a wide array of variations and local rulesets, Fortune Play is the place to be.

It’s an online casino made for serious players who understand the tactical side of wagering and placing bets, which means it might just be perfect for you.

The interface is clean, the customer service is excellent, and the odds calculation and presentation are 100% transparent. The result is an engaging online experience that will keep even the most experienced, discerning casino player happy for many hours at a time.

2. EmirBet for fast & intuitive experiences

With a name like that, is it any wonder that these guys have made it onto our shortlist?

EmirBet offers a unique combination of a premium playing experience and plenty of nods to the local culture. This combines to deliver a playing experience that is as much about playing big as it is about having fun online with your friends and colleagues.

By getting the balance just right, they have created a setting that promotes fast-paced gameplay without pushing it to the point where habits and playing strategies become unsustainable.

Good news for those who want to find a new place to test yourselves.

3. RoosterBet for fun & innovation

Last but by no means least, RoosterBet is a fun and free-flowing online casino with a name to match.

The constant growth of seasonal and topical casino game theme selection is a thrill to witness. Thanks to continuous reinvestment by developers, there's always something new to explore every time you log back in.

Forget repetitive games. Playing here is a great way of keeping your online playing experience refreshing and engaging!

Final thoughts

Now that you’ve heard everything we have to say, it’s over to you to go out there and explore what the world of online casinos in the UAE has to offer.

Based on our experience, you're sure to discover countless new ways to play online with just a simple click. Perfect for when you're ready to explore an exciting new side of online gambling and casino games instantly.

Keep learning. Read more casino news and advice on the Roger blog.