Best Online Casino UAE

Legal and Regulatory Landscape of Online Gambling in the UAE

When it comes to casino games in UAE it is illegal and strictly prohibited. There are laws and severe consequences for anyone that does not obey them. According to Article 414 of the Penal Code, for those who do not abide by the regulations, there is a maximum fine of 20,000 Dirhams (about $5,500) and a maximum sentence of two years in prison. Apart from such penalties, those caught in gambling may even be deported.

Specifically, regarding online casino regulations in UAE, there is not much difference from the standard, land-based gambling. As previously mentioned, the United Arab Emirates has a strict stance against gambling, encompassing online gambling. Considering that it is completely banned, there are no specific additional regulations for online gambling, except that it is not allowed.

It is essential to mention that the UAE takes its law against online gambling very seriously. It went as far as establishing a Telecommunications Regulatory Authority that aims to produce an Internet Access Management Policy that outlines all banned online content categories for all Internet service providers. Among other categories, this ban also covers gambling sites and any content providing information on accessing prohibited content.

Of course, there are sneaky ways to get around the laws, but it is important to note that strict rules come with severe punishments. The penalties for illegal online gambling in the UAE include the following:

1. Imprisonment: those caught engaging in online gambling can get imprisonment for up to two years. The length of the sentence, of course, depends on the offense’s severity.
2. Fines: The height of the fine, like the last consequence, also depends on the severity of the offense but usually does not exceed 50,000 AED.
3. Deportation: non-citizens caught indulging in online gambling risk being deported from the UAE. This is a massive consequence for those living or working in the UAE for some time.
4. Blacklisting: users of online gambling in the UAE risk being blocked. This makes it harder for them to do many compulsory things, including opening a bank account in the UAE, renting or buying a home, and even getting a job.
5. Asset Seizure: this consequence is also highly severe as it may lead to a significant loss of financial resources.

These consequences should not be taken lightly, as they might significantly impact an individual’s life.

The next question that might pop into one’s mind is whether there are some legal online gambling options in the UAE, and the simple answer is no, there are not. Despite that, some still ignore the laws and various consequences and engage in online gambling.

To partake in online gambling activities, people use web proxy servers or Virtual Private Networks and access some online gambling platforms that give offers to people from the UAE. Also, some people use online crypto-gambling sites as they make it more challenging to track their identity. Nevertheless, just because there are ways around the law, they do not make online gambling in the UAE, and the person can still be caught and suffer serious, previously listed consequences.

Popular Online Casinos in the UAE

The Best online casinos in UAE can be found in the table below:

Lucky Block

Despite being a relatively new example of safe online casinos in the UAE, it has rapidly gained popularity. The Curacao Gaming Control Board regulates it. Among the 6,000 game portfolios are loyalty programs and live casinos, including game shows. The site layout is easy for mobile casino gaming in UAE and desktop, where the games are sorted in alphabetical order or by the game studio. Apart from traditional card payment methods, Apple Pay and Google Pay, this online casino allow people to deposit using eight different cryptocurrencies.

When the word is about casino bonuses in UAE, Lucky Block is said to have one of the best welcome bonuses. New players automatically qualify for a 200% welcome bonus and 50 spins free of charge on Wanted Dead or Wild. A maximum of 10,000 EUR is offered to those who deposit 5,000, and the bonus is paid in 10 installments.

In the table below, the advantages and disadvantages of Lucky Block can be found:

User reviews

“Nice working casinos totally focused on the future by using cryptocurrency for payments. Perfect!” —- Maik (April 6, 2023)

“Excellent platform! That is not a fraud… I withdrew my cryptocurrency wallet. The only issue is that the withdraw button is not particularly visible.”

— Relax World Nature (March 31, 2023)

GamingCity

It is a rather popular online casino in the UAE. Gaming City offers a vast range of games, from slot games to classic table games, totaling more than 5,400 games. On top of that, it accepts credit cards, money orders, bank wire, and cryptocurrency deposits.

The minimum cryptocurrency deposit is $20, and the first crypto deposit has a potential of $4,000. As for the general bonuses offered, a 350% welcome bonus of up to $2,000.

In the table below, the advantages and disadvantages of GamingCity can be found:

User review

“All the Gaming City bonus offers’ terms and conditions are transparent and easily accessible on the site. Therefore clients can be informed and up to date on all the essential information at a given time. We found writing our Gaming City Casino review, and they do all they can to provide players with a safe, secure, pleasurable experience when gambling online.” — CasinoSite.

Betway

This online casino is said to be the definition of a global gambling brand, as it can be accessed in many countries worldwide. Regarding the games from which players can choose, there are around 400 individual games, much lower than the previously mentioned online casinos. Betway also encompasses many different jackpots. Their customer support is said to be reliable and helpful.

When talking about the bonuses offered, Betway offers a 100% deposit match of up to $62.

In the table below, the advantages and disadvantages of Betway can be found:

User review

“Incredibly difficult to withdraw money. Don’t use this site.

I can’t withdraw with an Interac e-transfer or card. If I try with e-transfer, I get an error saying I need to use the email I have registered for e-transfer payments with my bank, which I have been doing. If I try withdrawing with my card, it says I have not made any deposits, so I can’t withdraw despite having made a deposit with my card today.”

-— Matthew (April 17, 2023)

Bet O Bet

This casino is considered to be the best for slots. It is said to be highly user-friendly. The players from the UAE can enjoy the games using the version of the site in Arabic. Bet O Bet offers a variety of games, including live casino and table games.

As for the bonuses, they offer a 100% deposit match, up to $550. There is also a 20 free spins deposit reload bonus.

In the table below, the advantages and disadvantages of Bet O Bet can be found:

User review

“SUPEEEEER online casino!

BetOBet offers various bonuses, free spins and promotions on selected games in addition to a generous welcome bonus for new players to start their gambling journey.

Great experience!” — the_haddad (2 months ago)

888Casino

This online casino was first launched in 1997. It offers more than 2,000 games, including table games, slots, and daily jackpots. The payment options accepted by 888Casino include a Debit Card, Prepaid Card, eWallets, and Bank Transfer.

Regarding the bonuses offered, 888Casino has a 100% deposit match, up to $200.

In the table below, the advantages and disadvantages of 888Casino can be found:

User review

“888poker is the best online casino out there to give a shot. They have various casino games and give a good no-deposit bonus when you register on 888poker. For online poker players, 888poker is like heaven. You can play daily freerolls and boost your bankroll while testing the 888poker application before you deposit. I personally tried it, and I’m a fan of 888poker. I play 3-4 hours when I get time, and I’m satisfied with 888poker.” — Rajdeep (March 16, 2020)

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

When pooled together from the above-mentioned online casinos available to the players in the United Arab Emirates, the following deposit and withdrawal options are at your disposal:

Credit/debit cards like American Express, Visa, or MasterCard

• Pros: convenience as many people already have these cards, quick processing times.
• Cons: Potential fees, limited withdrawal options.

E-wallets like PayPal and Skrill

• Pros: no need for sharing personal banking data with the casino, quick processing times, multiple withdrawal options.
• Cons: transaction fees and potential currency exchange fees.

Bank transfers

• Pros: convenient, tend not to have fees, ability to withdraw large amounts.
• Cons: it may take longer time to process, and potential fees for international transfers.

Prepaid Cards

• Pros: no need for sharing personal banking data with the casino.
• Cons: Potential fees, limited withdrawal options.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum

• Pros: anonymity, fast processing, some online casino sites offer better bonuses.
• Cons: not everyone has crypto wallets, and cryptocurrencies are unstable.

When it comes to transaction fees and processing times, there is no particular safe answer. That is because the terms and conditions vary between online casinos.

Bank transfers could take longer than credit/debit cards and e-wallets in general. E-wallets and prepaid cards typically charge more significant fees than credit/debit cards and bank transfers, with costs ranging from 0 to 5 percent of the transaction value.

Considering this, it is best to review the precise terms and conditions of the online casino and payment options before making any deposits or withdrawals.

Casino Games Available

As for the availability of the games in UAE, players can choose from any casino game they want, whether a slot game, a table game, or a live game. However, there are favorites, and the top three most popular casino games in UAE are:

• Online Slots:

They are so popular that all brands will provide hundreds of options. The reason behind their popularity lies in their ability to understand and play. The rules are: Players place a bet before spinning the reels.

The amount of the bet determines the potential payout. Players must match a specific combination of symbols on the reels to win. The pay table shows the value of each winning combination.

It is important to mention that online slots use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair gameplay. The RNG determines the outcome of each spin, so there is no way to predict or manipulate the results.

Strategies: play for extended periods, take advantage of bonuses and promotions, choose games with high RTP (Return To Player), and try different slot games.

• Online Roulette:

It is mainly luck-based. The game involves a spinning wheel with numbered slots and a small ball spinning in the opposite direction. Roulette can also be played live through online casinos.

The rules are as follows: Players place their bets on where they think the ball will land. They can either place the bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or the colors red or black. Once the bets are placed, the ball is spun, and where it lands determines the winning number and color.

Strategies: choose the suitable variation that suits you the most, as there are different roulette variations. Understand the odds of the bets before placing them, and practice with free games before indulging in a real one.

• Blackjack

This table game is also commonly found as a live version on online casinos. The goal is to have a higher value of cards than the dealer’s ones but not to exceed 21.

The rules are as follows: The dealer is dealt one card face up, and one card face down, and each player is dealt two cards. After that, players have the option to hit (take another card), stand (keep their current hand), double down (twice their stake and get another card), or split (divide their hand into two new hands).

Face cards are valued at 10, and aces can be worth one or eleven. The total of the card values represents the hand’s value. A player busts and is out of the game if their hand totals more than 21. The remaining players win if the dealer’s hand totals more than 21.

Strategies: avoid insurance bets available when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. These bets have a high house edge and should be avoided.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling refers to specific precautions an individual takes to minimize and prevent potential harmful consequences of gambling. When done in excess, gambling can become a severe problem, so it is important to take notice and know the signs of problem gambling:

1. Preoccupation with gambling: if someone is constantly thinking about gambling, gambles frequently, or has increased the amount of money they gamble.
2. Lying about gambling: hiding from friends, family.
3. Borrowing money to gamble.
4. Neglecting responsibilities.
5. Mood swings and irritability: this may come as a consequence of losing money or when an individual is unable to gamble.

To avoid getting to the point where such problems occur, here are a few tips for responsible gambling:

1. Set a budget: do not chase your losses by sports betting more than you can afford.
2. Set a time limit so that you do not let gambling interfere with your daily activities.
3. Avoid alcohol and drugs so that unreasonable decisions are not made.
4. Take breaks to recharge and have some time away from gambling.
5. Do not borrow money for gambling, as this only leads to further financial problems.
6. Do not be afraid to seek help if you feel you are struggling with addiction.

If you notice you are struggling with gambling, there are resources for getting help. In the United Arab Emirates, a mental support line is also helpful regarding gambling advice.

The link to the support line website: https://hope.hw.gov.ae/

It can also be accessed through the following phone number: 8004673.

Conclusion

To sum it up, in this article, we covered various aspects of the online gambling industry in the United Arab Emirates. We first provided a general overview of online casino sites and their benefits. Then we looked at the Legal and Regulatory Landscape of Online Gambling in the UAE by going through online gambling regulations in UAE and the consequences for those who do not abide.

After that, an overview of the top online casinos in UAE and their advantages and disadvantages was presented. Following this, we looked at deposit and withdrawal methods available to online casino players in UAE, their advantages and disadvantages, and the transaction and processing fees.

Finally, the most popular online casino games in the UAE and the rules and strategies for playing playing online casino games were listed. Ultimately, we discussed reasonable gambling, the signs of unreasonable gambling, and how to gamble responsibly. We also provided a contact line for getting help with gambling problems. In conclusion, online gambling is strictly prohibited, like any other form.

There are clear laws and punishments for those caught engaging in gambling. Nevertheless, people still find ways to gamble, and various online gambling pages cater to UAE players. Among other tables, live slot games, the most popular for the UAE market, are slots, roulette, and blackjack. Even though advised not to engage in illegal gambling activities, if one decides to try it out, they should be mindful and responsible so that they do not end up with severe consequences.