The United Arab Emirates, an Arab country located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, adjoined by Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Iranian exclave of Tunb Island, and Sharjah, was founded on 2 December 1971 when Britain terminated the Trucial States. The legal framework regarding gambling in the UAE is somewhat ambiguous, therefore, one can place a bet on a sport event and do it legally. This guide will give an insight of the betting sites in UAE, gambling laws, regulating bodies, sports betting forms, and more.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in the UAE
The history of the regulation of gambling in the UAE goes as far back as the formation of the country. Here is a brief chronology of events that defines the evolution of technologies used in marketing.
- 1971: The union was made and the adoption of Islamic laws that prohibited the act of gambling.
- 1987: Federal Law No. 3 of 1992 prohibited the gambling activities in all the Emirates of the UAE.
- 2005: The laws on cybercrime were enacted to fight against online gambling.
- 2021: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 also enhanced severe penalties for gambling related offenses.
Regulatory Authority of Betting Sites in UAE
Several organizations have the mandate of monitoring and implementing the gambling laws within the United Arab Emirates.
- 1. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA): In charge of overseeing the commerce gaming laws.
- 2. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA): Prevents the access of online gambling activities and bans the unauthorized websites.
- 3. The Dubai Police: Performs duties in relation to the enforcement of laws on gambling that is conducted in public.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
The following are some guidelines that anyone interested in sports betting should know regarding the types of bets that are permitted and those that are not permitted in the UAE.
Prohibited Bets
- Casino Games: Some of the common casino games including poker, roulette, and blackjack are strictly prohibited.
- Online Casinos: It is Forbidden to engage in or to use casinos on the internet.
Permitted Bets
- Horse Racing: As for the horse racing it is legal with certain rules and regulation.
- Camel Racing: Camel racing is one of the major sports that are conducted in UAE and one is allowed to place a bet on the race.
- Sports Betting: There are some restrictions regarding the types of sports betting that are allowed; however, it is legal as long as it is within the country’s jurisdiction.
Gambling Licenses and Fees
It is important for one to know that, operating a gambling establishment in the UAE demands a lot of permit. Here’s a quick overview.
- Licenses: The GCGRA is very strict in the issuance of the license.
- Fees: The license fees may start from AED 100,000 to AED 500,000 and this depends on the number of activities conducted in the business.
- Taxes: The gambling earnings are taxed, and the rate of tax is usually 20%.
Best Betting Sites in UAE
However, there is still a chance to bet in the UE, as there are international betting sites available to its residents. Here they are: the three best.
Dafabet
Dafabet
Reputation: It can be said that it is one of the best-known worldwide betting websites.
Features: Great sports broadcast and high definition online stream.Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
Melbet
Melbet
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer 100% up to AED 500 for new players only.
Features: Many sports, live stream, and the interface is quite easy to use.Bet £30 Get £30
Betmaster
Betmaster
Welcome Bonus: Not greater than one thousand UAE dirhams.
Features: Plenty of sports events, a great choice of live betting, and efficient customer service.Up To £1000 + £10 Free Bets
Major Events in the UAE Sports World
There are various sports that UAE has welcomed and has even excelled in achieving remarkable accomplishments.
- 1990: UAE national football team has made it to the FIFA World Cup.
- 2005: Got the Kirin Cup.
- 2009: UAE U-16 team has made it to the Youth World Cup.
- 2018: Did win the rights to be the host of the Asian Cup.
- 2021: It was racing event that transformed into one of the top events in the motorsports calendar.
Sports Star Glory
There are indeed very many sportsmen and women who have made the nation proud and famous.
- Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: The third placer in the Taekwondo event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Omar Abdulrahman: This year’s Asian Footballer of the Year .
- Nada Al Bedwawi: Swimming; male bronze medallist in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Gambling Laws of Neighboring Countries
Knowing the laws of gambling in the neighboring countries can also be helpful.
- Saudi Arabia: Gambling is forbidden and there are severe consequences for the people who engage in the activity.
- Oman: Like the UAE, Oman has prohibited all forms of gambling with certain laws specifically addressing online gambling.
- Qatar: Gambling is strictly forbidden; however, there are some exceptions, and camel racing is one of them, but it is regulated by the government.
Conclusion
One has to understand that the regulations regarding betting in the UAE are quite convoluted, and there is a definite need to simplify things. Despite the fact that most of the activities are prohibited, certain types of betting are still allowed with some conditions. It is equally important for the residents and tourists to know about these laws. For the bettors who are interested in hunting for different betting options, there are international sites such as Melbet, Betmaster, and Dafabet which are exceptional.
FAQ of Betting Sites in UAE
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