How to find the best online casinos in the Emirates

The Emirates has opened itself up to the world in a variety of ways in recent years. There has been a rise in hosting global sports events such as F1 and the UFC, a tourism boom across the region, and some of the biggest music events anywhere in the Middle East. More recently, the Emirates has started becoming something of a hub for online casino players who want to experience the very best — something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. 

Why is the Emirates increasingly liberal? 

When many of us think of the Middle East, we would be forgiven for thinking of a region that is highly conservative as a result of a strong religious tradition. While there is certainly nothing wrong with this, it’s something that has not historically made the region one where tourists from other parts of the world have flocked to. All of this has changed thanks to the interconnectivity of the latest generation of young people. 

The internet — particularly social media — has enabled a whole generation of Emirati citizens to see how their peers are spending their time in other corners of the world. The result has been a shift in attitude combined with a gradual increase in terms of the pressure applied to the leadership. As the UAE’s leaders are forward-thinking and progressive, they have welcomed this shift. 

One of the most notable results is that gambling and placing wagers are no longer strictly prohibited in the country. 

How the new gambling license changes the region 

The UAE’s leadership created the GCGRA to act as an expert, impartial body to oversee all aspects of gambling and betting in the country. Given the fact that many Emiratis may have never placed a bet before, having an organization that would regulate and educate became particularly important. If you then add in the fact that some of the older generation would have had their misgivings about such a change in social policy you can see why so much has been invested in the GCGRA. 

One of the most notable things about this shift is not that the UAE has legalized gambling, it’s that other countries in the region are keeping a close eye on the way things play out. The Emirates can serve as a test case and a proof of concept for a new industry in a once-forbidden region. A great example of this is that the GCGRA recently granted a license for the first physical casino to be built — it is set to open in early 2027 and welcome players from around the world. 

In a world that is rapidly changing and opening up, it is natural to want to know how to take a look at it for yourself. 

How to find the right online casino in the Emirates 

Finding the right online casino in the Emirates is a matter of taking a systematic approach that will ensure that you don’t fall foul of any of the gray areas that may exist online. 

Check that the casino is licensed 

The first thing to note is that you should only play in casinos that are licensed and regulated by the GCGRA. They are the only body or organization that has the legal right to grant a license to operate anywhere in the Emirates, whether from a physical site or on an online server. 

Players who flout this rule, or who unwittingly play in an unlicensed Emirati casino can face prosecution and a series of harsh financial penalties. If in doubt, look for the license number from the GCGRA — you will find that many online casinos display it at the bottom of their homepage. 

Look for online recommendations 

Online reviews and testimonials are a great way to get a real feel for what a particular online casino is like. Many casinos are used by players all over the world, so you may find it useful to localize your search so that you focus on reviews left by Emirati players. Doing so will give you the confidence that you’re reading relevant reviews and that you can reasonably expect the same playing experience when you connect from inside the UAE. 

It’s also the case that every business, when operating at scale, will eventually run into an unhappy customer who leaves a negative review. This is not something unique to online casinos — every major brand in every industry in the world experiences this. What can be really insightful is to read the response from the developer or operator. If they were polite, punctual, and proactive in terms of trying to put things right, the chances are you have found the right operator because it is clear they care about customer service.

Search for the game you want 

Exploring the range of games to ensure that the classic titles or new themes you want to find are there is always the next step to take. At the same time as searching for a particular game, you may find that it’s useful to search for video testimonials as well. If a player in the UAE has uploaded a walkthrough of what the playing experience is like, it will give you a much better idea of what you can expect. Videos like these will give you a chance to assess how the interface looks and judge how easy it is going to be for you to play. Ideal when you want to be able to make sure you find the best online casinos in the Emirates so that you can gamble safely.

Check the small print 

The terms and conditions will clearly outline the payout processing times so you know how long it will take you to receive any winnings you may amass. They will also be the place to look if you want to check the minimum deposit and maximum deposit limits. This can be particularly helpful to new players who want to minimize their risk exposure as well as high-stakes players who want to put themselves to the test against the odds.

Suggestions on where to play 

Online casinos in the Emirates are some of the best in the world and that means there are plenty of places to play if you’re looking for recommendations. 

LuckyOnes 

A 40x wagering bonus and 500 free spins make LuckyOnes one of the most popular and attractive casinos in the Emirates. The casino is clean and crisp while the themes are constantly updated to cover seasonal events and pop culture. Ideal for those looking for a playing experience that is always fresh. 

WinsRoyal 

The combination of a $2,000 wagering bonus and 200 free spins makes WinsRoyal attractive to both new and experienced players. They are known for unrivaled customer service and attention to detail when it comes to putting issues right without delay. 

RoosterBet

The pairing of a 40x wagering bonus with a highly competitive 300 free spins means that rookie players can get up to speed quickly and largely risk-free. The idea here is to give you a chance to explore their range of games at your leisure and without having to play for real money straight away. 

BetBeast

BetBeast offers an impressive 40x wagering bonus up to a value of $5,000 that allows you to effectively multiply the size of your stake. They are also known for offering a constantly rotating range of themes that reflect the latest entertainment, cultural events, and even select media franchises. 

Now that you know how to find the best online casinos in the Emirates, it’s up to you to decide which one you want to explore first.