Dubai, UAE – February 25, 2025 – The gambling industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone a seismic shift in 2025, with explosive growth in regulated sectors despite religious and cultural prohibitions. According to Dubai Casinos, the UAE Lottery has dominated the market, experiencing a staggering 3,100% increase in public interest since January, while traditional regulatory bodies like the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) saw a decline of 58.5% in searches.
The first-ever gaming license in the UAE, granted to The Game LLC, triggered a surge in activity, with projections indicating that the UAE Lottery will generate over $500 million in revenue by the end of 2025. Physical casinos, such as Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah and MGM Dubai, have reported a steady influx of high-stakes players, with interest peaking in October following Wynn Resorts’ licensing approval. The sector is expected to contribute at least $2 billion to the UAE economy this year.
Online gambling has also seen an unprecedented rise, growing 61% since January. While still unregulated, digital platforms are capitalizing on the demand, with forecasts suggesting the UAE could legalize online betting by 2026.
The GCGRA has reaffirmed its strict oversight, limiting licensed lottery operators to The UAE Lottery, Big Ticket, and Dubai Duty Free, shutting down unauthorized competitors like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw.
