How to Open an Online Casino in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2025: Legal, Technical & Licensing Guide

Learn how to legally open an online casino in the UAE in 2025, covering licensing, technical setup, and regulatory compliance.

Finjuris

Jul 23, 2025 - 18:54

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The international online casino industry is currently booming. With improvements in digital payments, advances in attack and in gaming technology, and increasing access to the internet around the world, online casinos are part of a multi-billion-dollar industry. As well established as it was, the UAE has relaxed its view on gambling, which has been traditionally conservative in its approach.

At the beginning of 2023, the UAE announced the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to begin the process of declaring support for an environment in which some forms of gambling would be legalized, licensed, and regulated. This new chapter is significant as it reflects the UAE’s intent to step into the regulated, tax-generating, gambling industry, while still ensuring that gambling would remain heavily regulated.

This article aims to outline how to establish an online casino in the UAE, the licensing framework, the regulatory environment and technical requirements to launch and operate legally by 2025.

Is Online Gambling Legal in the UAE in 2025?

Historically, gambling in the UAE was strictly prohibited under Federal Law No. 3 of 1987, which is influenced largely by Islamic Sharia values. However, this may be changing. In 2023, the GCGRA was established for the purpose of national gaming regulation.

While there remain prohibitions against gambling in a more general sense, there are starting to legal grey areas—particularly in designated tourism areas like Ras Al Khaimah, where Wynn Resorts has been granted a license to operate a regulated gaming facility. Online gambling remains largely restricted, but through regulated operations under GCGRA, new opportunities to establish some legal legitimacies are being constructed.

Who Oversees Regulating Online Casinos in the UAE?

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the national governing body that oversees the operation of gambling activities in the UAE. The GCGRA is based in Abu Dhabi and is modelled after the regulatory frameworks used in Europe and the U.S.

As of July 2025, the GCGRA has rolled out regulations for:

Land-based casinos (in four emirates)
Online gaming licenses (in limited beta)
Vendor approvals, and software approvals

The GCGRA is tasked with licensing, compliance, AML/KYC, and taxation. No operator can legally establish an online casino in the UAE without GCGRA approval.

Classification of Casino Licenses in UAE

If you intend to provide legal services, you need to be cognizant of the types of licenses:

Casino Operator License (GCGRA): Required in order to run and operate a real-money online casino in UAE.
Vendor License: Needed for software developers, RNG providers, payment gateways and any other third-party technology.
Lottery License: An independent licensing type for any digital or physical lottery platforms.

The GCGRA may introduce licensing in the future for esports betting or player-to-player gaming. In the meantime, you can look to offshore jurisdictions like Malta, Curaçao, or Isle of Man, especially if you are a UAE resident looking to target international users.

A Practical Guide to Starting an Online Casino in the UAE

Market Research & Business Modelling

Before diving in, consider:

UAE-specific local player preferences
Game types: slots, blackjack, roulette, sports betting, etc.
Competition landscape, including grey market sites; and
User demographics: high net worth tourists, local expats.

Incorporation

You have two options:

Free Zones (RAKEZ, ADGM, DIFC) - offer many advantages, including foreign ownership and tax incentives.
Mainland companies - necessary if you want to target onshore users and comply with UAE regulations.

Acquire the Requisite License

To get a casino license for the UAE, you must:

complete the application via the GCGRA website
submit your business plan
submit your AML/KYC policies, responsible gaming program, and your financials
pass the security audits

Estimated timeframe: 4 to 6 months Estimated costs: AED 500,000– 2 million depending upon vertical and scope.

Build the Casino Software or Buy the Casino Software

You have two options for casino software:

White-label software, which is fast, inexpensive, and less customizable than bespoke
Only custom software (which gives you full control, but takes longer and requires capital)

Some technology components will be required, including:

RNG (Random Number Generator) Technology
Anti-fraud Technology
Payment systems and gateways (fiat & crypto)
Mobile technology

Comply with AML/KYC policies

The GCGRA and the central bank of the UAE both require strict AML/KYC gating and evidenced compliance.

Real-time customer identification
Transaction monitoring systems
Designate members of staff as the AML Compliance Officers.

Decide on Payment Processors

Fees and processing times can be long. For example:

All banks in the UAE are incredibly nervous about dealing with online gambling businesses
Crypto, while slowly adding players, is still following the advice of the GCGRA

Workarounds include:

Utilizing offshore payment service providers (PSP)
Leveraging stablecoins as a regulated custodian.

Local Hosting and Cybersecurity

GCGRA stipulates:

Locally or regionally hosted servers
Tier-3 data center certification
ISO / IEC 27001 cybersecurity compliance

With UAE stringent player data privacy laws, cybersecurity will be a concern that cannot be ignored.

Taxes for Online Casinos in UAE

Corporate Tax: 9% of the net profit

VAT: 5% on the services offered

International revenue can benefit from Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA)

Tax structuring can ensure that less taxes are owed as long as revenues are earned from outside the borders of the UAE.

Risks and Legal Issues

Operating without a license is a federal crime.
Access to websites may be blocked by the UAE Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA).
Offshore operators may be sued or receive criminal complaints.
Reputational risk of getting caught soliciting UAE-based users without prior approval.

GCGRA has a monitoring process in place to ensure that no operators are targeting local users through digital and marketing campaigns, influencers, or affiliate networks, without the required approval. Repercussions from guilty parties targeting local users could face significant penalties and actions by authorities (e.g. permanent blacklisting businesses). Businesses may have their domains frozen or seized, they may find banking services severely restricted, and if criminals are charged, the authorities may seek the extradition of business directors if there is a Canadian component to the court action. Monitoring campaigns and how operators respect the jurisdiction where their customers are located is essential and would be a practical approach in dealing with users located in the UAE market.

Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates' Regulated Gambling Sector

First-mover advantage in an emerging sector. Being one of the first to obtain a GCGRA license allows operators to build partnerships, acquire top marketing space, and establish customer loyalty before competition increases. Getting a proper build out will also help with rapport with regulators and potentially long-term scalability.

This moment of opportunity will be fleeting and so haste and strategy are warranted.
Integrated resorts + digital ecosystem (e.g. loyalty apps)
The government is supportive of technology led compliance systems
Opportunity to innovate and leverage explore tourism, airlines loyalty, and fintech.

Is it possible to utilize an offshore casino license within the UAE?

It is possible, however with serious caveats. Popular offshore opportunities are:

Curaçao - affordable and fast, with limited reputation
Malta - trusted reputation, strong compliance
Isle of Man - tax benefits and UK access

If targeting UAE users with an offshore license, without a license from the GCGRA, you may face prosecution and permanent blocking by an ISP.

Why You Require a Gaming Legal Advisor

The hybrid legal system of the UAE is challenging to navigate. Operating legally requires recognizing religious sensitivities, interpreting commercial gaming laws, understanding the legal framework for the GCGRA license at the federal level, as well as understanding various emirate specific laws and regulations. A gaming lawyer is a legal advisor, but the proper lawyer also acts as a strategic partner, to ensure that every aspect of your newly acquired casino business remains compliant and protected.

An experienced gaming legal advisor can assist you with:

Completing your GCGRA license application and negotiating the respective terms of your license (once applied, the GCGRA will expect certain documentation and internal control measures).
Drafting legal contracts with technology providers, game creators, marketing agencies, and payment services.
Establish compliant banking arrangements and engage with financial institutions that have experience working with gaming-related business models.
Advocate for yourself in licensing reviews, compliance audits, or if you have any issues following your post-launch stage.
Prepare player T&Cs, privacy statements, and risk disclosures that fit in with the UAE laws.
Provide advice on cross-border legal issues if you are using offshore structures or targeting international players.

Since UAE's online casinos regulatory landscape is still maturing, having an exclusive gaming legal adviser allows you to stay ahead of the game, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your operation sustainable.

You can contact Finjuris Counsel to get advice on your comprehensive UAE gaming compliance strategy, from licensing and structure to launch. Our team is ready to assist you through the entire process in launching a successful compliant online casino in the UAE.

FAQs

Is it legal for someone to operate an online casino in UAE in 2025?

Yes, it is, but only if you are completely licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority and if you abide by federal law and the laws of the pertinent emirate. Operating an online gambling business without a license in the UAE is a criminal offense and you could be subject to prosecution, being banished from creating a website, and reputational damage. Ensure that you obtain the proper license category for the business model.

Can foreigners open a casino in UAE?

Yes, foreign investors can incorporate companies in UAE Free Zones, like RAKEZ, ADGM, or DIFC, and apply for licenses through the GCGRA. Recently established free zone regulations allow for 100% foreign ownership in many of the zones, enticing foreign entrepreneurs to pursue their business ideas. Foreigners should seek legal advice for ownership structures and nominee services and cross border compliance.

How much does a UAE gaming license cost?

The price of a UAE casino license varies depending on the scale and type of your operation, as well as where you plan to be located. Generally speaking, license fees can vary from AED 500,000 up to AED 2 million for casinos, and exclude other costs like software, compliance, staffing, and legal. Ensure you properly budget your casino license application process.

What are penalties for illegal gambling in the UAE?

The UAE has harsh penalties for gambling illegally. Offenders may face:

Fines of AED 250,000 - AED 1 million
Imprisonment of a maximum of 2 years
Seizure of assets and closure of illegal sites
Permanent blacklisting and TRA-restricted access from domain name and IP
Legal gambling is strictly allowed online and by licensed operators under the GCGRA approved.

Can I accept crypto under my online casino in the UAE?

Yes, but under certain conditions. The GCGRA allows crypto payments through regulated, approved payment gateways and processes, as long they comply with AML/KYC. Wallet-to-wallet transactions without any oversight are prohibited. You will have to work with licensed crypto custodians or PSPs that allow traceable payments and have safeguards in place from regulators. Further, all crypto payments must be made in a transparent manner and must be audited and legally declared, to ensure compliance.

The UAE is on the verge of a gaming transformation. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is beginning to rollout structured regulations, and online casinos have the chance to legally operate in a clearly defined and regulated framework. This change provides a pathway for serious entrepreneurs to build a fully operational and compliant, revenue-producing digital gaming business in one of the most dynamic and progressive economies on the planet.

If you're considering starting an online casino in the UAE, the opportunity is now. Your business should be legally sound, technically secure, and operationally efficient. The Emirates could become the most profitable market in the Middle East - and potentially the most profitable market in the world - with the right approach from your legal and technical advisors.

Whether you're an existing gaming operator or a vision-driven start-up, the opportunity is here - and it all starts with a compliant and future-ready plan.