Here you'll find the very latest information on casinos in Dubai, online gambling in Dubai and casino developments elsewhere in the UAE.
List of all casinos in Dubai (current and proposed)
There are currently no licensed casinos in Dubai.
Read on below for more information on casino projects under development in Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE, and learn how Dubai online gambling currently works.
MGM Dubai
MGM Resorts - one of the most well-known Las Vegas casino brands - is building a $2.5 billion non‑gaming integrated resort on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach due to open in 2027.
'The Island' digital render(credit: BSB Group)
MGM Resorts has applied for a GCGRA license but has yet to receive one. It has therefore confirmed there will be no casino or onsite gambling at this Dubai resort.
However, the company has reserved 150,000 sq. ft. of space that could become gaming‑capable if regulations change
First announced in 2017, the project dubbed “The Island” is expected to include 1,000 hotel rooms, 10 luxury villas, and accommodations branded under MGM, Bellagio, and Aria.
When will there be a casino in Dubai?
It is not possible to predict when there will be a casino in Dubai.
The Island by MGM Resorts is expected to open in late 2027. If MGM Resorts is successful in acquiring an operating license and opening a gaming floor, it would become the first casino in Dubai.
Other companies that have considered development projects that incorporate casinos in Dubai include:
- Ceasar’s Palace, which gave up on its plan in late 2023
- Genting Group, which has expressed interest in developing an integrated resort.
Dubai online gambling
No UAE online casinos or sports betting sites have acquired an operating license from the country’s regulatory authorities yet but many sites licensed in other global jurisdictions can be accessed by players in Dubai (with or without a VPN for gambling).
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Casinos near Dubai
Casinos near Dubai due to open soon include Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan is a luxury casino resort under construction on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Wynn Al Marjan Island (credit: Wynn Al Marjan)
It will be the UAE's first legal gambling destination, featuring a massive casino, sky gaming lounge, 1,500+ rooms, 24 dining spots, and a private beach.
Highlights include the exclusive Enclave suites, beach club, marina, and convention space.
The development is a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality and is located just 15 minutes from RAK Airport and less than 1 hour from Dubai.
The project marks a major milestone in legal gaming in the Gulf region - follow the link below to find out more:
Wynn Al Marjan Island: Latest updates & infoIs gambling legal in Dubai?
Gambling is illegal in Dubai: It is currently prohibited by UAE federal laws except for within very specific circumstances (see section below).
The establishment of the GCGRA and its recent activity in licensing certain gaming service providers, venues, and product manufacturers indicates that gambling in Dubai will likely soon be tolerated or legalized in certain circumstances.
Legal gambling in Dubai
The UAE Lottery is one of the services licensed by the GCGRA and allows Dubai residents to play lottery games, scratch cards, and other instant online games.
Certain games of chance can also be played at Dubai’s horse racecourses.
Meydan Racecourse
At Meydan Racecourse, anyone with a valid entry ticket can participate in a free Pick 7 prediction competition with a total prize pool of AED 385,000.
The ‘Pick and Win’ competition at Jebel Ali Racecourse also gives racegoers the chance to win cash prizes.
This form of gambling in Dubai is allowed as it is considered to be a ‘contract of hazard (gharar)’ where the prize is known, the person giving the prize is specificed, and the winning conditions are clearly defined.