The recent survey also revealed that one third of young adults in the UAE are interested in sports betting.
23% of adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are interested in online betting, according to new survey data.
Dubai communications consultancy duke+mir commissioned The UAE Gaming Survey 2025 which was undertaken in partnership with polling firm YouGov.
The aim of the survey was to gauge interest in gambling in the UAE in the context of the establishment of the GCGRA in 2023 and the development of a casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
More than 1,000 people in the UAE were asked about different commercial gaming activities they would consider participating in.
Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents showed interest in online casinos and sports betting sites. For context, 17% of British adults participate in online gambling.
Nearly half of UAE adults are interested in raffle and prize draws and over one third are interested in lottery games.
The data showed a significant demographic difference on some questions. In particular, a far greater proportion of young adults (aged 18-24) indicated an interest in sports wagering than the 45+ age group.
The UAE gambling market represents an ‘open goal’ for international sports betting firms according to duke+mr, who predict that “the UAE’s branch into casinos will be as successful, if not more so” than places like Las Vegas and Macau.
They also highlight the potential for crypto betting sites to develop a strong presence in the country given that 30% UAE residents hold at least one form of cryptocurrency.
