UAE strict stance over the Gambling in the UAE

Gambling is legally practiced in many parts of the world. It is widely played in several different countries. However, the UAE has a strict stance regarding it. UAE laws and regulations are an inclusion of Islamic laws. Islam is very strict about gambling and thus, UAE laws and regulations are stringent. UAE despite being progressive in many aspects, for gambling the government remains conservative. According to Islamic laws and Sharia principles, all forms of gambling in the UAE are un-Islamic and strictly prohibited. Emirates maintains its zero-tolerance policy towards gambling-related activities across the country. UAE Lawyers are also very competent to understand the local laws and regulations.  

Therefore, regulations and laws are applied to the violators, gamblers, and offenders in the country. They face punishments and very serious legal consequences by indulging in unlawful activities. Nonetheless, with rapid growth in the tourism and entertainment industry, this decision is often questioned. However, they remain committed to the no-tolerance policy towards gambling in the UAE. The questions keep pouring in about the exceptions and other legal alternatives for the residents, visitors, tourists, expatriates, and others. Our Dubai Lawyers are No.1 Lawyers to understand the new rules and their implementations.

Nonetheless, there is a proper legal structure and framework that administers gambling-related activities in the UAE. The UAE penal code explicitly declares all kinds of gambling activities as illegal in the Emirates. The Federal Decree-Law of 2021 from the UAE Penal Code addresses this aspect. The law defines what types of activities form part of gambling. Gambling is termed as any game in which loss or win is dependent upon probability, chance, or luck rather than based on a certain skill or expertise.

The law clearly declares all gambling activities to be prohibited in the UAE. It can be in either public places, private venues, or online or digital platforms. The law criminalizes it and establishes strict penalties for individuals and businesses. Those engaged in gambling-related activities will face legal consequences. The Cybercrime Law under Federal Decree-Law also outlines the guidelines for online gambling activities. The UAE has blocked access to UAE users to online gambling websites and betting applications.

Nevertheless, the law enforces severe punitive measures on the stakeholders involved in gambling activities. Gambling operators and participants may face harsh penalties in the UAE. The Sharia Law influence in UAE is quite evident. The Islamic law forbade the gambling activities. Gambling is also called Maisir or Qimar. Under Islamic law, it is completely haram to indulge in such activities. This makes it prohibited in Islam. The federal laws are inspired by religious sharia principles and thus, follow the same policy. 

The penalties are harsher for individuals and companies associated with gambling activities in the UAE. Therefore, individual gamblers may face jail sentences along with a hefty fine in the UAE. They may end up in jail for up to 2 years. It can also lead to a heavy fine of AED 50,000 which can go up to AED 200,000. Moreover, there are even harsher penalties for repeat offenders in the UAE. The gambling operators also face jail sentences. It can result in imprisonment which can go up to 10 years’ time. Further, higher fines are imposed which often exceed AED 500,000. 

Those businesses that are involved in gambling activities will face revocation of business licenses. Besides, those found guilty of promoting gambling will also face the legal consequences. Online gambling is also becoming very common across the globe. The UAE is dedicated to the zero-tolerance policy towards online betting applications. Access to gambling websites is blocked in the UAE. Nevertheless, the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has blocked access to all residents in the UAE.

Any individual or organizations caught in online gambling will face punitive measures. Legal action is taken against them with severe punishments. In recent years, the UAE has allowed for exceptions and legal alternatives to traditional gambling. The UAE offers lucrative legal entertainment options to the people of the UAE. Those options and choices available comply with the local laws and regulations. It includes lotteries, raffles, skill-based competitions, sports betting, horse racing, and more. The government has approved the lucky draws, raffles, and lotteries in the UAE. They are legally permitted including events like Dubai Duty Free Raffles. This allows the participants to win cash prizes, luxury cars and gifts, and properties.

Nevertheless, skill-based competitions are quite common in the UAE. They rely on skills and expertise rather than luck or chance. This competition needs to seek regulatory approvals. It includes chess tournaments, escorts, and much more. Compliance with regulatory laws is essential. Betting is illegal as per the law in the UAE. However, horse racing programs and events form part of sports tourism. Spectators often take part in sponsorships, event prizes, or legal raffles. The UAE has stringent laws and regulations against online gambling. This makes it difficult for residents to access foreign gambling websites as all online gambling websites are blocked. The UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the blockage of gambling websites. However, VPNs are used to access the blocked websites. This action can lead towards punishment and penalties.

Furthermore, the crackdown on offshore gambling platforms is also conducted in the UAE. International gambling operators are banned in the UAE. They are not permitted to offer gambling services to UAE residents. There is a potential that shortly changes will be introduced regarding UAE Gambling Laws. Gambling remains forbidden in the UAE however, changes may occur. Cultural and religious influence on UAE gambling laws will remain. The deep-rooted impact of Islamic laws is evident in the Emirates. As per Islamic laws, it is considered to adversely impact family life and also ruin the financial aspect. It is considered to be a vicious cycle that may result in fraud, crimes, and debts. Therefore, the UAE prioritizes financial stability, family well-being, social betterment, and economic improvements over other things.