Casinos and High-Roller Poker Tournaments to Move to Dubai: UAE Gives Thumbs Up to Gambling!

Gambling is a taboo topic in Arab countries. But the United Arab Emirates has provided a clear signal of its intent to open up by setting up a federal authority to oversee "commercial gaming." For operators and gamblers seeking to discover the best casino, this event can be a potentially historic shift in the region's gambling landscape.

Early indications are that a new national lottery will be formed. That, though, is merely a beginning. The next step is likely to be casinos—a step that is almost inevitable. As with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the UAE is keen to diversify beyond oil and gas, and tourism and leisure are a major focus.

Dubai, as one of the seven emirates and a key financial and real estate hub in the Gulf, has already started this evolution process. Dubai is already well positioned to become the new Middle Eastern gambling hub within the next couple of decades.

Major international casino syndicates have begun constructing foundations, installing powerful representatives in leading positions. Casino titans such as Caesars, Wynn, and MGM already have strong penetrations into UAE tourism and real estate sectors.

UAE Establishes Federal Authority for Commercial Gaming

The UAE's national local state news agency, WAM, recently announced the news of the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. While not much has been provided officially, the appointment of the top management indicates the path the UAE is taking.

Kevin Mullally, previously executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission in the US, has been hired as CEO. Mullally commented, "Together with my experienced colleagues, I look forward to establishing a robust regulatory body and framework for the UAE's lottery and gaming industry."

Another high-profile appointment is Jim Murren as Board Chairman. Murren is an industry household name in Nevada gaming and past CEO of MGM Resorts International, a major Las Vegas and Macau operator. He had worked earlier with UAE officials on the $9.2 billion Las Vegas CityCenter development and oversaw the MGM-Dubai World partnership.

What the Regulatory Authority Will Do

According to WAM, the new regulator will "establish a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming sector, ensuring that all participants adhere strictly to guidelines and maintain the highest standards."

Its role is to coordinate regulatory activities, monitor licensing across the nation, and release the economic power of commercial gaming in a responsible way.
The main responsibilities of the authority are most probably to include:

Issuing and managing gaming licenses across all emirates
Ensuring that there is compliance with federal laws and regulations of gaming
Supervising operators for player security, protection, and equity
Promote responsible gambling practices
Empowering data exchange between local and national authorities

Dubai: The Future Home of High-Stakes Poker Cash Games?

In Dubai, nobody doesn't play—it's that everyone plays. With casinos on the horizon, high-stakes poker cash games are sure to flourish in the city's high-end atmosphere. Already, private games played by super-wealthy high rollers are an open secret among players.

Real Concerns About Stained Funds

While the UAE is busy with luxury business growth and tourism expansion, its booming real estate market has also been noticed. The market, as reported by the Associated Press, has drawn investors with questionable financial histories.

AP warns of potential money laundering risks, stating that “warlords, terrorist financiers, and sanctioned drug traffickers have used Dubai’s property market to shelter assets and investments.” One case even linked the city of Ras al-Khaimah to an Alaskan man laundering $1 billion via South Korea on behalf of Iran.

Casinos, the Middle East, and the Power of the Emirates

Casinos remain few in the Middle East due to Islamic law that prohibits gambling. Egypt and Lebanon are the only nations to have gaming halls at present. Dubai and the other six emirates now have an opportunity to monopolize the gambling industry in the region.

After years of speculation, it now appears the UAE government is finally going to legalize gambling—to win back Chinese tourists lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bloomberg calculates the UAE can expect up to $6.6 billion per year in gaming revenue, eclipsing Singapore.

The establishment of a federal gaming authority means Abu Dhabi officials will oversee the casino industry across the nation. But as the UAE is organized, every one of the seven emirates enjoys a great deal of self-governance, especially in social policy. Sharjah, for instance, bans alcohol sales altogether. It's possible that all seven emirates won't open their doors to casinos in the end.