Trusted Guide for Arabian Sportsbooks & Casinos 
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Sportaza is a relatively new betting site, having launched only in 2020. The site has an offshore location in Curacao, which is why UAE residents can access it through a VPN. The betting site offers several payment options, including MasterCard, ecoPayz, Skrill, and Ethereum. Punters also have the option to conduct their transactions through bank transfers. The minimum deposit is $10, and the general cashout speed is around 1-3 days.
Every single day, the Sportaza bookmaker comes to life with 30,000 betting markets, offering a range of all the sports you could ever want to bet on. Options like points totals, correct scores, match winners, and many others are available for punters to bet on their favorites. The in-play markets spruce up the scene even more with their live betting choices. Many bettors also consider the odds to be quite competitive as compared to other sportsbooks in the industry. The sportsbook hosts betting tournaments where players can bet on sports like football, basketball, and tennis.
And that’s not where the fun ends. The sportsbook is also filled with exciting casino games from top software providers like Microgaming and Push Gaming. Whether you want to spin a slot or put down a card at the poker table, Sportaza will let you do it all. The best part about this online betting site is its multiple promotions available across all its betting offerings.
Top 10 Best Betting Sites in the UAE in 2024
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Casombie has been operating in Curacao since 2020 and, as the name suggests, is based on a zombie theme. This is one of the most exciting things that sets this sportsbook apart from its counterparts. In addition to a plethora of tremendous sports betting opportunities, it also manages to offer a unique theme that one doesn’t always come across in the world of gambling. Utilizing a VPN to access this innovative website becomes almost worth it because of the storyline waiting for you on the other end.
Casombie has a $10 minimum deposit, available on various payment methods such as MasterCard, Visa, Skrill, and NETELLER. There is a wide range of sports and leagues available to wager on, including horse racing, football, cricket, golf, MMA, and ice hockey. With over 4,000+ games and sports betting options, Casombie prides itself in being a competitive casino. The website is also mobile-friendly, which makes it convenient and accessible to place your bets even on the go.
One of the best things about Casombie has to be its distinct theme, which helps it stand out amidst the crowd of sportsbooks out there. Punters can immerse themselves in a plotline that gives a whole new edge to betting and wagering. On top of that, there is a wide range of sports and leagues available to wager on, including horse racing, football, cricket, golf, MMA, and ice hockey.
KingMaker is one of the most recent casinos to enter the online betting scene in the UAE, having opened up in 2024. Starting at a minimum deposit of $10, KingMaker offers a range of payment options in the UAE, i.e., MasterCard, BinancePay, Muchbetter, Ethereum, and many others. However, not all of these options are available for withdrawal.
KingMaker is both a casino and a sportsbook, which means that live betting on tournament games and virtual sports is one of its most popular offerings. Players can bet on top leagues like the NBA, NFL, Euroleague, and UEFA Champions League. Because it is a relatively new addition to the industry, one of the best things about KingMaker is its user-friendly online interface. The website is vibrant and super simple to navigate, making it an excellent option for first-time bettors who might get intimidated by complicated websites.
On its casino offerings, KingMaker offers promotions like weekly reload bonuses, free spins, live casino cashbacks, and welcome bonuses. Sports bettors can also expect similar promotions in the sports arena. Since the casino is a new addition, punters are still in the process of discovering it, with tons of new features yet to be adequately explored. However, based on its first few months, there are come pros and cons.
Thrillsy was launched in 2010 and offers an experience similar to what its name suggests. Operated from Curacao, Thrillsy is a sister site to many other online gambling providers, such as Slotimo and Zodiac Bet. While the site offers several perks to its bettors, people appreciate it most for its generous bonuses, which can go up to $1,000 or more just on sign-up!
With a minimum deposit of $10.83, bettors can benefit from payment mechanisms such as Visa, Bank Transfer, NETELLER, ecoPayz, and Skrill. Some of the most popular sports betting options at Thrillsy include parlays, props, and live betting. Soccer, hockey, and basketball tend to be some of the most revered options. Thrillsy is one of the best sportsbooks in the UAE, but its casino-based offerings are no less either. With a diverse range of 4,500 slots and over 160 live dealer games, this casino offers one of the most dynamic game ranges in the UAE.
One of the best parts about the casino is its online interface, which features bright yellow text on top of a black background, fully capturing the vibrancy of its sports betting opportunities. The casino also has a mobile version of its website, one of its biggest offerings. For people who like to place their bets on the go, Thrillsy is one of the best options.
Founded in 2015, Betfinal hosts millions of players from around the globe on its website. The sports betting offerings at Betfinal are pretty diverse, even covering games such as tennis and MMA. The sportsbook has around 85,000 monthly events covering around 125 sports and esports. Bettors even have the option to enjoy live betting with live streaming of their favorite tournaments.
The casino side of Betfinal offers more than 3,000 games, making it an excellent choice for people who wish to try both casino and sports betting. Some people may find the website slightly outdated, but it is a tried and tested fan favorite that people are still flocking to even a decade after its release.
Betfinal has a minimum deposit of $10 and minimum withdrawal of $20, available on payment options such as Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, PayPal, and Skrill. The website’s strong standing in the online gambling industry makes it a great pick for UAE-based players. If you’re looking to try out a sportsbook that you know will not disappoint, Betfinal is the place to go.
Betonic opened in 2021 through a Curacao-based company, and currently, it is one of the best casinos that UAE-based punters can access through a VPN. The online sportsbook fully supports conventional payment methods like MasterCard and Visa, while it also offers some other cash methods such as Cash2Code and NETELLER. The minimum deposit for some payment methods is as low as $1. Usually, most payments are processed within 24 hours.
Some of the most popular sports offerings at Betonic include horse racing, volleyball, ice hockey, and basketball. So, whether you’re interested in betting on commonly-loved sports, or niche games that only you enjoy, Betonic is a great sportsbook to explore. Punters can also choose to bet through classic games like roulette and blackjack, which the casino happily offers.
Sports bettors signing up with Betonic can expect a 100% match bonus that goes up to $300, making this a great betting site for those searching for excellent promotions. The bonus also comes with 20 free spins on casino games. Sports bettors can also find a $40 free bet and up to $75 in reload bonuses. While Betonic is not the most competitive sportsbook out there, the odds are usually decent, falling in the range of 6-9% for all sports.
Rabona opened to the betting market in 2019, and since then, it has become one of the most established sportsbooks in the industry. The sportsbook offers a unique bonus where you can collect cards from your favorite sports team and earn up to $1,500 in bonuses. With a minimum deposit of just $10, players can sign up on the Rabona sportsbook and get in line to claim this bonus.
The high-quality graphics and user-friendly search functionality are two of the most prominent features that Rabona offers its bettors. Rabona offers both live betting and virtual sports betting. Players can bet on top events like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
The betting site offers bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and a range of cryptocurrencies as its payment method. Virtual sports and horse racing are two of the most popular offerings by the sportsbook. Fans can only access it through a VPN in the UAE, but its command over UAE’s favorite sports makes it a popular option for many. In addition to being a famed sportsbook, the casino offers over 200 live casino games and a total of 6,100 games from various software providers around the globe.
Oshi Casino was launched in 2015 and is known as a Bitcoin casino. The minimum deposit for the sportsbook is $22. The casino provides a gigantic game selection of over 5,000 games. Apart from these, bettors can also place their money on the casino’s sportsbook offerings.
Oshi Casino offers a mix of payment methods, but it is mainly recognized for its vast range of cryptocurrency offerings. Payments can be made through Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others. Those who want to go for more conventional methods can also use their debit/credit cards or opt for a simple bank transfer.
Other than the hefty welcome bonus, Oshi Casino also offers other bonuses. The VIP program has five tiers offering weekly cashbacks and other tier-unique promotions. Each tier is unlocked after earning a particular number of points.
MegaPari obtained its license from Curacao in 2019, and since then, it has become one of the most popular casinos in the UAE. MegaPari is compatible with a range of conventional payment methods, such as credit/debit cards and e-wallets, which makes the monetary process quite convenient and easy. It’s a one-stop-shop for sports bettors as they can wager on all sorts of matches, such as football, UFC, cricket, Sumo, and boxing, to name just a few. Esports like League of Legends and DOTA 2 are also available to be bet on.
The general payout speed is 1-2 days. The sportsbook offers unique promotions for its bettors, such as a 75% Saturday football bonus and free bets.
The website is also fully customizable for mobile phones, making betting easier for on-the-go bettors. The sportsbook’s odds for sports bets are quite high, especially for team sports like football. Fans have also noticed that odds at MegaPari are updated much quicker than some other sportsbooks.
Slots and other classic table games are also available. MegaPari also boasts over 5,000 casino games, which provide an average payout of 98%. Whether people want to enjoy live dealer games or video poker, the casino has countless options.
Why Trust UAEBetting.com?
Uaebetting.com is committed to providing a safe and secure online environment for its website visitors. We understand how important it is to ensure the bookmakers on our list are of a high standard, so we take comprehensive measures to guarantee that. Our review process consists of multiple criteria including: licenses, bonuses on offer, sports available, customer service quality, and user reviews.
All these factors are taken into account when choosing which bookmakers to accept onto our list. This ensures that any bookmaker featured by us has been rigorously vetted and deemed worthy of recommendation. With our superior selection system in place you can always rest assured the bookmakers we feature are trustworthy and reliable.
At Uaebetting.com, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible experience. Our team of professionals follows sports events and monitors bookmakers closely to ensure that we bring you the latest and most reliable information.
Each site is reviewed carefully before publishing to ensure only quality content is provided. With our passion for sports and online betting, you can be sure that you are accessing accurate information every time you visit us. We believe in offering a top-notch service so our customers can enter into online betting confidently and safely.
How UAEBetting.com Chooses and Reviews Betting Sites
Because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy online sports betting and the like, we wanted to seek out the best betting platforms for UAE players to join. Of course, this wasn’t simply a matter of us plucking betting sites out of thin air and labelling them as the greatest ones. Instead, we sought out specific features to ensure that they are providing a high-quality service to bettors. So, why is it that these site recommendations are the best? What do we look for when reviewing online sites that offer betting on sports and beyond?
- License and SecurityThe most reputable offshore betting sites have licenses from MGA, Curacao, UKGC, etc.
- Great Selection of Sports on OfferPlenty of diversity of sports to bet on.
- Fantastic Promotions to ClaimRange of invinting and loyalty offers, benefits, and wagers.
- VIP Schemes to Benefit FromLadder to climb – the more you bet, the more you get.
- Mobile Compatibility for Ease of Betting on SportsAcess to a sportsbook from a smartphone or tablet.
- Top-Quality Customer SupportCustomer-friendly support team, handy guidance on occuring problems.
- Support for Several Payment MethodsAcess to various banking options to deposit and withdraw winnings at an online betting site.
License and Security — Can the Betting Site Be Trusted?
When reviewing betting sites, the paramount factors are bettor safety and the trustworthiness of the site. These elements not only ensure a secure and fair betting environment but also foster a relationship of trust between the bettor and the platform. A site that prioritizes these aspects demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of its users, distinguishing itself as a reputable choice in the competitive world of online betting
We Evaluate Selection of Sports on Offer
When you sign up to an online sportsbook, it is imperative to have the opportunity to bet on numerous sports. Within that, you should also be able to access a variety of markets. The betting platforms that we recommend will always provide plenty of diversity in these areas.
In turn, that grants you a high-quality, exceptional user experience. This means that you will have access to betting on sports like horse racing, football, cricket, tennis and a variety of others.
We Check Whether There are Any Fantastic Promotions to Claim
One thing that many online betting platforms provide is a range of inviting special offers to claim. Sports betting sites in UAE are no different in this respect, and we have discovered which ones are the best in terms of these.
The greatest platforms will reward you as a newcomer and then continue giving you benefits as you proceed with further deposits and wagers. This should include options like free bets, insurance on bets, boosts for accumulators and more.
We Find If There Are VIP Schemes to Benefit From
As a sort of link up to the fantastic promotions, we always like to see sportsbooks that also have VIP programs in place. These present you with a ladder to climb as you continue betting. As you ascend higher, you obtain better rewards from the bookie, including exclusive bonuses, specific account managers and even invites to sporting events, too.
As part of our review process, we always try to seek out those betting websites with exciting VIP schemes for you to benefit from.
We Test Mobile Compatibility for Ease of Betting on Sports
It’s not always the case that you will want to partake in betting from home. This is why it is quite important to have access to a sportsbook from a mobile device, like a smartphone or a tablet. Today, many online casinos and betting websites are compatible with such handsets.
Fortunately, we know of the ones that function the best on these devices, and of those bookmakers that have downloadable apps available to use, too. By accessing such, you can place your favourite sports bets from wherever you are.
Top-Quality Customer Support
It’s no secret that from time to time we all need help with things. That’s why online sports betting sites should also incorporate functional and friendly customer support teams. They should be on hand to answer any queries that you may have, as well as provide guidance on proceeding with placing bets.
The betting sites in UAE that we recommend all have excellent customer service protocols, ensuring that you obtain the help that you need, when you need it.
We Check Whether a Platform Supports for Several Payment Methods
We never want to find a fantastic-looking sportsbook only to then see that it doesn’t support a payment method we usually utilise online. That’s why, for us, it is important that betting on sports is made easier by a site hosting various banking options.
This way, bettors have the chance to choose from a diverse range of possibilities when it comes to depositing and withdrawing at an online betting platform. Check out our collection of recommended sportsbooks and casinos for UAE players to find one that caters to your preferred payment method.
Comparison of the Best Betting Sites in the UAE
| Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Min. Deposit | Withdrawal Speed | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportaza | 100% up to $100, x6 wagering | $10 | 1-3 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| Casombie | 100% Up To $100, x6 wagering | $10 | 1 day | Curaçao eGaming |
| KingMaker | 100% Up To $100, x6 wagering | $10 | 1-5 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| Thrillsy | 100% Up To $100, x5 wagering | $20 | 1-3 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| Betfinal | Bonus up to $3000, x35 | $10 | 1-5 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| Betonic | 100% Up To $100, x10 | $10 | 1-2 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| Betobet | 100% Up To $100, x5 | $10 | 1 day | Curaçao eGaming |
| Rabona | 100% Up To $100, x6 | $10 | 1-5 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| Olympusbet | 100% Up To $100, x10 | $20 | 1-2 days | Curaçao eGaming |
| MegaPari | 100% Bonus Up To 494 AED, x5 | $1 | 30 minutes | Anjouan Gaming License |
Is Sports Betting Legal in the UAE?
Currently, sports betting is illegal in the UAE in both online and land-based formats. People may have the option to place their bets through offshore bookies, but mainstream sports betting has been prohibited by the UAE Penal Code.
The legislation in place within the country bans gambling due to religious reasons, and this is the case throughout many Arabic countries. The UAE operates under Islamic law, and it tows a hard line against gambling. People can be, and have been, prosecuted for engaging in gambling.
However, the country is moving towards the legalization of gambling, as predicted by CNN. In September 2023, the UAE introduced its new General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. This regulatory body consists of casino and gambling experts from the US, who will work together to create a national regulatory framework for commercial gaming. With the creation of this agency, the UAE has moved a step closer to legalizing gambling and sports betting.
Because online sports betting is illegal in the UAE, residents and tourists can only place their bets through offshore bookies. Many popular bookies target the UAE market due to residents’ huge fascination with sports like horse racing, football, and cricket.
Global gambling brands do have a presence in the UAE. For example, Caesars Entertainment opened a hotel in Dubai in 2018 but never received a gambling license. In 2023, the hotel decided to close its doors forever. Even cruise liners such as the Royal Caribbean Cruise, which have casinos on board, close down their gambling offerings when docked at any UAE port. This is primarily due to the region’s restriction of gambling and sports betting.
Large number of online casinos and other gambling platforms are restricted by the UAE’s Internet Access Management Policy. This was established by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. Essentially, even if you try accessing some online sports betting sites, they could automatically be blocked by this.
The Best Betting Sites Ranked by Category
| 🏆 Best Betting Site in the UAE | Sportaza |
| 🔥 Best New Betting Site in the UAE | Casombie |
| 📱 Best Betting App in the UAE | Rabona |
| 📈 Best Betting Site for Competitive Odds | KingMaker |
| 💻 Best Live Betting Sportsbook | Thrillsy |
| ⚡️ Best Betting Site for Fast Payouts | Betfinal |
| 🏅 Best Betting Site for Virtual Sports | Betonic |
| 🌍 Best Betting Site for International Sports | Betobet |
| 💰 Best Betting Site for Professional Bettors | Olympusbet |
| 💎 Best Betting Site for High Rollers | MegaPari |
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Betting Bonuses for UAE Bettors
Offshore betting sites offer diverse bonuses that UAE players can look forward to. Not only do these incentivize betting, but they also make the process a lot more exciting. Whether you’re there for sports betting or regular casino games, you can benefit from several of these bonuses.
Welcome Bonuses
A welcome bonus is your first reward for signing up with a betting site. These are usually offered in the form of free bets or some cash money, which you can use to place your bets. These bonuses typically have an expiry date and other conditions you must take care of.
For example, some betting sites may offer a 100% match bonus of $500 with a 10x wager. This means that when you deposit $500, you will receive another $500.
A wagering requirement of 10x means you have to wager your deposit money at least ten times in order to receive your bonus.
No Deposit Bonuses
Players receive a no-deposit bonus either by wagering on a particular game or just by signing up with a betting site. As is evident by the name, bettors do not have to deposit any cash to utilize these bonuses. These bonuses usually appear in the form of cash credited into your account. They’re generally meant to allow you to test a new betting site without investing money.
Free and Risk-Free Bets
Free bets are complimentary bonuses that allow you to place your bets without wagering any money. Risk-free bets do require you to wager money, but if the bet is lost, the sportsbook will refund the wager as a bonus. The welcome bonus is an example of a free bet.
A risk-free bonus may ask you to wager $500 on your favorite sports team, which will be refunded if your team loses.
VIP and Loyalty Programs
Both VIP and loyalty programs are meant to reward loyal customers with special promotions and discounts, such as free monthly deals and weekly cashbacks.
Usually, a VIP program is open for customers who spend excessive money at the sportsbook, such as above $5,000 a month.
A loyalty program is available for all repeat customers without any purchase restrictions.
Other Types of Betting Bonuses
There are also other kinds of bonuses available, particularly in sportsbooks, which are unique to this type of gambling. The most popular kinds are parlay insurances and odds boosts.
Parlay Insurance
With parlay insurance, if you win all the bets in your parlay except for one, your wager gets refunded. The refund can happen either in the form of cash-back or in the form of a bonus bet.
For example, if you place a parlay bet on three horse races on the same day and end up winning for two of them, your money will be refunded if you had picked parlay insurance.
Odds Boost
An odds boost refers to when sportsbooks increase the payouts for specific wagers, offering customers better odds. An odds boost always benefits the bettor, which is why it is growing as a popular sports bet. An odds boost bet might be offered for a player scoring a certain number of points and their team winning.
These bets are usually only given for major sports competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, Champions League play-offs, etc.
Payement Methods Available for UAE Bettors
After accessing an online sportsbook with a VPN, these are some of the most popular payment methods available for customers. While some of these are more modern, each sportsbook will also offer conventional methods like debit and credit cards, which have been tried and tested by users for years.
However, it is important to know that when doing this, you won’t be able to use the official currency of the UAE for it, the dirham. In this respect, you will need to choose an alternative currency in which to enjoy sports betting opportunities.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies offer an extent of anonymity and security that is unmatched by other payment methods. Not only are transactions made much quicker and more efficient, but they are also kept highly secure. Without third-party interference, transactions can be processed quickly without requiring long wait times. This is why it is one of the most recommended payment methods that UAE players should utilize on foreign betting sites.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Global accessibility | No regulatory authority |
| Fast transactions at lower costs | Unable to be traced |
| Tax flexibility | |
| Transparency | |
| Decentralization | |
| Reduction in fraud |
Credit/Debit Cards
Because most people are already accustomed to using credit and debit cards, they can be one of the easiest and fastest ways of making online payments, even for sports betting.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Available at most sportsbooks | Limited spending for debit cards |
| Works instantaneously | Credit cards may lead to overspending credit cards may even lead to overspending money you don’t have |
| Highly safe |
E-Wallets
E-wallet payments are quickly becoming more popular in UAE betting sites due to their affordable and quick transactions. PayIt, Skrill, and PayPal are some of the most popular options offered by online betting sites.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| High security | Limited availability |
| Quick and convenient transactions | |
| Unique bonus offers with some e-wallets |
Other Payment Options
These are only some of the payment methods that betting sites may offer their customers. Other options like Paysafecard and pay-by-phone may also be available at certain sportsbooks. Both of these methods are available in the country and are used by several individuals. The aim of offering so many different methods is for each bettor to find a payment method they feel most comfortable with.
Depositing and Withdrawing
If you do decide to participate in online sports betting, then you’ll need to proceed with sending and receiving money to and from your chosen platform.
Most betting websites accept transactions in US dollars, Euros or British pounds sterling. Usually, the sportsbooks themselves will proceed with converting the funds when you make a deposit.
Most UAE bettors opt for the US dollar as their favoured currency though, primarily due to the dirham being pegged to it at a fixed rate. Volatile price swings therefore won’t be an issue with this being the case.
Obviously, if you possess a cryptocurrency, there are certain sportsbooks that support this as a valid currency for depositing. Again though, there is the possibility that this will be converted during the depositing process, so you’ll need to have chosen a preferred currency when registering for an account.
One good thing that you can do when you decide to deposit and/or place a bet is utilise a currency exchange website. Various options are available online for this, and you will be able to see how much you are depositing/wagering in dirhams this way, despite using US dollars or another currency.
How to Sign Up at an Online Betting Site from the UAE?
You need to ensure three things are on your hand before you sign up for an online sportsbook in the UAE: a VPN service, a stable internet connection, and a viable payment method. After that, you need to just follow these easy steps:
Set up a VPN:
Because sports betting is not yet legal in the UAE, a secure VPN connection is necessary for players to be able to bet on their favorite sportsbooks. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority obligates Internet service providers to block gambling and betting sites.
Choose a sportsbook:
After setting up your VPN, pick a sportsbook to start betting with. You must do this after carefully considering the pros, cons, and features available at several popular sportsbooks in your vicinity.
Sign up:
Online sportsbook sign-ups are very easy. Just add all the required details and pick a password.
Make a deposit:
Make a minimum first deposit that makes it possible for you to try out online betting at the chosen betting site.
Place a bet:
Use that money to start placing bets on all your favorite teams and players.
Types of Bets
These are some of the most popular bets offered at online betting sites in the UAE:
- Matchwinner/Moneyline: This is a simple bet placed on which team will win a particular match or a game. For example, if you place a moneyline bet on Team A and it actually ends up winning, you can cash your bet.
- Parlay betting: Parlay bets link two or more bets together to create bets with more significant payouts. For example, you can wager a 3-team parlay for three teams playing on the same day.
- Live betting: Live bets are placed when a game is in progress. For example, if you see a team losing the match, you can change your bet midway to the other team.
- Handicap betting: These are used to even out the odds. The bookmaker gives virtual disadvantages to the stronger side while also giving virtual advantages to the weaker side. For example, if a team receives a handicap of -1.5, they will have to score at least two goals in order for you to win your wager.
- Totals: In a totals bet, you score over or under a quoted statistic from a game. For example, you may bet on how many goals will be scored in a game overall.
- Props: Props betting allows you to place wagers on precise game outcomes, such as how many three-pointers a particular basketball player will score in one game.
How do Betting Odds Work?
Regardless of the type of bet you’re placing, reviewing betting odds is an essential thing to do with all of them. Different sportsbooks may offer differing odds for the same event, which is why it is necessary for you to check out various online bookies before placing a bet.
Payouts in sports betting depend on the odds. The higher the odds against a team, the higher its payout will be. For example, if the odds are 10 to 3, then bettors will win $10 for every $3 they wagered if the bet turns out to be successful.
If the odds are negative, they showcase how much you need to wager to win $100.
- For example, if the odds are -120, you need to wager $120 in order to win $100. If the odds are positive, they showcase how much you will win for every $100 you wager.
- For example, with odds of +120, you will win $120 for every $100. The negative odds are for the betting favorite, whereas the positive odds are for the underdogs, which is the team not expected to win.
Placing a Bet - How To?
Once you pick a sportsbook, it’s quite simple to place your first bet:
- Sign up and deposit some money into your account.
- Pick a match to wager on.
- Read and evaluate the odds and point spreads.
- Pick a betting strategy.
- Compare odds at a few other sportsbooks.
- Calculate your payouts.
- Place your bet and enjoy the game!
Sports Betting Odds Calculator
Your potential profit:
Popular Sports Bets
As with all countries, gamblers in the UAE have their favourite sports for wagering on. It is for this reason that each of the betting sites in UAE that we recommend offer wagering on these favoured options. In fact, we specifically sought out the best sites with these gambling options available. Some of the most popular sports that people wager on in the UAE include the following.
Football
Whether it be the UAE’s own Pro League or the English Premier League, football is a huge attraction for the country. Just about all sports betting sites include wagering on football, because it is so popular worldwide. The platforms that we have recommended allow you to bet on leagues and divisions from multiple countries, as well as major tournaments like the World Cup and Champions League.
Camel Racing
Camel racing is among the most popular sports in the UAE for online and offline bettors. 888Sport and 1xBet are some of the most popular betting sites for camel racing. The camel racing season begins in October and lasts till April. Most races are held early on Fridays and Saturdays, so these are some of the most popular times to bet on camel racing.
It didn’t take long for horse racing to become a favourite sport with Emirians, either. And it is for this reason that sports betting on camel racing events also took off in the UAE.
Both residents of the country and visitors enjoy spectating and betting on the races, with the country hosting events like the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Prior to the few physical casinos being established in the UAE that exist today, Arabic people engaged in a different type of entertainment.
This also brought about a certain form of gambling, as camel racing took off in the area. While it didn’t start out as such an interesting sport at first, as time went by, camel racing became a huge spectacle, receiving high amounts of money in investments. Back in 1970, Sheikh Zayed proceeded with investing in the sport, before funding the construction of official racing tracks in 1990.
Horse Racing
As noted earlier on, horse racing interest took off after camel racing became big in the UAE. It is for this reason that betting sites in UAE place a heavy focus on betting on horse races. The Dubai World Cup and other events taking place within the country tend to get a primary look-in, but others from within the UK, USA, Ireland and beyond can also be found at our recommended sites.
Cricket
Many people believe that cricket is only something that is played by the UK, Australia, South Africa and India. However, it has gained a lot of popularity in multiple other countries in more recent times, with the UAE being one of them. With more countries than ever participating in cricket today, it stands out as being an ideal time to wager on the sport. The platforms that we recommend all come with options for betting on events like the Cricket World Cup as well as options like Test matches and more.
Tennis
Tennis has a lot of acclaim in multiple countries around the world too, and this extends to the UAE as well. Participating in sports betting on tennis has become quite the activity with bettors, especially with regard to in-play wagering. Big tournaments like the US Open, Wimbledon, French Open and so on garner many wagers every year. However, even local events like the Dubai Tennis Championships have picked up plenty of attention from bettors.
Basketball
When basketball is spoken of people immediately turn to the United States of America. And while leagues like the NBA are highly popular in the States, the UAE has its own national basketball team, too. It actually won a bronze medal at the Arab Nations Cup in 1997. This has led to basketball becoming much more popular with sports bettors in the UAE too, and the sites we suggest feature odds on leagues from around the world.
Formula 1
With its own Formula One racecourse, the UAE has embraced such motor sports with wide open arms. Yet, whether the car racing is taking place in Abu Dhabi, Monaco, France or elsewhere, bettors within the Emirates love having a punt on such. Many of the recommended sites that we suggest to you here offer full betting options on Formula One, but also on IndyCar Series, Formula 2 and so on.
Boxing
Boxing is a popular sport to bet on in the UAE. The bets are offered on the same offshore sportsbooks that offer other sports. The WBA and IBF are some of the most popular organizations around the globe for people who are looking to place their bets on boxing matches.
Esports
Esports betting is becoming increasingly popular all around the globe, and the UAE is no different. Betting sites like Rabona and 22Bet are some of the popular options for esports betting in the UAE. Some of the best esports to bet on are DOTA, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and FIFA. Some of the most popular esports tournaments for betting are the League of Legends World Championship, International DOTA 2 Championships, and Counter-Strike Tournaments.
Tips to Bet Online Safely as a Player from the UAE
It’s true to say that offshore betting websites are becoming more and more accessible to UAE residents. However, it is imperative to remember certain pieces of information to remain safe while participating in online betting. While the sites that we recommend all come with high-quality security features to protect you and your private information, you can also enact certain behaviours to keep yourself safe.
Taking the decision to engage in online sports betting from within the UAE can lead to all sorts of exciting outcomes. You never know what you could be on the winning end of as a gamer.
Of course, it is always ideal to have a bit of a strategy in mind when going into it. And a set of basic betting tips could assist with such.
So, if you want to know more about how to proceed with online betting in a better way, then you’re in the right place.
Use a Virtual Private Network, If Possible
First of all, if you are able to download and install a VPN from within the UAE, then this will serve you much better. A VPN will tunnel internet traffic to a server located elsewhere in the world. This makes it virtually impossible for your online activity to be tracked back to where you currently are.
As mentioned earlier, the UAE government has pretty much banned the use of VPNs within the country (The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority obligates Internet service providers to block gambling and betting sites). Yet, if you can possibly get your hands on one, your online gambling activity can be hidden properly, keeping you anonymous.
Be Sure to Use the Sportsbooks and Casinos That We Recommend
It would be silly for us to start this site and then recommend that you use another set of recommendations from elsewhere, we admit. If you have come to our website though, it’s likely that you’re looking for some high-quality sports betting site recommendations. And that’s what we provide.
For us, it is imperative that you join a well-organised, safe and reliable online betting site. Because sports betting sites in UAE locations are no legal, international platforms remain as the primary option for bettors within.
This is, of course, a great route for Emiratis to take to enjoy placing their sports bets, but it also leaves a huge gaping hole for rogue operators to push through. As a result, you become vulnerable to being the victim of a scam site. Many people know that the UAE is a wealthy country, and scammers will try to get their hands on money any which way they can.
And it is for this reason that we suggest you only visit and join the sports betting platforms that we recommend. We have reviewed these sites in full, ensured that they are 100% safe and secure for you, and suggest them to you based on this.
If you sign up to a rogue sportsbook, then you take the risk of having your withdrawals refused, your deposits being taken away from you, your account being blocked after you secure a large winning bet and more. Stay smart on these things and use the recommendations at UAEBetting.com.
So, we seek out the sites that provide the very best in features. And if you want to look for your own online sportsbook, then the one of the most important of our betting tips UAE rules is to ensure that they have as many of the following features as possible:
| ✅ A great selection of online games to play | ✅ A speedy withdrawal process |
| ✅ Inviting and rewarding promotions | ✅ Mobile compatibility |
| ✅ A dedicated customer support team | ✅ An official gambling licence |
| ✅ Support for multiple payment methods | ✅ High-quality security protocols |
| ✅ A simple, easy-to-use website design | ✅ A fantastic reputation with players |
Some sites already meet all of the criteria, while others will fall short in a few areas. The idea is to locate a bookmaker that is safe, secure and operates a fair gaming setup, and that caters to you specifically. Be sure to check into our collection of the very best betting sites serving UAE players.
Manage Your Bankroll Effectively
Once you deposit funds into your account, it is up to you how you utilise the money. And it is much more of an ideal situation to have sorted out a sort of management plan before you start betting. Make sure that you don’t go gambling beyond your means.
Don’t deposit more into your account than you can actually afford to lose. Otherwise, you’re playing a game with fire.
Furthermore, if you deposit $100 into your casino account for example, don’t place a single bet of $100 or even two bets of $50 on the games. Start out smaller and try to build your balance up gradually. Many bookmakers allow small wagers of $0.50 - $1 or even less, and there’s nothing wrong with making use of those minimal bets. This is especially true if you have never bet on something before.
Figure out what your betting goals are before starting, too. This allows you to maximise your experience from the get-go. So, ask yourself a few questions to ensure that you’re betting for the right reasons.
If you’re intending to place lots of bets to try and become a millionaire or you’re wanting to win a lot of money in a short timeframe, then you’re likely playing for the wrong reasons.
You also shouldn’t be chasing any losses and if you’re inexperienced with sports betting, then you shouldn’t be diving in without a strategy in mind.
This works as a handy tool to use, considering online gambling within the UAE is considered illegal. Multiple different companies provide VPN services. Some of them offer free options, while others look for a yearly subscription to utilise their services instead. Whatever the case may be, covering your IP address this way is a beneficial route to take from within the UAE.
Utilise Payment Methods That Won’t Draw Attention to You
Depositing money at online betting websites is something that you will need to do to engage in real money wagering. However, it is common practice for financial establishments within the UAE to block any transactions marked as being used for gambling purposes. It is therefore important to select a much more discrete payment method, giving you more freedom to deposit and withdraw from within.
Betting sites in UAE areas usually support alternative banking options, like e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. The first of these includes well-known brands such as Skrill or Neteller, giving you the chance to upload funds to the wallet and then deposit such at your chosen platform.
The latter gives you the possibility of utilising options like Bitcoin or Ethereum for example. Cryptocurrencies offer an additional level of anonymity and security, ensuring your sports betting activity is even safer.
Some locations in the United Arab Emirates also sell prepaid cards, such as Paysafecard that can be used to deposit at online gambling sites. These also offer an extra level of security, as you won’t be exposing your bank details or card details to the online sports betting platform or casino when transacting.
Online Casino Availability in Arabic and Northern African Countries
There are several offshore casinos that operate in the UAE, which you can review in more detail on our dedicated page. This will help you decide the best option for yourself, so you only place your bets at the right casino.
Online casino availability is not a problem limited to the UAE. It is also a common issue in other Arab and North African countries. Whether you’re looking for online casinos for Kuwait players, online casinos for Tunisian players, online casinos for Qatari players, or online casinos for Bahraini players, it’s vital to utilize a VPN.
The History of Gambling in the UAE
| Important Milestones | |
|---|---|
| N/A | Early form of gambling was camel racing. |
| 1970 | Sheikh Zayed proceeded with investing in camel racing. |
| 1990 | Sheikh Zayed funded the construction of official racing tracks. |
| 1998 | Adjustment in law prohibited most casinos from operating within the UAE’s borders, although casino cruises started to rise. |
| 2012 | Gambling law decree – a lot of internet tools were outrightly banned. |
| 2017 | 12 betting sites had been blocked by the UAE. |
| 2022 | More and more online casinos and betting sites became inaccessible to people within the UAE. |
| 2026 | Casino giant Wynn plans to open multibillion-dollar resort on an artificial island with a gaming lounge and 1,000 rooms. |
With regard to casino gameplay, certain upper-class hotels had gambling centres based within them prior to an adjustment in the law that came about in 1998. This banned most casinos from operating within the UAE’s borders, although it did give casino cruises an opportunity to start functioning. They became a popular attraction in the Emirates.
As 2012 rolled around, a gambling law decree made things very difficult for fans of gambling, especially in the online scene. A lot of internet tools were outrightly banned, VPNs could not be utilised by residents and by 2017, a total of 12 betting sites had been blocked by the UAE. As the months and years went by, fewer and fewer online locations became accessible to people within the country. Despite this, various foreign-based platforms still remain active and welcome players from the Emirates to their sites.
Responsible Gambling
We only select sportsbooks that meet our high expectations of responsible gambling, i.e., they offer prospective players all the required responsible gambling tools. These include:
- Deposit limits
- Time limits
- Betting limits
- Transaction history
- Cooling-off periods
- Self-assessment checklists
- Addiction resources
Responsible gambling is necessary to ensure that gambling and sports betting continue to be a fun yet healthy experience for everyone involved. Without these checks and balances, some players might find it challenging to manage their gambling habits. Here are some external tools that can help you in those scenarios:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gamble Aware
- National helplines such as the Mental Support Line, which can be contacted at 8004673
Summary
Currently, Betfinal and Sportaza are some of the most popular betting sites in the UAE. Even though gambling and sports betting are illegal in the UAE, players can bet through offshore betting sites.
The newly formed General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority has given rise to predictions that gambling and online betting may soon be legalized in the UAE.
Until then, you can bet through offshore bookies, but do not forget to use a VPN. It is also important to remind yourself of safe gambling principles and to gamble responsibly, so you can protect yourself from any harm in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are betting sites legal in the UAE?
Currently, betting sites and online sportsbooks are not legal in the UAE and sports betting as such is an illegal activity in the United Arab Emirates.
What is the penalty for betting in Dubai?
Betting in Dubai may lead to a fine of up to AED 20,000 (about $5,400) or even imprisonment of up to two years.
Can you bet on tracks in Dubai?
Yes, many of the sites that we recommend are also available to view in Arabic.
How can you bet in Dubai?
Some of the top payment methods to use if you live in the UAE are ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
How to bet in the UAE?
Betting in the other Emirates is the same as betting in the UAE, which means it requires an offshore bookie or sportsbook.
Can I bet from another country?
If you’re betting from the UAE, you will need to utilize a VPN and an offshore booking service. If you’re located outside the UAE, gambling regulations will differ based on your location.
How can I bet and earn money?
You can sign up with any offshore sportsbook to start betting and earn money on your bets.
Can I place a bet online?
Online bets can only be placed through offshore sportsbooks managed outside the UAE.
How can I start to bet?
You can start betting by signing up and depositing some money into your betting site account.
Useful Pages
Farah Jassawalla
Farah Jassawalla is a seasoned writer and marketer who has been working independently for over a decade. iGaming and Casino writing form a big part of her decade long career where she has been driven with a passion for providing the latest information on how to stay safe while gambling.Her specialities in the field include writing about Casinos, Slots, Sportsbooks and Reviews.
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