Betting Sites in the UAE 2024 — Online Sports Betting Guide

Here you can see a list of the best sports betting sites by category for the UAE bettors - Best betting app, live betting, fast payouts, international sports and more.

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.

UAEBetting.com carefully selects the best online sports betting platforms for the UAE players. We review sites based on key criteria such as - security, user experience, payment methods, and customer support. Our recommendations are grounded in detailed assessments to ensure a highest betting experience.

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 the 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 the 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 the UAE players to find one that caters to your preferred payment method.

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 of the 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.

Offshore betting sites offer diverse bonuses that the 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.

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 the UAE players should utilize on foreign betting sites. 

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.

E-Wallets

E-wallet payments are quickly becoming more popular in the 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.

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 of the 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.

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:

1. Sign up and deposit some money into your account.
2. Pick a match to wager on.
   
3. Read and evaluate the odds and point spreads.
4. Pick a betting strategy.
   
5. Compare odds at a few other sportsbooks.
   
6. Calculate your payouts.
   
7. Place your bet and enjoy the game!
   

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 the 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

Football is a huge attraction for the country, whether it be the UAE’s own Pro League or the English Premier League. Just about all sports betting sites has football included, 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.

Camel racing didn't start out as such an interesting sport at first, as time went by, camel racing gained a huge popularity, receiving a high amount of money from investors. Back in 1970, Sheikh Zayed started investing in horse racing, before even funding the construction of official racing tracks in 1990.

Horse Racing

Horse racing interest took off after camel racing became big in the UAE. It is for this reason that betting sites in the 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

Cricket is believed to be something played only 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 cricket 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. 

It’s true to say that offshore betting websites are becoming more and more accessible to the 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 behaviors 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-organized, safe and reliable online betting site. Because sports betting sites in the 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 one of the most important of our betting tip rules is to ensure that they have as many of the following features as possible:

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 the 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 the 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.