UAE Sports Betting and Gambling Guide 2023

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.

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.

Because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy online sports betting and the like, we wanted to seek out the best 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?

Great 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.

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.

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.

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.

Support 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.

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. Yet, if you can possibly get your hands on one, your online gambling activity can be hidden properly, keeping you anonymous.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other favourable sports in the UAE with bettors include ice hockey, badminton, golf, cycling and table tennis.

Taking the decision to engage in online casino gaming and 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. And that is what we’re here to provide you with – a set of betting tips UAE players can make use of during their gameplay.

We always recommend trying to enhance your gambling experience and using our betting tips could provide this outcome for you. Through these hints and tips, you will be able to manage your bankroll, place the bets that you enjoy and potentially improve the amount that you receive from playing the games.

So, if you want to know more about how to proceed with online gambling in a better way, then you’re in the right place. Enjoy our UAEBetting.com casino gaming tips and see if you can garner a better betting experience.

Be Sure to Select an Appropriate Gambling Site

It may seem like a simple thing to state considering that UAEBetting.com is here to provide you with an insight into the best online casinos. These have all been checked into, reviewed and verified by our team. We wouldn’t recommend a platform that doesn’t meet our high-quality standards. However, we would just like to drive this home a little more, because it stands out as being one of the most important tips to keep in mind. After all, selecting your preferred casino to join is the first process that you need to go through.

It is not uncommon for novice players to simply do an online search and select the first casino that shows up for them. Unfortunately, the online world is quite literally flooded with gambling sites, and they all offer something different to the rest. Not all of them can be considered legitimate platforms, either.

So, we seek out the sites that provide the very best in features. And if you want to look for your own online casino, then the first of our betting tips UAE 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 casino 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 online casinos serving UAE players.

Make Use of the Online Casino Welcome Bonus

It is common for many online casinos to provide their players with a welcome bonus after they sign up and make their initial deposit. And while there are terms and conditions attached to these offers, you can actually get a lot out of using a set of bonus funds. Why? Because a bonus can give you much more time to settle into a casino site and the games on hand. You get to enjoy the available titles for longer, and potentially win real money from using the funds.

As with everything else, different casinos provide different rewards for their players. This is why it is ideal to locate one that includes an offer that you have a preference for over the others. Welcome bonuses can include bonus funds and free spins, giving you the chance to enjoy slot machines for free in specific, as well as other games.

Now, one of our other betting tips UAE things to remember is to always check the terms and conditions of a bonus offer. These are vital for you to know before you claim a reward, as they dictate various rules to you that you need to adhere to when taking part in a promotion. Look out for things like:

1. Minimum qualifying deposit
2. Maximum bonus amount available
   
3. If a bonus code is needed
   
4. Wagering requirements to complete before a withdrawal is possible
   
5. Length of time that the bonus is valid for
   
6. If there are restrictions on the amount you can win and withdraw
   

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 casino games allow small wagers of $0.10 or $0.20 per spin, and there’s nothing wrong with making use of those minimal bets. This is especially true if you have never played a specific casino game before.

Figure out what your gambling goals are before playing the games, too. This allows you to maximise your experience from the get-go. So, ask yourself a few questions to ensure that you’re gambling for the right reasons. If you’re intending to play casino games 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 games, then you shouldn’t be diving in without a strategy in mind.

Inform Yourself on the House Edge and Volatility of Games

It may not be the first thought of many people to really think about what a casino house edge is or what a game’s volatility is all about. However, it is quite necessary to ensure that you’re aware of both of these terms and what they mean. Knowing what they are actually assists you with managing your bankroll, as noted above.

• What is House Edge? The house edge basically dictates to you what you can expect to lose to the casino over a specific time period. This is all based on the probability of winning and also considers the payback for each win. It is ideal, especially for beginners, to seek out games with a lower house edge. These give you more opportunity to retain your original bankroll over time.
• What is Game Volatility? A game’s volatility level is a measurement of how frequently you can expect to obtain a win on it. Not only that, but it determines the general size of a win – whether it is likely to be a higher or lower payout. So, if a game has a low volatility, it will usually pay out frequently, but with lower amounts. Conversely, a high volatility game will pay out less often but with higher amounts.
  

Games in a casino that have a lower house edge are quite the ideal option to go for it you’re interested in playing one of them over a longer timeframe. A game with a higher house edge is less likely to provide an expansive gaming session. In the same vein, selecting a game with a lower volatility will be more likely to provide you with an extended gaming round, as opposed to one with a higher volatility level.

Learn a Strategy

Many people go into playing casino games and simply think that randomly placing bets and playing a round is the way to proceed. That’s all fine and well if you’re looking to throw away money easily. However, for those players looking to have an enjoyable time and give themselves more chance of winning money, a strategy is necessary to make use of in gaming.

So, another of our important betting tips UAE dictates that you should not only learn a proper strategy for gambling, but stick to it, too. There is little point in learning a strategy only to veer off and do something completely different after a few game rounds. You should be aware that regardless of the type of strategy you use, there will be times when you suffer losses. That’s just the nature of casino gaming in general.

Now, strategies will often work better with table games like blackjack, baccarat and roulette. Slot games are a different situation overall, as while you can try to manage your bankroll as your main strategy with these, there is little you can do when it comes to spinning the reels and trying to ascertain the outcome beforehand.

Learning a proper strategy for playing blackjack or another table game though is an ideal route to take. Many strategies exist online for playing these games, so you can try a few of them out in demo mode and figure out which one works best for you. Learn that strategy and put it to use with some real money gaming – again, remembering your bankroll management in the process. From there, you should make sure that you stick with that strategy. Not doing so can send you off into a spiral of confusion when you try to involve other strategies or let it fall completely by the wayside.

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. 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.

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.

Just remember to stay within your means where transactions are concerned. Don’t deposit and bet more than you can afford to lose. This is a key point of engaging in responsible gambling. And other than that, have fun. Sports betting is supposed to be something that you can enjoy to the fullest.

Online casinos in UAE offer a wide range of games for you to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of slots, table games, or live dealer games, you’ll be able to find a casino that offers the perfect experience for you. In addition to the traditional casino games that you’ve come to know and love, you’ll also be able to find a variety of live dealer games at many online casinos. These live dealer games offer a unique and immersive experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. You’ll be able to interact with the dealer and other players, and you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Check out the best of them.