Survey Reveals a Quarter of UAE Residents Are Interested in Legal Casino Gaming
The poll of 1,000+ people commissioned by communications agency duke+mir and conducted by YouGov, also highlights 34 percent of residents are keen on playing the UAE lottery and 23 percent would consider regulated sports betting.
The survey found that there was popular demand for various gaming (gambling) activities among UAE residents. 46 percent of adult survey participants said they would be interested in entering raffles and prize draws, while over a third (34 percent) would consider playing the lottery.
In addition (and if legal and regulated), 23 percent would consider betting on sports either at a venue or via online betting. Nearly 1 in 5 adults (19 percent) would be interested in playing poker or other skill-based card games and 15 percent said they would consider playing bingo. The survey was conducted as part of duke+mir’s ‘Gaming in the UAE’ spotlight report.
Jonathan Ivan-Duke, Co-Founder and Partner at duke+mir previously led public relations at major UK gaming firm William Hill (now part of Evoke Plc). He says there is a huge opportunity for international gaming operators to launch and flourish in the UAE.
“This is the biggest global opportunity for the gaming sector since Singapore launched casinos in 2010. When it opens in 2027, the Wynn Al Marjan Island will be the closest casino, as the crow flies, for more than 150 million people.”
Ivan-Duke added, “Broadly speaking, the survey reveals a similar level of interest in gaming amongst UAE residents to markets like the UK. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has laid strong foundations for responsible betting. With those guidelines in place, we are now seeing a flock of international wagering companies, digital identity verification firms and crypto specialist platforms looking to launch here and take advantage of this multi-billion dollar opportunity.”
duke+mir provides expert guidance and marketing support to international gaming firms. The company’s directors bring more than 15 years of experience collaborating with regulated gaming organisations and authorities.
To find out more about duke+mir and to read the latest ‘Gaming in the UAE’ spotlight report, visit www.dukemir.com/research/gaming-in-the-uae-
*GCGRA rules expressly forbid Underage Persons from participating, with the legal age for the UAE Lottery set at 18 years and above, with all other gaming activities requiring participants to be 21 years or older. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, reach out to trusted resources such as the GCGRA website. Gamble responsibly.
