A new report by Vixio GamblingCompliance picked up by various media outlets, suggests that the United Arab Emirates is going to supplement its land-based gambling industry with the launch of online casinos.
Vixio suggests up to three B2C platforms may be launched
This will be done in a strictly controlled fashion, with each emirate receiving a single license permit, which would see seven companies join the fray in total. However, just because the UAE would allow for such licenses, each emirate would have to decide if it wants to pursue such a business venture.
According to Vixio, only two or three emirates would go ahead with this permission and launch B2C gambling operations, which means that fewer companies will benefit from the regulated market.
The online gambling model would follow that for land-based gambling, with one casino granted to each emirate. Right now, the only project approved by the UAE regulator is the Wynn Resorts, which is due to arrive in Ras Al Khaimah.
With several B2B licenses issued over the past weeks and months, there is a strong chance that the framework for online gambling has already been fleshed out, even if not broadly advertised.
The upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island should be arriving before long, too, with the date now set for the first quarter of 2027, and multiple confirmations that everything is going on schedule. Wynn Resorts is even potentially entertaining a second casino gaming floor, although this remains speculative at this point.
Online gambling is unlikely to bite into the operational results of land-based gambling, which will be a premium experience geared towards well-heeled international gamblers and affluent tourists. With talks about a second casino already, the UAE is pushing towards the diversification of its economy, focusing on a popular and long-overdue segment.
An official confirmation of the Vixio-reported news is still due.
