The United Arab Emirates has taken a strategic step toward building a modern iGaming ecosystem by excising longstanding gambling provisions from its civil code, effective June 1, 2026. Under the newly enacted Civil Transactions Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025), articles 1012 to 1021—which previously governed wagering contracts, loss recovery, and dispute resolution—have been completely eliminated. This calculated move does not signal liberalization but rather clears the path for the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to establish comprehensive, sector-specific rules for online gambling, sports betting, casino operations, and lotteries. Launched in September 2023, the GCGRA holds exclusive federal jurisdiction over licensing and oversight, positioning the UAE as an emerging hub for regulated iGaming activities. This development aligns with Ras Al Khaimah's approved casino resort and Play971's pioneering internet gaming/sports wagering license in December 2025, demonstrating concrete progress toward a controlled commercial gaming framework.
The previous civil code under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 treated gambling through broad legal principles that often rendered contracts void and complicated recovery claims. By removing these provisions entirely, UAE legislators have created a clean separation: general civil transactions follow universal rules, while iGaming activities fall under GCGRA's dedicated regime. This structural shift eliminates legal ambiguity that once plagued operators, investors, and even casual participants in private games. Courts will now reference gaming-specific licenses and compliance standards rather than outdated civil interpretations, providing the predictability essential for commercial growth.
This regulatory housekeeping coincides perfectly with GCGRA's operational ramp-up. The authority has already issued its first internet gaming and sports betting license to Play971, signaling that real-world licensing has begun. Legal experts emphasize that this civil code revision reinforces GCGRA's mandate as the sole federal overseer, preventing fragmented enforcement across emirates or conflicting civil interpretations. For iGaming consulting firms tracking Middle East opportunities, the message is unmistakable: the UAE intends to build a tightly controlled, world-class gaming jurisdiction rather than permit uncontrolled expansion.
The timing proves particularly telling. As Federal Decree-Law No. 25 approaches implementation, GCGRA continues processing applications across four verticals: lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based casinos. Ras Al Khaimah's integrated resort project advances alongside digital licensing, suggesting a dual-track approach that balances tourism ambitions with online gambling innovation. iGaming consulting professionals note that this parallel development maximizes economic diversification while maintaining granular control over each segment.
Established in 2023, the GCGRA represents the UAE's first federal gaming authority, consolidating oversight previously scattered across emirate-level police and federal cybercrime units. Its mandate encompasses licensing operators, setting player protection standards, enforcing anti-money laundering protocols, and coordinating multi-agency compliance. The regulator's technical standards already mandate age verification (21+), spending limits, responsible gaming tools, and robust KYC/AML systems, benchmarks familiar to mature markets like Nevada or Malta.
GCGRA employs a "one license per emirate" model for certain activities, ensuring measured market entry. Not all emirates participate initially, allowing regulators to monitor economic impacts, consumer behavior, and enforcement capacity before scaling. High capital requirements, surprise audits, VAT/corporate tax obligations, and data protection alignment with global standards position the UAE framework among the world's strictest. For operators eyeing sports betting or casino licenses, iGaming consulting stresses early compliance preparation, including local partnerships and technology audits tailored to GCGRA specifications.
Play971's landmark license validates the system's functionality. As the first federally approved internet gaming and sports betting platform, it demonstrates GCGRA's capacity to process complex applications involving real-time wagering, payment processing, and player safeguards. Industry observers anticipate 5-10 initial licenses across verticals by late 2026, with gradual expansion based on performance metrics.
While digital licensing accelerates, Ras Al Khaimah's approval for an integrated casino resort underscores the UAE's tourism-driven gaming strategy. The project combines luxury hospitality with gaming entertainment, targeting high-net-worth visitors from Europe, Asia, and the broader Middle East. Unlike pure online gambling platforms, land-based casinos face additional emirate-level coordination, hotel capacity requirements, and employment localization mandates.
This development mirrors global integrated resort models, think Singapore's Marina Bay Sands or Las Vegas's evolution, where gaming constitutes one pillar among hospitality, retail, and entertainment. iGaming consulting firms highlight the synergy potential: resort guests exposed to casino floors naturally explore sports betting apps and online slots upon return home, creating cross-vertical retention. Ras Al Khaimah's selection leverages existing tourism infrastructure while testing GCGRA oversight in a controlled environment.
The UAE's gaming pivot forms part of Vision 2031's economic diversification imperative, reducing oil dependency through tourism, technology, and entertainment. GCGRA estimates suggest gaming could contribute AED 10-15 billion annually by 2030, spanning direct taxes, license fees, tourism spend, and job creation. International operators salivate at 220 million regional tourists annually, plus affluent local demographics comfortable with digital payments and luxury experiences.
Civil code amendments boost investor certainty by eliminating contract enforceability gray areas. Previously, operators risked civil courts voiding agreements or complicating revenue recovery; now, GCGRA licenses provide ironclad legal standing. iGaming consulting advises structuring joint ventures with Emirati partners to navigate ownership caps (49% foreign maximum in many sectors) while securing technology transfer commitments.
GCGRA leaves no doubt about consumer safeguards. Mandatory features include real-time spending caps, self-exclusion portals, reality checks, and session limits across all licensed activities. Credit card betting prohibitions, ad restrictions targeting minors, and AI behavioral monitoring align with European standards while exceeding many Asian jurisdictions. Operators must demonstrate clean compliance histories, audited RNG systems, and segregated player funds before approval.
For online gambling platforms, geo-blocking unlicensed international sites remains priority one. GCGRA coordinates with telecom regulator TDRA to restrict access, mirroring Australia's model. Sports betting operators face additional match-fixing safeguards, bet monitoring partnerships with leagues, and suspicious wagering reporting. iGaming consulting emphasizes preemptive integration of these tools during license applications.
The UAE's evolution reverberates across MENA. Saudi Arabia watches closely, potentially accelerating its own entertainment liberalization. Qatar and Oman may follow with tourism-focused resorts, while Egypt's casino tourism gains sophisticated regulatory benchmarking. Established hubs like Malta and Curacao face competitive pressure as UAE licensing offers proximity, tax treaties, and luxury brand cachet.
iGaming consulting firms predict UAE platforms will dominate Gulf mobile betting, particularly sports wagering on football (Premier League, La Liga) and emerging esports. Casino operators gain credibility serving regional high-rollers uncomfortable with Asian or European alternatives. The "halal gaming" positioning, strict oversight plus cultural sensitivity, creates unique differentiation.
Operators cannot afford complacency. GCGRA's zero-tolerance enforcement includes license revocation, multimillion AED fines, asset freezes, and criminal referrals for repeat violations. Multi-jurisdictional compliance proves complex: UAE licenses carry no automatic recognition elsewhere, requiring segregated operations. Cultural sensitivities demand Arabic-language responsible gaming campaigns and Sharia-compliant marketing exclusions.
iGaming consulting roadmaps emphasize three priorities: 1) Emirati board representation for regulatory relationships; 2) Localized payment gateways (Apple Pay, STC Pay integration); 3) Phased market entry matching GCGRA license quotas. Early movers gain first-mover branding advantages in sports betting and casino verticals.
International heavyweights circle warily. MGM Resorts partners on Ras Al Khaimah. Evolution Gaming eyes live casino streams for Gulf audiences. Bet365 and FanDuel assess sports betting viability. Play971's success validates smaller entrants if compliance exceeds requirements. iGaming consulting facilitates these moves through GCGRA lobbyists, compliance roadshows, and mock audits.
Federal Decree-Law No. 25 activates a new legal reality: gaming contracts enforceable under license terms, civil courts deferring to GCGRA, and unified federal standards across emirates. Additional cleanup may target cybercrime laws or financial regulations overlapping gaming. Operators should finalize compliance roadmaps by Q2 2026.
This civil code pivot confirms the UAE's gaming transformation is deliberate, sequenced, and irreversible. From prohibition to precision regulation, the nation builds an iGaming ecosystem rivaling global leaders—controlled growth meeting sophisticated demand.
Sources: Invixos, Pinsent Masons, Alkabban Legal, iGaming Today, Greenberg Traurig, UAE Gambling, GamblingTalk, GCGRA Official, NatLaw Review.
