Gambling in Dubai: Helpful Facts
Introduction: Gambling in Dubai
If you want to go gambling in Dubai, then this is a very important common question that we are asked a lot. For those of you who have been living under a rock over the past few years, in the relatively short space of a few decades, Dubai has emerged from the sands of the desert to become a mecca for tourism and wealth. Every year, millions of people visit and get to experience the finest in luxury living. The city is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
It aims to be the business hub for Western Asia and has been building amazing architectural monuments and infrastructure projects to show the world it’s economic prowess. To answer your question, all forms of gambling are strictly forbidden in Dubai thanks to the counties cultural and belief systems. You will not be able to find a list of casinos, as all are banned. Having said that, apart from the many forms of entertainment in the city, there are some forms of gambling in Dubai that are allowed.
Gambling in Dubai Casinos
Yep, that’s a trick sub-heading. You’ll not find any single legitimate casinos to win the jackpot in the whole country. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist. There are always illegal casinos and we can read about them being busted in the UAE’s daily news. We would strongly suggest that you stay well clear of any form of illegal casinos. For a foreigner, they only spell trouble. You could get robbed there, and because of the whole venture’s illegal nature, you would be unable to report the crime without admitting you were playing at an illegal casino.
If you’re caught gambling in Dubai, you could end up with a hefty fine. And stand a good chance of going to prison. Unlike Las Vegas or Macau, there are a huge number of things to do, but gambling isn’t one of them. Yes, there’s an MGM Dubai and a Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, but there are no gambling or casino games in any of them. They are owned by the same companies as their namesakes in Las Vegas, but the similarity stops there. Though the whole city is one huge amusement park, there’s no gambling in Dubai
Gambling Laws in Dubai
As you already know, the official religion of the whole region is Islam. This has shaped the culture and thinking since the 7th century. Islamic law looks upon gambling as a mortal sin. So, even though Dubai is a very popular destination for business people, there’s no possibility of playing games of chance. We should also point out that the law does not take into account intention. Whether you were playing cards for money in your hotel room or were simply caught up in a single bet, if you’re taking part in any type of gambling in Dubai, you will still be prosecuted.
For the local people who partake in gambling, there are two penalties. You can be sent to prison for up to two years, and/or be fined $4,500. Be aware that gambling is forbidden both in public places as well as in private homes. If you’re a tourist and get caught gambling, then expect to receive the same punishments. Afterwards, you’ll be deported and your passport gets a nice stamp forbidding you from entering the country again.
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But there are a couple of types of betting that are allowed. These are horse racing and betting online. If you’re a Westerner, then be absolutely certain that you’re betting in the correct circumstances and at allowed locations. Check and double-check, as there’s no going back once you’re caught out. That’s why we would stick with 22Bet Casino, as not only do the have a huge variety of games, but will payout even if you’re in the UAE.
Gambling in Dubai: Racetracks in Dubai
In the West, we’re used to horse racing. But the main track events in Dubai are, to no one’s surprise, camel racing. There are four racetracks in Dubai, the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai Camel Race Club, and the Jabel Ali Racecourse. Every year the world’s most expensive horse race, the Dubai Cup is run, with the best horses coming to race from all parts of the world. Of the four racetracks, you can place a bet at the Jebel Ali and Nad Al Sheba racecourses. You cannot do so at the other two.
Keep in mind that if you attend the Meydan Racecourse and the Dubai Camel Race Club, there will be many scammers trying to get you to place wagers. Don’t fall for it. Your money will be gone and you’ll have to face the police.
Online Casinos in Dubai
If you’re thinking of having a flutter online, sorry, but that’s also banned. The penalty for getting caught is the same as if you were gambling at the bar, two years in the clink, or a fine of $4,500, followed by deportation. What’s interesting, is that though all forms of online gambling are strictly prohibited, virtually all online casinos will accept players from the UAE. We suggest using a VPN if you want to gamble online. This will allow you to access online casinos but without giving away your location. So, in case you decide to test your luck and play at the best online casinos with jackpots, then you should choose from the top online casinos that accept UAE players.
We recommend 22Bet Casino as they happily accept players from the UAE’s. Once you’re done gambling, on the best sites to win the jackpot, it’s important to remove all bookmarks or traces that you were using with your mobile device to gamble. These can be checked at any time by the police or at the airport.
Final Thoughts About Gambling in Dubai
Though you can gamble at two of the cities four racetracks and gamble online, we suggest that you simply forget about all forms of gambling if you’re visiting the city. There are a huge number of scams designed to not only part you from your wagers, but also blackmail you with the threat of prison. No westerner is going to have a good time in a Dubai prison. So, it’s not so much about being caught, it’s more about who to trust. In Dubai, it’s in everyone’s interest to report you if you’re doing something highly illegal. Every year, several Westerners either forget or simply don’t care, and are caught red-handed gambling in Dubai, with dire consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there casinos in Dubai?
Despite being one of the most visited cities in the world, because of cultural and religious reasons, there are no casinos in Dubai. Following Islamic laws, all games of chance and all forms of gambling, including jackpot slots and poker, are illegal. Keep in mind, as well as gambling in Dubai, all forms of alcohol are also highly illegal.
Is gambling in Dubai allowed?
We like to simply say, “No.” There are a couple of exceptions, but when you’re visiting, you’re better off assuming that you will not be gambling in Dubai. As a tourist, you certainly don’t want to get caught, as it could mean jail time and /or a hefty fine. Then deportation. Just respect the laws and the culture and you’ll be fine.
Can you gamble legally in Dubai?
Yes, you can. But whether you should is another question. Two racetracks allow gambling in Dubai. And those are the only two paces in the whole country. We suggest that you stay well clear of all forms of gambling during your stay. If you must gamble, then Macau is an eight-hour direct flight from Dubai.
Does Caesars Dubai have a casino?
No, we’re afraid not. All forms of gambling and jackpot games are prohibited throughout the whole country. Also, don’t think that you can gamble in your hotel room. If the cleaning or hotel staff finds any packs or cards or dice, then they must report them to management. Maybe you weren’t gambling as such, but it’ll put a real damper on your holiday, having to attend the police station to explain yourself.
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