If you have been thirsty for information about sports betting in the UAE, well, you have a reason to smile because we have all the details you need to know regarding sports betting within and around the Arabian Gulf.
We have all the information pertaining to safe and discreet online betting and a comprehensive guide to gambling laws in the UAE. Our expert author here, Kate Richardson, put a touch of gold to all the details.
As the biggest and bubbliest city in the UAE, Dubai has undoubtedly made a name for itself as a top business and luxury destination in the entire Middle East. When it comes to gambling, Dubai follows pretty much the same rules that apply in other neighboring countries.
Does Religion Affect Sports Gambling In UAE?
Being a strict Islamic state, sports betting in the UAE are illegal due to evident religious beliefs. And for this reason, betting enthusiasts turn to online casinos that accept players on their platforms. But that doesn’t mean UAE residents do not participate in sports betting, but betting with actual money is disapproved of. Hence, there is a great deal of uniformity regarding the ban in all the major Islamic nations.
This then means that in all those beautiful, sky-reaching towers in the UAE, you will not find any casino, card rooms, or lotteries. Basically, any form of betting through brick-and-mortar establishments is highly prohibited.
That being mentioned, some activities related to sports betting can still be enjoyed within the UAE. For example, you can witness horse racing in Dubai, a sport that even the country’s prince, popularly known as Fazza, participates in.
The Meydan Racecourse that boasts both turf and dirt tracks have hosted a large number of thoroughbreds from all over the world competing against each other, with the grand prize of millions of dollars put in play.
Despite the solid ethical stance in the UAE against all forms of sports betting and gambling as a whole, the region doesn’t place stricter restrictions on online gambling platforms provided by foreign-based institutions.
This is because not much can be done against these foreign-based organizations that accept players from Dubai and other parts of the UAE. Therefore, in reality, UAE residents can access foreign-based sports betting platforms and place their bets. Updated List for online betting ireland.
Among the notable allowed sports betting sites in the UAE include-
- Bet Obet
- 888 Sport
- Betway
- 1Xbet
- 10 Bet
Online bets can be placed against various sports competitions, including-
Football
Betting enthusiasts can place bets in thousands of games across different leagues in the world, including UAE Pro league, English Premier League, European Champions League, Europa League, and World Cup.
So, as a resident of the UAE, you will not only stand a chance to cash in through betting but also enjoy matches from some of your top teams across the globe.
Horse Racing
As we mentioned earlier, horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the UAE. It is without a doubt the most popular sport in Dubai, with the Dubai World Cup attracting the crème de la crème of riders from all across the globe.
The best jockeys, horses, and trainers pack the cosmopolitan city, thus raising the appetite for betting among the fans.
Apart from the Dubai World Cup, you can also place your bets on Triple crown races of the United States, the Grand National of the UK, and even the Melbourne Cup of Australia. Whenever a major horse racing event takes place anywhere in the world, you can join the action by placing an online bet.
Cricket
Cricket has gained worldwide recognition in recent years, thus forcing betting firms to give it a slot in their services. More and more countries now participate in the sport, and now cricket fanatics can earn some money by placing online bets, including those within the UAE.
From the Indian premier league to Cricket World Cup, the listed UAE recommended betting sites will ensure you don’t miss a piece of the action, especially from your favorite teams.
Moreover, cricket betting markets offer tens of options, making it even more enjoyable.
Basketball
In the wider Arabian Peninsula, the UAE national basketball team is a force to reckon with. Even though the team is yet to qualify for any major championship like the Summer Olympics or FIBA Basketball World Cup, their achievements have only been dwarfed by Kuwait, which is undoubtedly the region’s powerhouse.
A few bookmakers allow basketball betting in the UAE. The domestic league in itself has ten teams, but betting is not limited to the world-famous NBA, so Lebron James fans can also get the chance to place their bets whenever he plays.
Tennis
Similar to cricket, tennis is a fantastic in-play betting sport because you can bet on individual games, points, sets –meaning finding an aspect of the game to bet on is very easy.
You can try your luck in the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, and several Grand Slams.
Additionally, sports betting sites in Dubai cover most of these matches, including the prestigious Dubai Tennis Championships.
Formula 1
Formula 1 is undoubtedly the most popular motorsport in the world. The recommended bookmakers in the UAE offer to bet on the full range of races that take place throughout the season.
Whether the race is taking place in Monaco or Abu Dhabi, those recommended top sites will have you covered with tens to hundreds of betting options.
Despite the strict Islamic law practiced in the UAE, sports betting is still enjoyed by thousands or even millions of sports lovers. By following the simple rules and using the recommended betting platforms we have listed in our article, as a resident of the UAE, you will be able to not only enjoy the games but also stand a chance to walk away with cash. You can also check free bet offers India for those who live there.