The world of online gaming is undergoing a wave of changes as traditionally hostile markets consider legalisation. There has been much speculation about whether or not certain countries will become more receptive to gambling and sports betting in the near future, with this question set against the backdrop of a rapidly growing eSports industry, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and the announced plans to open a casino resort in one of the United Arab Emirates. 

There are, however, some considerable hurdles that will need to be overcome before gambling is fully legalised in these states, with possible blocks originating both in state laws and religious practise. While there are many legal difficulties in place, the nature of much of the Arab world’s religious practises also presents additional hurdles, with mainstream Muslim doctrine forbidding gambling. 

Casino

The punishments for gambling under Islamic law are varied, and can range from a fine to imprisonment. However, despite legal implications and possible religious condemnation, Middle Easterners continue to search for Arabic casinos in their own region as well as in the West and Far East.

There are casinos in states where Islam is the predominant faith, and many casinos from other non-Islamic parts of the globe that specifically target customers who hail from Muslim-majority nations.  Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, and Tunisia, for example, have land-based casinos — mostly located within 5-star resorts. Egypt has the most developed casino scene, with fourteen land-based operations in Cairo. All of the above, however, only allow tourists to enter casino premises, requiring that passports be presented at the entrance.

Further outside the Islamic world, we find many Arab players enjoying games of chance in London casinos. These land-based operations currently attract some of the highest value gamblers from the Middle East, as well as other regions that prohibit gambling, such as China.

For those hoping Dubai may be next to open its doors to casinos, this seems unlikely; Dubai, one of the seven United Arab Emirates, has signalled it has no intention of authorising gambling at this time. This announcement comes as Ras Al Khaimah, another one of the seven emirates, is set to welcome betting visitors sometime in the future. 

The Gulf has typically enforced stronger Islamic laws than other regions of the Middle East. Thus, the revelation that Ras Al Khaimah will begin permitting gambling has attracted business interest throughout the area.  On the artificial Al Marjan Island, casino tycoon Wynn will construct a multibillion-dollar integrated resort, the first of its kind in the UAE.

This is not the first time a large casino operator has attempted to change the law by setting up shop in the region. For instance, over the past  15 years, MGM has announced a number of partnerships with Emirati businesses. The Wynn agreement was distinct in that it involved building “a gaming facility.” This coded term might refer to a real-life gambling establishment with roulette wheels and blackjack tables, or it could refer to something far less adult-oriented, like competitive video gaming.

Sports

The 2022 World Cup will, without a doubt, attract gambling more than any other major sporting event. Gambling advertisements, however, are outlawed in Qatar, so it is unlikely that any kind of sports betting would be allowed in the country itself. Legal action against foreign gambling sites is unlikely, but Qatari authorities may prohibit these sites under the local Cybercrime Law. This law allows for the confiscation of any computers, servers, or other equipment used to commit the crime and the forfeiture of any proceeds. 

One piece of good news for Saudi Arabian sports bettors is that the government seemingly only pursues action against bookmakers themselves. Popular sites such as 888, Betfinal and bet365 are actively blocked if accessed via a local IP, though there are no documented instances of an individual facing repercussions due to their use of offshore sportsbooks. 

Despite strict regulations, camel racing and football betting seem to constitute a large underground gambling industry in Qatar. As a result of the scarcity of options available in the country, many Qataris turn to offshore gaming sites without fear of sanctions. This subset of players uses anonymising technologies such as VPNs and encrypted payment methods to access offshore gambling and sports betting sites. Generally, sports betting falls under a sort of unwritten “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule in Qatar, where access to online gambling sites is relatively easy and risk free, as long as players engage in the activity discreetly. This tacit toleration, however, may turn more towards legalising sports betting over time. 

eSports

According to a report published by consulting company RedSeer, the Middle Eastern and North African gaming businesses are forecast to grow by 19%, to more than $5 billion by 2025. At the same time, the number of gamers in the area is expected to hit 20 million. This expansion has been driven mostly by rising advertising income and higher expenditures from existing players, and by players’ increased engagement with games.

According to some figures, an estimated sixty percent of adult internet users in Saudi Arabia are interested in gaming. Totaling 16 million gamers in the kingdom, the country is quickly becoming an important gaming powerhouse in the Gulf area.  The major video game and hardware manufacturers have spent the past few years holding high-profile eSports competitions all around the globe to maximize local fan engagement. Out of all, the Middle East is one of the regions where they have seen the most success. 

When it comes to eSports, the level of sophistication of the betting systems is an important consideration. People take great pleasure in keeping up with their favorite eSports competitions and making wagers on the teams that they root for. This also has a bearing on the hypothesis that the legalisation of at least certain types of gambling will inevitably take place. 

Final Thoughts

If gambling is legalised, either in part or in ful, the financial opportunities for the Arab world could be staggering. However, the situation as it stands is a complicated one. Players located in much of the Arab world are not simply facing government regulations; they are also dealing with a moral code that has been ingrained in the region’s collective consciousness for centuries. While the future may allow tourists to legally place bets on sports or casino tables, this option still seems implausible for the Arab people themselves. 

Disclaimer: Play responsibly. For help, visit www.rgf.org.mt. Players must be over 18