Forecast: UAE Gambling Market Could Reach $10bn by 2030

Gross gaming revenue (GGR*) in the United Arab Emirates could reach between $1.5 billion and $10 billion by 2030, depending on the pace at which licences are issued. The figures come from a new report by consultancy SCCG Research.

The study notes that future demand for gambling in the UAE will be driven primarily by foreign residents and tourists: expatriates account for more than 80% of the country’s population, while Emirati citizens — less than 12% — are not permitted to gamble.

The growing affluent audience is reinforced by expectations of rising tourist arrivals.

SCCG outlines three potential development scenarios for the sector.

• Under the baseline scenario, the Wynn Al Marjan Island project would remain the country’s only casino resort, and the online market would be limited to one or two operators. In this case, annual GGR would amount to roughly $1.5 billion, or $2–3 billion when including lottery and non-gaming revenue.
• The accelerated scenario envisions licensing multiple casino resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, alongside regulated online gambling in several emirates. Land-based GGR could then reach $4–5 billion, with the online sector exceeding $1 billion, bringing the total market to $5–6 billion.
• The most optimistic scenario projects the opening of more than three land-based casinos and online gambling licences across all emirates. According to SCCG Research, this could generate $6–8 billion in land-based GGR and $2–3 billion online. A total market size of $8–10 billion would place the UAE in the same range as established gambling hubs such as Macau and Las Vegas.

Gambling Park previously reported on the launch of the UAE’s first licensed online casino and several regulated gambling platforms operated by the national lottery provider.

* GGR — Gross Gaming Revenue: total bets placed minus total winnings paid out.