Dubai has become a popular destination for British travelers in recent years. The 7-hour flight time is just about manageable for people who want to travel further afield from Europe, and several airlines use the route. However, some of the UAE’s norms and regulations differ significantly from those in the UK. One of the most noticeable is the attitude towards gambling at online casinos.
Dubai online casinos are not available
Although completely legal and regulated in the United Kingdom, online gambling is still prohibited in Dubai. This includes all forms of amusement that British inhabitants are accustomed to, such as casinos, slots, sports betting, bingo, poker, and more. So, there currently needs to be licensed online casinos in Dubai.
However, this ban covers almost all types of gaming. This means that there are no land-based casinos to visit, unlike many other vacation destinations.
Can I play at a UK online casino?
Because online gambling is authorized in the United Kingdom, signing up and playing at these sites is entirely lawful if you live and work in the country. There are many options available to you as well. For example, you can check a list of the top 20 online casinos in the UK and browse through them to find a site that best meets your needs.
However, once you have registered with a UK online casino, you cannot play there in Dubai. This is because you must follow the rules of this nation while you are here. Additionally, as it is prohibited to gamble online, this would be included on the list of prohibited items. It is equivalent to everything that is prohibited in the UAE but allowed in the UK.
What if I use a VPN?
In the UAE, the usage of VPNs has skyrocketed recently. However, anyone using one of these services must exercise extreme caution in what they use.
For instance, the Middle Eastern legal practice, Al Tamimi & Co. claimed that there are acceptable uses for VPNs in the United Arab Emirates. Anyone traveling to Dubai falls under this category. However, given the regulations of the nation, it is quite doubtful that using a VPN to play at an online casino will be seen as a legal purpose. As a result, we do not recommend utilizing a VPN to access UK online casinos.
Will online gambling become available in the future?
It’s really hard to say or forecast. Although the UAE has been known to loosen some regulations in the past, particularly for international visitors, it would be very significant to change the laws here. It does appear improbable to occur right now, and there has been no news of it happening.
Overall, it is advisable to leave your gambling interests in the UK and simply enjoy your trip. That way, you can use Dubai’s tourist facilities and amenities without encountering any issues.