Gambling and Sports Betting in the UAE

UAE Bettors Embrace Both Digital and Traditional Gaming

In the UAE, sports betting, while a growing trend, still involves a mix of traditional and modern betting habits. More than 35% of people in the country have placed bets on sporting events among friends, like football or horse racing, in the past year. This type of informal betting appears to be quite common, but it's also interesting that around 27% of participants have used online platforms to place similar sports bets. In terms of gaming, online card games (such as poker or blackjack) are another popular choice. However, for many, more casual and accessible forms of gambling like lotteries or sit-down gaming machines are still among the top activities.

Regular Betting Becomes Part of UAE Routine

For those who do bet on sports, the frequency varies, though the data highlights that betting isn’t just an occasional activity. Around 17% of people in the UAE place bets on sports several times a week, with a further 21% placing wagers a few times a month. While there is a smaller group of people who bet daily or just once a year, a good chunk of the population is betting regularly enough to make it a consistent part of their routine.

Financial Rewards and Entertainment Drive UAE Betting

As for motivations behind betting on sports, the appeal of winning money remains the most powerful driver, with almost half of the respondents citing it as their main reason. But it’s not all about financial gain—many participants are in it for the excitement and the thrill. About 36% enjoy the overall experience of the betting process, and a slightly similar proportion appreciate the sense of competition it brings. This deeper connection to the activity makes sports betting more than just a transactional experience.

Real-Time Betting Captures UAE Interest

One key trend that emerges is the increasing desire for real-time engagement. A massive 75% of respondents expressed a strong preference for being able to place bets as they watch the game unfold. This preference points to a growing demand for dynamic, live betting opportunities, as more sports fans look for ways to enhance their viewing experience with immediate, in-the-moment bets. Whether through apps or sportsbooks, being able to act on instinct in real-time taps into the pulse of sports fandom in a way traditional, pre-game betting doesn’t.

High Preferences Towards Digital Betting

The shift towards digital platforms is also evident in the UAE’s betting habits. A clear majority—nearly 67%—prefer to place their sports bets online or via mobile apps. The convenience and accessibility of betting from a phone or computer have made it a dominant form of wagering, surpassing the older, more traditional in-person betting methods. This online preference is in line with broader global trends, where digitalization is reshaping how people interact with all forms of entertainment and leisure activities, including betting.

Betting Content Engagement Rises Among Emiratis

In addition to the increased use of online betting platforms, engagement with sports betting content is on the rise as well. About 76% of the respondents indicated that they enjoy consuming sports betting-related content on social media or other online platforms. This enthusiasm shows how sports betting is becoming a part of the broader sports culture, with fans eager to engage in discussions and content related to their bets. With the growth of digital media, the lines between the sport itself and the betting experience continue to blur, creating a more interactive, interconnected experience for fans.