Dubai
iGaming Licensing
Gaming Gateway assists with iGaming licensing in Dubai, including establishing operations and providing on-going regulatory support.
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Innovative & Robust
In 2025, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) extended its legislation to regulate igaming activities in Dubai, including casino, poker, sports betting and lottery.
This is part of Dubai's strategy to build a premium, tightly regulated iGaming ecosystem, and sets the foundation for the UAE to become a leading iGaming hub in the region.
With robust Tier 1 regulation, Dubai aims to boost investor confidence with a forward-thinking environment for iGaming, prioristing innovation, and a business friendly landscape.
Key Advantages
Business friendly
Dubai has robust infrastructure, a developed industry of professional services, supportive policies for businesses, and permits 100% foreign ownership in certain free zones. Dubai also offers 0% personal income tax and 0% corporation tax, making it attractive for gaming businesses.
Strategic location
Located between Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai is positioning itself as the iGaming hub of the Middle East. The country has a growing, engaged igaming community, offering a wide customer base. With a plan to push economic diversification and technological innovation, it aims to foster gaming talent and encourage startups.
Credibility
Dubai's robust Tier-1 regulatory framework and tightly compliant environment provides operators with a Dubai license strong credibility. This strengthens their reputation, signals trust to players, and opens access to superior partners.
Investment opportunities
Dubai’s government is actively investing in the country’s gaming sector and it’s growing quickly, offering many attractive opportunities for new businesses. The Government is committed to driving innovation into its digital industry and emerging technologies.
Dubai Gaming licenses
This license applies to operators wishing to run physical casinos.
This license covers online casinos, sports betting, and poker.
This license covers sports betting services, either online or at physical locations.
This license cover both traditional and online lotteries.
This license covers games with outcomes determined by skill rather than chance, such as fantasy sports.
Licence requirements
Operators must submit a thorough business plan covering details on their operations, compliance, and target market, complete due diligence, which includes background checks on key personnel, and undergo an assessment of the company’s financial stability.
License fees vary per license, and include an initial application fee and an annual license maintenance fee. Costs also vary depending on where the operator establishes a business, they can choose to establish a Free Zone Company or an offshore company.
Gaming Gateway assists clients in meeting all the license requirements and provides dedicated support throughout the entire process. Speak to our igaming licensing experts today to obtain the Dubai license.
Licence Timeframe
The licence turn-around time in Dubai is currently taking on average 3-6 months. Dubai's tightly regulated environment is compliance heavy and we provide dedicated igaming licensing support, throughout the application process, forming the business plan, compliance frameworks, and all other necessary requirements. We also assist with meeting the corporate and legal requirements, including company formation.
How to obtain the Licence
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1. Book a free consultation
Speak with our team to discuss your business model and online license you would like to apply for. We can answer any of your questions and outline the process in further detail.
2. Receive a bespoke fee proposal
We provide a range of comprehensive gaming licence packages. After the call, we will share with you a bespoke fee proposal which outlines your requirements, our services and the costs involved.
3. Licence application
Once you accept the fee proposal, we begin the licence application process straight away. We also request clients to complete our due-dilligence process which is utilised in the licence application.
4. Company set-up
Once you have passed our due-dilligence, we establish your company and open your corporate bank account.
5. Apply for licence
Once we have completed your licence application, including creating a comprehensive business plan, we assist with applying for the licence.
6. Go live
Once your licence application has been approved, we assist you with operational aspects, and provide support with on-going compliance and reporting.
Dubai FAQs
To run a legal online casino or gambling operation, you need a valid licence from the GCGRA. The GCGRA is the federal authority responsible for licensing and overseeing the gambling regulation in Dubai. This include all licenses, covering all types of gambling activities, including casino, poker, sports betting, lottery and skill-based games.
The regulated commercial gaming framework introduced in 2025 by Dubai has regulated igaming activities in the jurisdiction, indicating a shift. Only operators with a valid GCGRA licence may legally offer gambling-type services. Unlicensed platforms or operations remain illegal.
Yes, the GCGRA has issued licenses, including the first licensed igaming platform, indicating the new regime is operational.
The costs for setting up an iGaming business in Dubai are estimated to be between AED 10,000 and AED 500,000. However, the costs depend on the business model and scale. Costs can also be determined by establishing a business in mainland Dubai or a free zone.
There are still aspects of the new commercial regime in Dubai that aren't clearly determined. This includes the exact taxation framework for operators, whether online casinos / sports-betting platforms will become widely available to the public, how local-level (emirate) approval will interact with federal licensing. Operators may need to consider potential cultural challenges as igaming was previously prohibited in the jurisdiction.
Your gateway into the game
Our team of professionals hold decades of experience in the iGaming sector. We've assisted some of the largest global brands with their licensing and corporate service needs.
We are experts in regulation, compliance, and corporate governance. Our support is designed to simplify and ease regulatory pressures, allowing you to focus on driving business growth.
As your global iGaming partner, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring your long-term success.
Ready to licence?
If you have a licence already in mind, complete the form below and our team will be in touch.
If you'd like expert advice on choosing the right licence for your business model, please complete the form or contact our team directly.
