Could Dubai be the Future Big Gaming Destination?

Situated in the Middle East, Dubai is the capital of one of the seven Emirates making up the country of the U.A.E. It is a very popular tourist destination and the infrastructure and lifestyle have improved dramatically there over the last twenty years or so. Mainly seen to have been funded by oil money, it is believed that the oil reserves of Dubai have been depleted to very low levels. Tourism and the mystical lure of Dubai are expected to make up for this shortfall in income.

The lavish lifestyle of some people living there may come as a surprise to some. It is not unusual to see high price supercars in most areas in Dubai. Many people go there to work from other countries and it has a big expat community. Yet some newcomers are still surprised about the lack of certain things as opposed to their country. Things they see as normal or entertaining can be illegal or frowned upon in Dubai. It is best to look into this before you arrive, in case you are disappointed, or even worse, get into trouble.

Gambling Is Illegal in the U.A.E.

The U.A.E is a Muslim country and thus governed by the rules of Islam. Gambling is strictly prohibited and there can be severe penalties for anyone partaking in this activity. Foreigners who are used to a gamble, or easy access in their own country can find the restrictions off-putting. Yet, there are some ways around this. The lottery for example, while aimed at non-residents of the country can also be played by locals. Prizes can vary from cash to cars.

Even though it's illegal, some just can't help wanting to play at an online live casino and trying their luck. Many big sporting events take place in Dubai, which garners attention from a worldwide audience but also gamblers. It's hard not to get involved when such events are right on your doorstep. While Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country, has held a Formula 1 race since 2009, other sports hold Dubai's interest.

The Love of Horse Racing

Along with the Irish, people from Dubai have a massive interest in training and racing horses. The Dubai World Cup takes place every year during the three months with the main showpiece race typically held at the end of March. Meydan Racecourse, the biggest racecourse in Dubai, is host to this event. With room for over 60,000 fans, it's no wonder that some are tempted to have a flutter at an online casino.

This is one of the richest horse races in the world with prize money of $12 million available. The ruling family of Dubai has their own horse racing stable, Godolphin, which is renowned across the world. Based in Dubai, yet having stables and breeding studs in a variety of countries, Sheikh Mohammed is well known for wanting to be the best in the sport.  

Online Gambling In the U.A.E.

Betting online is also not permitted in the U.A.E.  The government tries to block all websites pertaining to gambling as it is forbidden by the Koran. Yet as with everything, there are ways around this, and many use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to and join foreign betting sites. Bear in mind, you can be in big trouble if you get caught doing this.

Online casinos give citizens the option to play a variety of games. Games such as roulette, poker, and blackjack are all available to play at these casinos. For those who want to play the slots, it couldn't be much easier, just login and start playing. Casinos online can provide the platform you need if you must have a bet.

Cruise Ships Offshore

Another solution worked on to get around the problem of illegal gambling revolves around casinos on cruise ships located off the coast. If the ship is a certain distance outside the territory, gambling is permitted to take place. As opposed to the struggle of finding a land-based casino, going to a cruise ship to play in a casino can appeal to the people. Casino games and the excitement involved giving a thrill that is hard to describe.

Once onboard you can play these games without fear of trouble. The wealthy people of Dubai sometimes wish to have an outlet to wager their money online. It's far more entertaining to play these games in person with money on the line and the feeling of pressure. Playing cards on board, for example, gives you the chance to size up your fellow players, and see if you could walk out a winner.

What is Dubai Famous for?

The secretive world of gambling that takes place in Dubai does not interest or appeal to everyone. However, many are drawn there for the magical experience of Dubai. Who would expect such a top-class destination from a city that sprung up from a desert? The weather and amazing beaches hold sway for many people from more Northern countries.

Hotels such as the opulent  Burj Al Arab, ranked unofficially as the only seven-star hotel in the world is a symbol of luxury and its picturesque shape is well known to be the pride of Dubai. Man-made islands, from land, reclaimed from the sea, in the shape of palm trees and even one case, a map of the world, containing houses and resorts, add to the amazement of all visitors to Dubai.

Summary

Dubai by itself has the largest population of the Emirates which makes up the U.A.E. Yet the locals, tourists, and foreign workers sometimes struggle to take part in an activity that millions worldwide do each day. Gambling is not allowed yet that doesn't stop many people from trying to get involved. Betting can be a huge temptation to many, as it is a hugely popular sport in Dubai.

Online betting sites offer the opportunity for many to do this in privacy. Cruise ships give the chance to do this in person, which can be a lot more exciting for the players. So don't let restrictions put you off too much on visiting Dubai. Even if you are not interested in gambling, Dubai has plenty on offer with unbelievable feats of construction dotting the landscape.