When you’re going abroad, gambling can become a bit difficult. Since you’re switching areas, you may be unable to access a platform from the new country, particularly if it has big restrictions on gambling.
So, if you’re traveling to the UAE, chances are you’re thinking of using a VPN to bypass these measures and enjoy your favorite casino bets or sports bets.
But before you check the best odds at GG.Bet by using a VPN in the UAE, there are some things you should know. Even though the Emirates are making efforts to change the gambling laws to improve their economic situation, online betting still has some restrictions.
It’s essential to know how to navigate this situation if you don’t want to get into legal trouble. So, could VPN’s save the day when you want to gamble from the UAE?
Is Using VPNs for Geo-Restricted Betting Platforms Common in the UAE?
VPNs are services that create encrypted and secure connections to access the Internet. They mask your IP address and provide anonymity, which makes it possible to accept geo-restricted content in a secure manner.
In countries where certain online content is heavily restricted, for example, the UAE, this type of service becomes very tempting, particularly for foreign nationals. This is especially the case when it comes to gambling activities.
VPNs are not inherently illegal in the UAE, but there are some legal implications to take into account. The services can be used lawfully, but if they are used to accept restricted content, such as casinos, it can lead to penalties and fines.
But many people still use VPNs and other methods to hide their location and access betting platforms that the authorities have blocked. While a popular online casino may be blocked in the UAE, you can access it by setting the VPN to a location where the website is legal. This way, you can place bets on international sports and eSports.
Using VPNs Safely in the UAE
After finding a suitable VPN, you must register for a subscription before downloading the VPN app. Then, you will have to connect to the preferred server. Keep in mind that you might have to switch to the OpenVPN protocol while in the UAE.
However, while VPNs are not technically illegal in the UAE, the way you use them will influence whether you get in trouble or not. Despite their legality, using VPNs to hide a crime is illegal.
Those who break the law may deal with monetary fines between 50,000 and 500,000 AED, depending on the particular activity. Under UAE law, gambling may even lead to imprisonment.
Besides, if you’re a foreign national, you may face deportation once you manage your fines and imprisonment.
For safe usage, here are some tips on using VPNs:
- Make sure you select a VPN with servers in the area where the casino operates.
- Select a VPN that uses strong encryption protocols and has a no-logs policy.
- Do regular VPN updates to keep the security levels high.
- Before accessing the casino site, always connect to the VPN.
Still, even if you are a foreign national visiting the UAE for a short time, it’s best to stay away from VPNs for gambling. Even though some VPNs have no-logs policies or they may let you make deposits with cryptocurrencies, UAE authorities may still be able to track your activity.
Will the Gambling Landscape Change in the UAE?
Betting in any form is illegal in the UAE. However, in 2023, a new regulatory body to oversee commercial gaming was introduced. Known as the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority or GCGRA, it established a controlling framework for commercial gaming and the national lottery.
Recently, the UAE has taken steps to boost tourism and diversify the economy. As the nation’s economy relies on gas and oil revenue, the area is looking for new ways to improve the economic situation.
The GCGRA launch came alongside the announcement of the first licensee winning “The Game LLC” award in 2024. The GCGRA establishment happened 18 months after an announcement about the Wynn, a Las Vegas luxury resort. It would make its resort debut in RAK, offering a “licensing gaming” aspect that will likely be bigger than the Las Vegas counterpart.
The resort is planned to open in early 2027 on Al Marjan Island. It will have a 225,000 square foot area for gaming. It’s also the first physical casino with a GCGRA license. Following the UAE Lottery, it is the second entity to get an UAE license.
The goal of GCGRA is to promote responsible gambling in the area.
While the development of the gambling scene in the UAE may be slow, things might change if there’s a huge interest in developing the economy and increasing tourism.
In the meantime, people who want to bet online from the UAE should practice caution. Even though they will be able to access geo-blocked sites with a VPN, this can get them into legal trouble. Until there are updates regarding the legal status of international bets in the UAE, gamblers should abstain from gambling in the region, even if they have a secure VPN.