The Latest iGaming Progress in Dubai and the Emirates
Now that the region is undergoing social change of a seismic nature, we thought it was about time to provide an update on events around iGaming. With the next generation of residents and citizens pushing for an increasingly progressive attitude, both at home and abroad, the time is now for reform in many parts of society. This extends all the way to iGaming and other forms of leisure activity, allowing the Emirates to become one of the world’s premier destinations.
Online gaming gains social acceptance
You only have to search online and see the number of offers for things like free spins for Emirati players to see just how far attitudes have shifted. A region that was once governed by religious conservatism is now increasingly looking to broader horizons. Nothing showcases this better than the establishment of the GCGRA and the work they are doing to grant a whole host of new iGaming licenses.
The fact that the next generation of Emiratis have seen how their peers in other parts of the world spend their free time and disposable income is of great significance. While they of course pay great respect to their own culture and heritage, they also want the freedom to be able to try new things in their own lives. The result is a level of social acceptance for iGaming and gambling that would have been viewed as impossible just a few years ago.
A regulated sector emerges
Regulation is what lends legitimacy to a fledgling industry because it is the system of checks and balances that make safe and secure operation possible. The award of a license to Aristocrat was a landmark moment and allowed one of the world’s biggest slot machine companies to legally operate in the country for the very first time. Similar licenses are set to be awarded to competitors and to a range of solely online slot and games developers in the months and years ahead.
The way in which the regulations have been designed to be fully transparent from day one has been a major driver of the progress the region has experienced. By having a set of clear categories of operation — such as the Gaming Related Vendor category Aristocrat will operate under — they provide a clear series of checks and balances. The result is a system in which everyone involved knows and understands their responsibilities and is able to freely communicate any potential issues.
Appeal broadens to the masses
Now that a lottery license has been awarded to The Game LLC, players from all walks of life in the UAE are able to play a weekly state lottery. While many readers from further afield may not find this to be all that revolutionary, it’s a seismic change in terms of how UAE citizens spend their leisure time.
A state lottery is a clear demonstration that gambling has achieved widespread public acceptance. It is also a sign to outside visitors and investors that a once-conservative culture is becoming increasingly open and progressive. Things may always remain different to the West, but that’s not to say they won’t offer the same chance for economic growth and high returns for outside investors.
A mega casino construction project
Wynn Al Marjan is the jewel in the crown of UAE progressivism in many ways, and you only have to look at the numbers to see for yourself. With the creation of over 10,000 jobs and a completion date of 2027, the mega casino is set to attract players and visitors from all over the world. Precisely what’s needed to turn the UAE into a destination for lovers of all things luxury.
The creation of the casino allows a wide range of supporting infrastructure to be created. This includes luxury condos, a premium hotel, and a range of other forms of entertainment and nightlife. All of this adds up to create a resort that has a little something for everyone, all while offering a level of casino gameplay that can compete with any casino anywhere in the world right now.
Final thoughts
The UAE is changing at a pace that has not been seen in many other parts of the world in recent years, and the benefits for businesses and citizens speak for themselves. iGaming and gambling are rapidly emerging as new industries that will create jobs, economic opportunities, and chances for growth and innovation. It will certainly be exciting to see how things go in the coming years.
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