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Sports betting is globally popular and legal in many countries worldwide. However, you won’t find any government-regulated sportsbooks in the UAE. This certainly doesn’t mean that UAE bettors are left in the lurch because there are plenty of online sports betting sites in the UAE based in other jurisdictions that gladly accept players.
In this article, we’ll discuss the legality of sports betting in the United Arab Emirates, compare the best betting sites in the UAE, and examine what sets them apart from their competitors.
Top UAE Online Sports Betting Sites
- All
- Telegram Sportsbook
- New Crypto Casinos
- Odds boost
- Instant payouts
- Free bet
- Bet builder
- Early payout
Free live streams of every match at instant casino
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Official Partner
Juventus
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10% weekly cash back on all net losses |
10% weekly cash back on all net losses
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Sultanbet Sports GCC |
100% Deposit Match up to $2,000 |
100% Deposit Match up to $2,000
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Sultanbet Sports GCC
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Betfinal Sports GCC |
100% up to $100 |
100% up to $100
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Betfinal Sports GCC
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Weltbet Sports GCC |
100% Up to $200 |
100% Up to $200
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Weltbet Sports GCC
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Mega Dice Sports GCC |
200% first deposit match up to 1 BTC |
200% first deposit match up to 1 BTC
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Mega Dice Sports GCC
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Sportaza Sports GCC |
100% up to $100 |
100% up to $100
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Sportaza Sports GCC
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Play Now | |
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HotBet UAE |
100% Up To 200$ |
100% Up To 200$
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HotBet UAE
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Play Now | |
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Quickwin Sports GCC |
100% up to $150 |
100% up to $150
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Quickwin Sports GCC
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Play Now | |
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Shangrila Sports GCC |
100% up to $50 |
100% up to $50
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Shangrila Sports GCC
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Play Now | |
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24Sports Sports GCC |
100% up to $100 |
100% up to $100
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24Sports Sports GCC
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Play Now |
List of UAE Betting Sites
- Instant Casino — The best sports betting site in the UAE and partner of Juventus FC
- Sultanbet — Bookie with a 10% daily cashback on any sport
- Betfinal — Sports betting site with over 50 esports to bet on
- Weltbet — Top sportsbook for full and partial cash-out
- Mega Dice — UAE sportsbook with advanced and real-time betting analytics
- Sportaza — UAE sportsbook for in-depth point spread odds
- Hotbet – 50 Euro in free bet tokens every month
- Quickwin — Fantastic UAE bookie with parlay winnings boosts up to 100%
- Shangri La — NBA bettors Mecca with bet builder and cashout features
- 24sports — Great sports betting site with 1,000+ betting markets
Top 5 UAE Betting Sites Reviewed
We have listed 5 secure, licensed, and reputable online sportsbooks recognized by the leading gambling jurisdictions. However, our expert team has shortlisted the top 5 betting apps in the UAE. Let’s take a closer look at why these bookies dominate the market.
1. Instant Casino – Best UAE Bookie With 35+ Top Sports to Choose From
- Website: www.instantcasino.com/en
- Established: 2024
- Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Bank Transfer
- No. sports markets: 40
Our Verdict 4.9/5
With nearly 40 sports and over 1,800 markets, Instant Casino offers extensive choices for sports betting fans, reaching up to 10,000 markets during major European football and American football seasons. Bets range from standard 1×2 to parlays, combos, handicaps, over/unders, and player specials, with unique options for tennis like set winners and total games.
Instant Casino features a 10% weekly cashback with no wagering requirements and a price boost on parlays, though it currently lacks a standard welcome bonus. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, GPay, e-wallets, and Bitcoin, with plans to add more cryptocurrencies soon.
Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Authority, Instant Casino ensures safety and reliability. Customer support is responsive via live chat (found in the FAQ section) and email. Its extensive sports selection, market variety, and great odds make it our top UAE sports betting site.
Pros
- Extensive coverage of 35+ sports
- Excellent cashback bonus of 10% weekly
- Wide selection of payment options
- Live support through live chat and email
- Over 400 markets for football and tennis
Cons
- No phone support
- Lack of crypto payment options
2. Sultanbet – Bookie With a 10% Daily Cashback on Any Sport
- Website: www.sultanbet.com
- Established: 2016
- Deposit methods: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Mastercard, Jeton, Skrill, NNeteller ePayz, MuchBetter, wire transfer
- No. sports markets: 20+
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Sultanbet offers betting on football, basketball, tennis, and 20 more sports, including major events like Copa America and EUROS. It also covers snooker, Aussie rules, and darts, with pre-game and in-game options for top leagues worldwide.
Key betting markets include moneylines, over/under, point spreads, parlays, and bet builders, with an easy-to-use bet slip. New bettors receive a $5 free bet after wagering $50 and a 10% monthly rebate on losses.
Sultanbet supports diverse payment methods, including e-wallets (ePayz, Neteller, Skrill) and crypto options (BTC, BCH), though daily withdrawals are capped at $1,000.
Owned by Continental Solutions Ltd. B.V. under Curacao jurisdiction, Sultanbet uses SSL encryption and partners with developers like Play’n GO. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.
Sultanbet is recommended for its extensive sports coverage, numerous betting markets, various payment methods, an Android app, VIP program, and promotions.
Pros
- 10% monthly cashback on all lost bets
- 7 e-wallets available
- Boosted daily odds on specific events
- Early payout offer available
- Asian spread bets in many live markets
- Offers a native Android app
Cons
- Insufficient sports market coverage
- No iOS app
3. Betfinal – Sports Betting Site With Over 50 ESports to Bet On
- Website: www.betfinal.com
- Established: 2013
- Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, AstroPay, Skrill, MuchBetter, BTC, ETH, LTC
- No. sports markets: 43
Our Verdict: 4.8/5
With over 43 sports to bet on, Betfinal offers extensive coverage, including football, basketball, tennis, the Super Bowl, and NFL. It also features live betting and esports like Arena of Valor and Dota 2.
Betfinal provides various betting options, including moneylines, spreads, accas, and bet builders. The 300% welcome bonus up to $3,000 has a $10 minimum deposit, plus incentives like a $10 risk-free bet on Mondays and daily insurance up to $50.
Supporting both fiat and crypto payments, Betfinal allows maximum withdrawals of $20,000 with fast, anonymous transactions. Traditional options include Skrill, AstroPay, MasterCard, Visa, and MuchBetter.
Owned by Final Enterprises N.V. and licensed in Curacao, Betfinal ensures security and anti-money laundering measures, partnering with NetEnt and Evolution.
Betfinal offers 24/7 live chat support in multiple languages and email support. There is no phone support or FAQ.
Ranked as a top UAE betting site, Betfinal excels with its comprehensive sports coverage, competitive odds, solid welcome bonus, and varied payment options, including niche sports like pesapallo and netball.
Pros
- Accepts low minimum deposit of $10
- Daily sports cashback up to $50
- $10 risk-free bet available to regular bettors
- Competitive football odds with low juice
- Supports over 43 sports markets
Cons
- No loyalty program
- Supports a small range of digital coins
- No mobile betting app
4. Mega Dice – UAE Sportsbook With Advanced and Real-Time Betting Analytics
- Website: www.megadice.com
- Established: 2023
- Deposit methods: BTC, BCH, ETH, XRP, LTC, DOGE, USDT
- No. sports markets: 40
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Mega Dice covers over 40 sports markets, including basketball, football, and American football, with markets like the NBA, EURO 2024, FIFA, and NFL. It also features badminton, darts, cricket, and esports. Pre-game and in-play bets include half-betting, Asian handicap, totals, BTTS, and team/player props.
New UAE bettors get a 200% bonus up to 1 BTC, 50 free spins, and a free bet, though with a high 60x rollover. The VIP program offers points for bets, boosting status.
Supporting 22 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, and LTC, Mega Dice requires deposit rollovers to avoid an 8% fee. Licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board and owned by MIBS N.V., it follows AML policies and partners with top providers like Evolution.
Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email, with additional help through Telegram. Mega Dice stands out for its crypto options, sports coverage, and competitive odds.
Pros
- Over 40 sports markets on offer
- 200% welcome bonus up to 1BTC + free bet
- Telegram-backed sportsbook
- Great selection of in-play bets and props
- Asian handicap betting options
- Supports 22 crypto payments
Cons
- Few fiat methods are available
- Complicated rollover structure
5. Shangri La – NBA Bettors Mecca with Bet Builder and Cashout Features
- Website: www.shangrila.com
- Established: 2017
- Deposit methods: cryptocurrencies, bank transfer, e-wallets, credit cards
- No. sports markets: 44+
Our Verdict: 4.4/5
Shangri La sportsbook offers extensive coverage with 44+ sports and 25,000+ live events monthly. Football has the most bets, with full, partial, and automatic cash-out options, including e-sports and virtual sports.
Betting options include over/under, props, 1×2, and handicaps, with a bet builder feature. New UAE bettors get a 100% bonus up to $100 plus 20 free spins, with a $10 minimum deposit and 8x rollover. Existing customers enjoy a 10% weekly reload deal up to $300 and an acca boost for multiples on four selections with 1.3 odds or higher.
Shangri La supports 15+ fiat and crypto payment methods, including credit/debit cards, wire transfers, e-wallets, and digital coins like BTC, ETH, and USDT. Withdrawals are typically approved within 24 hours, capped at $10,000 daily.
Licensed in Curacao, Shangri La offers 24/7 professional customer support via live chat and email. Despite lacking a FAQ section, it ranks among the top UAE sports betting sites for its vast sports selection, banking options, and promotions.
Pros
- More than 44 sports to bet on
- 230+ alternative bets
- 100% sports bonus up to $50
- Over 15 payment methods
- Amateur football leagues
Cons
- Bank transfer fees
- No FAQ page
UAE Online Betting Sites Compared
| Rank | Sportsbook / Online Casino | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Number of Sports Markets / Number of games | Top deposit options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Instant Casino | 10% Weekly Cashback | N/A | 35+ | Bitcoin, Visa, MasterCard, GPay, Apple Pay |
| #2 | Betfinal | 300% up to $3,000 | N/A | 43+ | Visa, Skrill, Much Better, Bitcoin, Ethereum |
| #3 | Sultanbet | Bet $50 and earn a $5 free bet | N/A | 23+ | MasterCard, Jetton Skrill, ePayz, Much Better, Bitcoin, Ethereum |
| #4 | Mega Dice | 200% up to 1BTC + free bet | N/A | 40’+ | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum |
| #5 | Shangri La | 100% up to $100 + Free Spins | N/A | 44+ | Visa, AstroPay, MuchBetter, Ethereum, Bitcoin |
How We Rate Sportsbooks in the UAE
To equip you with comprehensive insights into UAE betting sites, we conduct thorough tests and research on each platform. Our evaluation criteria include:
- Range of Sports Available: We assess the diversity and breadth of sports covered, ensuring there are ample betting opportunities for all sports enthusiasts.
- Bonuses and promotions: We scrutinize the welcome bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs offered, evaluating their value and fairness.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: We examine the variety of payment methods supported, including both fiat and cryptocurrencies, as well as the speed and reliability of transactions.
- Safety and Security: We ensure each site employs robust security measures, such as SSL encryption, and holds reputable licenses to guarantee a safe betting environment.
- Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer support teams, looking for 24/7 availability and multiple contact methods.
If you are new to sports betting, we recommend familiarizing yourself with key betting terms. This knowledge can enhance your experience and reduce the need for frequent support queries.
Is Sports Betting Legal in the UAE?
Sports betting and all forms of gambling, including slots, card games, lotteries, retail casinos, and online casinos, are forbidden in the UAE due to religious reasons. The UAE Penal Code stipulates that violations can lead to two years of imprisonment or fines up to $5,500, with organizers facing up to 10 years in jail.
Camel racing is the only allowed activity resembling gambling, strictly regulated by the government.
The UAE has established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to oversee commercial gambling and the national lottery. Although there were discussions about changing gaming regulations in 2023, no significant progress has been made.
Wynn Resorts proposed a $3.9 billion luxury resort with a gaming area in Ras Al Khaimah, expected to be completed in six years. However, gambling laws have not been passed yet.
If legalized, gambling could generate $8.6 billion annually, primarily from tourists, potentially paving the way for sports betting in the UAE.
| Country | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic |
| Currency | د.إ (UAE dirham) |
| Popular Sports | Horse Racing, Football, Camel Racing, Cricket |
| Is Betting Legal? | No |
Bonuses on Offer at Online Sportsbooks in the UAE
In the table below, you’ll learn more about the types of bonuses you can encounter on betting sites UAin E.
| Bonus Type | Info | Perfect for |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | A sportsbook matches your initial deposit up to a specified amount | New punters making their first deposit |
| Crypto bonus | A matched deposit bonus claimed by depositing crypto | New bettors who prefer using cryptocurrencies |
| Reload bonus | Typically a matched offer that can be claimed repeatedly | Existing bettors who are willing to make higher wagers |
| Free bets | An amount of free credits (based on your initial bet) you must wager under special conditions | Aimed at fans of specific sports and those who are ready to follow the minimum odds requirements |
| Odds boosters | Enhanced odds of a specific market, team, or game where you can place a regular bet | Experienced punters who like placing high-risk bets |
| Sports specific bonus | A deal centered around a specific sport | New and experienced bettors |
| Parlay promotion | Bonus winnings on top of a successful parlay bet | NFL parlay bets |
| Weekly contests | Predict winners to win large prizes | NBA/NFL/MLB predictions |
| Refer-a-friend bonus | A bonus you get after the friend you referred signs up | Punters who want to grab free bets |
| Sportsbook rebate | A promotion where you get back a portion of your lost funds | Active bettors who wager fixed weekly amounts |
Types of Bets at Sports Betting Sites in UAE
One significant advantage of offshore betting sites for UAE players is the extensive variety of betting markets available. These platforms often cater to a large number of US-based players, so UAE bettors should take the time to understand these markets and how they function to maximize their betting experience.
The available types of bets for players in UAE:
- Points Spread – Betting on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog must lose by less than the spread or win outright.
example: Bet on Team A (-8) to beat Team B by more than 8 points.
- Moneyline Bets – Betting on which team or player will win the match.
example: Bet on Team A to win against Team B.
- Over/Under (Totals) Bets – Betting on whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under a specified number.
example: Bet on whether the total points in a basketball game will be over or under 300.
- Parlays – Combining multiple bets into one bet. All selections must win for the bet to pay out.
example: Bet on Team A, Team B, and Team C all to win their matches.
- Props – Betting on specific events within a game that do not necessarily affect the outcome.
example: Bet on which player will score the last goal in a football match.
- Live Betting (In-Play) – Betting on events as they happen in real-time.
example: Bet on the next team to score during a live football match.
- Handicap Bets – A type of bet that gives one team a hypothetical advantage or disadvantage.
example: Bet on Team A with a -2 handicap to win, meaning they need to win by more than one goal.
- Asian Handicap Bets – This is a variation of handicap betting that eliminates the possibility of a draw.
example: Bet on Team A with a -1.5 handicap.
Best Sports to Bet on in the UAE
Online betting in the UAE is quite popular, but locals favor some sports more than others. Football, cricket, and horse racing are among the most sought-after for betting in Dubai, but UAE punters are also fond of golf, Formula 1, and basketball. Below is a summary of the best sports you can bet on at leading sports betting UAE platforms.
Horse Racing
It may be challenging to find a racebook, but the top UAE bookies all offer betting on horse racing. This sport is not everyone’s cup of tea but is undoubtedly among the first three in the UAE.
This is understandable, considering that one of the richest horse races in the world, The Dubai World Cup, is run at Meydan Racecourse every March. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their equestrian clubs, so horse racing is one of the favourite sports in the country with horses traveling from across the world to attend the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Our offshore bookies offer competitive odds on worldwide and local horse racing events daily, and it’s possible to bet using raffles.
Cricket
Cricket is another highly popular sport in the UAE, and the natives are particularly fond of prominent competitions, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), T20 World Cup, and the Ashes Series. Those events unlock a wide range of betting markets, including match winner, top batsman, tied matches, spreads, run totals, and more.
You’ll find a large number of cricket events on our top UAE bookie, Instant Casino, as well as Mega Dice and Betfinal.
Formula 1
The first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (a Formula 1 prestigious motor racing event) was held in 2009, which bolstered the popularity of this sport. Since then, UAE betting sites have been adding this F1 event to their calendars.
In February 2024, Formula 1 announced a 10-year deal with betIN SPORTS to exclusively broadcast F1 events across the Middle East and Turkey, giving the local bettors a wide range of markets and bet types, such as race victors, points finish, winning team, fastest lap, and more.
Football
After the 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar, football has become even more popular in the UAE and the other Persian Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Local football fans have witnessed many UAE football tournaments, such as the Duthe bai International Super Cup and the UAE Super Cup, covered by all top bookies.
International sportsbooks, like Shangri La, cover over several hundred football events at any given time, making it a top betting destination in this neck of the woods.
Golf
Golf betting has been garnering a lot of attention among UAE bettors over the last several years. The fans of this prestigious sport have access to plenty of betting markets, including leader after round 1 and tournament winner, and they can also wager on golfers who are in the top 5, 10, or 20.
The most popular tournaments are the PGA Championship, US Masters, and the US Open, but you can also bet on the Italian Open, Rocket Mortgage Classic, and others.
Cricket
Cricket is immensely popular in the Middle East. The betting opportunities are extensive, covering major international tournaments such as the ICC ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, World Test Championship, and Champions Trophy. Domestically, fans can bet on exciting leagues and tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Big Bash League (BBL), and the Asia Cup.
Camel Racing
Camel racing is generally limited to running the dromedary and it is a deeply rooted cultural sport in the UAE, highly popular for both spectators and bettors. The racing season runs from October to April, and most events are free to attend. Although online betting access is limited, major events at tracks like Al Marmoum are covered, allowing enthusiasts to follow the action.
Payment Options for UAE Sportsbooks
The UAE betting platforms offer a wide variety of payment gateways, from traditional wire transfers and credit cards to contemporary ones, like digital coins. Each has its pros and cons, and you can see all the relevant info in the table below.
| Payment Method | Info | Pros | Cons | Popular examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto | Digital tokens and currencies built on decentralized networks and operating on blockchain technology | Speedy deposits and withdrawals
Highly secure and private Removes third parties |
Highly volatile Confusing for beginners
Require a wallet |
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin |
| Traditional | Fiat payment methods using credit cards and bank transfers | Widely available
Payments from your bank account Highly trusted |
Slow payouts
Deposit/withdrawal fees may apply Sometimes unavailable for withdrawals |
Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Maestro, Wire transfer |
| eWallets | Digital or electronic payment wallets that can be connected to your bank account | Fast deposits
Stores funds in a cloud Easy to use Highly secure |
May incur deposit/withdrawal fees
Unavailable for some bonuses Not offered in all sportsbooks |
PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ePayz, AstroPay |
How to Sign Up and Bet at UAE Sportsbooks
In the sea of offshore sportsbooks, finding the best betting app in the UAE is not an easy feat. Once you finally find it, you could feel overwhelmed with the registration process, especially if you are a beginner. We have created this step-by-step guide to make things easier for you.
Step One: Open An Account
Load the website and locate the Sign Up/Join button. Then, fill in the required information, including your name and email. Set up your login credentials, and agree to the terms of service.
Step Two: Sign Up and Register Your Account
Fill in the quick and easy sign-up form to get started.Step Three: Verify Your Account
Go to Settings and input your personal information, such as your date of birth, address, postal code, and country of residence.Step Four: Deposit and Use a Promo Code
Go to the Wallet/Deposit section to make your initial deposit. Choose one of the available fiat or crypto payment methods. Make sure you top up your account with enough funds to claim the welcome promotion.Step Five: Place Your First Bet
Now you are ready to place your first bet. Explore the available sports and betting markets, and have a blast.
Final Thoughts
We have singled out the top UAE and Dubai betting sites for being secure, licensed, and offering a wealth of sports and betting markets. Bettors can also claim lucrative sports bonuses and bet on many events, niche sports, e-sports, and virtual sports.
However, Instant Casino tops our chart because it boasts an impressive cashback bonus of 10% of losses every week without any wagering requirements attached, and with 35+ sports markets with hundreds of different bet types, as well as a thriving Telegram bettor community, this is a top pick for UAE sports betting fans.
Sign up & Play To Claim 10% Weekly Cashback Bonus
- Official regional sponsor of Juventus FC
- 30+ Live dealer casino games
- Large selection of bonus buy and Megaways games
Responsible Gambling
It’s of the utmost importance to always bet only what you can afford to lose and adhere to responsible gambling practices. Luckily, most sportsbooks nowadays offer self-exclusion and cool-off options so that you can impose a limit and prevent yourself from becoming addicted.
If you recognize the signs of problem gambling, you can also contact the international anti-gambling organizations, such as:
