Key Moments:
- The UAE has removed all gambling and betting provisions from its new Civil Transactions Law. The law will take effect on 1 June 2026.
- Meanwhile, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has already issued the country’s first internet gaming and sports wagering license.
- As a result, legal experts view this move as part of a broader transition toward dedicated commercial gaming regulation in the UAE.
Revamp of Civil Law Removes Gambling References
The United Arab Emirates has updated its civil legislation. Specifically, it has removed all references to gambling and betting activities. Through Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, the new Civil Transactions Law will take effect on 1 June 2026. Consequently, the previous civil code’s section on gambling and betting disputes will be retired.
Key Changes in Legal Approach
Under the current framework, Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 governs gambling matters. Articles 1012 through 1021 address contract enforceability and loss recovery. However, the revised civil law removes these articles entirely. Moreover, legal reviews confirm that the provisions are not relocated elsewhere in the code.
Importantly, this change does not signal a broad relaxation of gambling laws. Instead, industry commentators suggest a deliberate shift. The goal is to separate general civil statutes from sector-specific gaming regulation.
Emergence of Specialized Gaming Oversight
In recent years, the UAE has introduced structured oversight for the gaming sector. This responsibility now sits with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Notably, the authority holds sole federal responsibility for licensing and supervision. As a result, governance has shifted away from civil-law interpretation.
Therefore, this transition is expected to deliver clearer pathways for operators and investors. It replaces ad-hoc rulings with defined licensing rules and compliance standards.
Issuance of First Internet Gaming License
A major milestone followed in December 2025. At that time, the regulator issued the UAE’s first internet gaming and sports wagering license. Consequently, the platform Play971 now operates under direct GCGRA supervision.
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Civil law update enacted | 2025 | Federal Decree-Law No. 25 removes gambling and betting articles |
| Effective date for new law | 1 June 2026 | Civil courts will no longer reference dedicated gambling provisions |
| First gaming license issued | December 2025 | Play971 authorized as the first internet gaming and sports wagering platform by GCGRA |
Implications for Investors and Operators
From June 2026 onward, civil courts will change their approach. Gambling-related disputes will be handled under gaming regulations and license terms. Accordingly, the civil code will no longer apply. Legal experts also expect further federal alignment as the framework matures.
Overall, these developments create clearer boundaries. They separate civil legal processes from the UAE’s emerging commercial gaming regime.
Industry Calendar Note
Finally, Manila will host SiGMA Asia from 01 to 03 June 2026. The event is expected to attract 16,000 delegates, 3,040 operators, and more than 250 speakers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
