Guide Through Arab Casinos – Countries, Games & Visitor Information

Arab Casinos can be found in several countries across the Middle East and North Africa, but there is no single casino market covering the Arab world. Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt and Tunisia have established land-based casino venues, while many other Arab countries do not permit conventional casino gaming. More recently, the United Arab Emirates has introduced a regulated commercial gaming framework, with Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah expected to open in 2027.

For visitors, this means that the casino experience can differ considerably from one country to another. Entry requirements, permitted players, opening hours, dress codes and available games are determined by the individual venue and the laws of the country in which it operates.

This guide provides a practical overview of casinos in Arab countries: where land-based casinos can be found, which games visitors may encounter and what to check before going to a casino.

What Is an Arab Casino?

The term Arab Casino is best understood as a general description rather than a particular type of casino. A land-based Arab casino is simply a casino operating in an Arab country under the rules applicable there.

It does not mean that casinos throughout the Arab world share the same architecture, games, visitor rules or atmosphere. Casino du Liban in Lebanon, Casino de Marrakech in Morocco and an international hotel casino in Egypt are very different properties.

The term is also used online for international casinos offering Arabic-language services. These online casinos should be distinguished from physical casino venues located in Arab countries.

Where Can You Find Land-Based Casinos in Arab Countries?

The established land-based casino landscape is concentrated in a relatively small number of Arab countries.

Country	Main Casino Destinations	Example
Morocco	Marrakech, Agadir	Casino de Marrakech
Lebanon	Maameltein / Jounieh area	Casino du Liban
Egypt	Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh and tourism destinations	Hotel casinos
Tunisia	Djerba, Hammamet and tourism destinations	Tourism casinos
United Arab Emirates	Ras Al Khaimah	Wynn Al Marjan Island – planned opening 2027

The legal framework and entry conditions are different in each country. Visitors should therefore check the individual casino rather than assuming that rules applying in one Arab country also apply elsewhere.

Casinos in Morocco

Morocco has one of the more established land-based casino sectors in the Arab world. Casino gaming is associated particularly with international tourism destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir.

One of the best-known venues is Casino de Marrakech, which opened in 1952 and forms part of the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort.

The casino offers internationally familiar games including Roulette, Blackjack, poker variants, slot machines and electronic gaming.

Marrakech also has Grand Casino La Mamounia, giving visitors more than one land-based casino option within the city.

Casinos in Lebanon

Lebanon is home to one of the most recognizable casinos in the region: Casino du Liban.

Located in Maameltein north of Beirut, Casino du Liban opened in 1959 and combines casino gaming with restaurants, entertainment and cultural events.

Its gaming offer includes games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Punto Banco, poker-based table games and slot machines.

Visitors should check current opening hours, gaming-room access and identification requirements before travelling to the casino.

Casinos in Egypt

Egypt has developed a different casino model. Many of its land-based casinos operate within international hotels and tourism establishments, particularly in destinations such as Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh.

Visitors may find Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, poker-based games and slot machines depending on the individual property.

However, Egypt has specific legal restrictions affecting Egyptian nationals. The existence of a casino within a hotel should therefore not be interpreted as meaning that casino gaming is available to everyone staying at the property.

International visitors should check the current eligibility, passport and entry requirements of the individual casino before visiting.

Casinos in Tunisia

Tunisia has also incorporated land-based casino gaming into parts of its tourism industry. Casino venues have been associated with destinations including Djerba and Hammamet.

Unlike a destination built primarily around gambling, these casinos form only one part of a broader tourism environment of hotels, beaches, restaurants and entertainment.

One example is the Grand Casino de Djerba. As operating conditions can change, visitors should verify the current status and opening hours of a particular Tunisian casino before making a special journey to visit it.

UAE – A New Casino Market

The United Arab Emirates represents a newer development in the regional casino landscape.

The UAE has established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), creating a federal framework for regulated commercial gaming.

Within this framework, Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah has received a land-based commercial gaming licence.

Wynn Al Marjan Island

Wynn Al Marjan Island is being developed as a large integrated resort on Al Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The project combines accommodation, restaurants and bars, entertainment, retail and leisure facilities with regulated land-based gaming. Wynn currently plans to open the resort in 2027.

One geographical distinction is particularly important for visitors: Wynn Al Marjan is in Ras Al Khaimah, not Dubai. Dubai currently does not have a confirmed licensed conventional land-based casino.

Arab Countries Without Land-Based Casinos

Land-based casinos should not be considered a standard feature of tourism throughout the Arab world.

Countries including Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia currently have no conventional legal land-based casino sectors comparable with Morocco or Lebanon.

The development of regulated gaming in the UAE does not mean that other Gulf countries will automatically adopt the same model. Casino laws and licensing systems need to be considered country by country.

For a broader country-by-country overview, see our guide to Arab Casinos.

Popular Games at Arab Casinos

There is no separate category of games that defines an Arab casino. Established land-based casinos generally offer many of the same internationally recognized games found in casino destinations elsewhere.

Blackjack

Blackjack is available at a number of established land-based casinos in Arab countries. Rules can differ between tables and venues, so visitors interested in a particular version should check the rules before playing.

Roulette

Roulette is another commonly available table game. Depending on the casino, visitors may encounter traditional dealer-operated tables as well as electronic Roulette.

Baccarat and Punto Banco

Baccarat or Punto Banco can be found at some of the larger casinos. The availability of individual variants and table limits depends on the venue.

Poker

Poker is particularly prominent at some casinos. Casino de Marrakech, for example, has hosted major poker events and offers different poker formats. Cash games and tournament schedules can change throughout the year.

Slot Machines and Electronic Gaming

Slot machines and electronic games are also available at many land-based casinos. The number and type of machines vary considerably between individual properties.

What Else Can Casino Resorts Offer?

Casino gaming is often only one element of a larger hospitality or entertainment property.

Depending on the venue, visitors may also find:

• hotel accommodation,
• restaurants and bars,
• live entertainment and shows,
• spa and wellness facilities,
• retail and shopping,
• private gaming areas, and
• conference or event facilities.

These facilities should not be assumed to exist at every Arab casino. A dedicated casino such as Casino du Liban operates differently from a casino located within a hotel or integrated resort.

Before Visiting an Arab Casino

A little preparation can be useful before travelling specifically to a casino. Rules can differ not only between countries but also between individual venues.

Check Who Is Allowed to Enter

Nationality, residency or other eligibility restrictions may apply in some jurisdictions. Egypt is an important example, as casino access and gambling are subject to restrictions affecting Egyptian nationals.

Visitors should check the rules applying to their own circumstances rather than assuming that a casino is open to everyone.

Check the Minimum Age

Minimum-age requirements are not necessarily identical throughout the Arab world. Check the current age requirement of the individual casino before visiting.

Bring Valid Identification

A passport or other accepted photographic identification may be required for entry, age verification or registration.

International visitors should check which documents the casino accepts before arriving.

Check the Dress Code

Dress codes vary. Smart or smart-casual clothing is a practical choice for many established casinos, but some venues or gaming areas may have different requirements.

The individual casino’s current policy should take priority over general advice.

Check Opening Hours

Casino floors, slot areas, table games and poker rooms do not necessarily operate during identical hours.

If a visitor is travelling specifically for poker or a particular table game, checking the current schedule in advance can prevent an unnecessary journey.

Currency and Payments

Accepted currencies and payment arrangements vary between casinos. Visitors should check the casino’s current rules regarding cash, card payments, chip purchases and cash-outs.

Check Which Games Are Available

A casino may advertise table gaming without offering every game every day. Poker rooms and higher-limit tables in particular may operate according to separate schedules.

Photography and Security

Photography may be restricted on casino floors, and visitors should follow instructions from casino staff regarding cameras, mobile phones and access to gaming areas.

Know the Local Gambling Laws

Casino laws differ considerably across Arab countries. The existence of legal casinos in Morocco or Lebanon, for example, does not mean that the same rules apply in Kuwait, Qatar or Saudi Arabia.

Land-Based vs Online Arab Casinos

The expression “Arab Casino” is also widely used online, but an international online casino is not the same thing as a land-based casino operating in an Arab country.

International online casinos may offer Arabic-language websites, Arabic customer support and games for Arabic-speaking users while being operated and licensed in another jurisdiction.

A gaming licence provides a regulatory framework for the operator, but an international licence does not automatically authorize online gambling in every country.

Players should therefore distinguish between the operator’s international licensing status and the laws applicable in their own jurisdiction.

Arab Casino FAQ

Which Arab countries have land-based casinos?

Established land-based casino venues can be found in Arab countries including Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt and Tunisia. The UAE has also introduced a federal commercial gaming framework, with Wynn Al Marjan Island under development in Ras Al Khaimah.

What games can I find at Arab Casinos?

Game selections vary, but common games include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat or Punto Banco, poker, slot machines and electronic casino games.

What is the dress code at Arab Casinos?

There is no universal dress code. Smart or smart-casual clothing is a useful general choice for many venues, but visitors should check the requirements of the individual casino.

Can tourists visit casinos in Arab countries?

International visitors can access casinos in several Arab countries, subject to the rules of the country and individual venue. Eligibility, age and identification requirements should always be checked in advance.

Can local residents play at Arab Casinos?

This depends on the country. Rules concerning citizens and residents differ significantly. Egypt, for example, has restrictions affecting Egyptian nationals, while other casino jurisdictions operate under different rules.

Do Arab Casinos have hotels?

Some do, or are located within larger hotel and resort complexes. Others operate as dedicated casino and entertainment venues. Accommodation should therefore be checked for the individual property.

Are all Arab Casinos luxury casinos?

No. Some casinos are associated with luxury hotels or resorts, but “Arab Casino” does not describe a particular level of luxury or a standard type of property.

Is there a casino in Dubai?

Dubai currently does not have a confirmed licensed conventional land-based casino. Wynn Al Marjan Island, the major licensed UAE casino development, is located in Ras Al Khaimah rather than Dubai.

Are there casinos in Kuwait or Qatar?

Kuwait and Qatar currently have no conventional legal land-based casino sectors.

How can I check a casino before visiting?

Check the current operating status, official visitor information, opening hours, entry requirements, accepted identification, dress code and game availability before travelling specifically to a casino.

Guide Through Arab Casinos – What Visitors Should Remember

A visit to an Arab Casino can mean very different things depending on the destination. Casino de Marrakech represents an established Moroccan resort-casino tradition, Casino du Liban is a major dedicated gaming and entertainment venue, Egypt is known for its hotel-casino model, and Tunisia connects casino gaming with established tourism destinations.

The UAE is now adding a different model through regulated commercial gaming and Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.

For visitors, the most useful approach is not to assume that there is one standard “Arab casino experience”. Check the country, the individual venue and its current rules before travelling. Entry requirements, games, opening hours and other conditions can all differ.

You can explore individual venues and country guides through the Arab Casino Directory and our broader overview of Arab Casinos.

18+ | Gambling laws vary by country. An international gaming licence does not automatically permit gambling in every jurisdiction. Players should check their local laws before using any of the offers listed above. Please play responsibly.