UAE gambling website Dream Island announces closure
Two online gambling platforms — TrueWin and Dream Island — have been operating in the United Arab Emirates despite the absence of any legal framework for online gambling.
But the situation took a new turn this week, with Dream Island announcing it will shut down on December 10 and directing players to join TrueWin instead, with no reason given to customers.
Both sites currently offer online casino games, including live-dealer tables, roulette, online poker and online slots, as well as a sportsbook with football, cricket, tennis and basketball markets.
Their continued activity has raised eyebrows within the industry, as the UAE has never legalised online wagering and the country’s new regulator has not approved such products.
Domain records show TrueWin was registered in March 2023, while Dream Island has been active since 2020 — both predating the launch of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) last year. Neither platform displays licensing information and the GCGRA has not issued any public confirmation of approvals for online gambling.
For now, the UAE’s only authorised gambling product is the national lottery, leaving online casinos and sports betting in a regulatory grey zone. Industry observers say the emergence — and now consolidation — of unregulated operators highlights mounting commercial interest ahead of any potential licensing regime.
With Dream Island disappearing and players being pushed to TrueWin, pressure is likely to grow on the GCGRA to clarify its stance as global operators continue to eye the UAE market.
UAE lawmakers have indicated a willingness to bend on their traditional tough stance on real money gambling, with the country in the throes of building their first integrated casino-resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island.
