Residents of the United Arab Emirates Aren't Keen on Legalized Casinos.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, through its newly formed General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), is anticipated to review the legality of casino resorts this year. However, the general public appears unenthusiastic about the prospect.
Recently, "Dubai Casinos," a media outlet focusing on the potential liberalization of gambling, conducted a survey that revealed apathy towards casinos.
From 3,000 respondents, the survey discovered that merely 29% were in favor of casinos being introduced to the country. Over 42% expressed opposition to the prospect of introducing casinos and their associated discussions.
Majority of participants demonstrated disapproval towards the idea of legalized casinos in Dubai, citing worries about potential clashes between Emirati culture and the gambling scenario, researchers mentioned.
The GCGRA, led by former MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, has proposed permitting four casinos to be constructed either within or around Dubai.
In case gambling is legalized, the odds favor Wynn Resorts as the initial licensed operator. Wynn is set to begin construction on a $4 billion resort on Al Marjan Island, about 30 miles north of Dubai in the Persian Gulf.
Wynn is a minority investor in the project, primarily funded by local entities Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding. Al Marjan Island is a coral-shaped group of artificial islands in Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
Gambling Still Halted
Gambling is currently illegal in Dubai and the entire UAE, as it has been since the nation achieved independence from the UK in 1971.
One of the wealthiest countries on earth, the UAE's residents aim to maintain its status. Some people think casinos would steal money from the public.
Gambling also goes against Islam, the UAE's official religion. Islam considers intoxicants, gambling, idolatry, and divination as Satan's creations. "Intoxicants, gambling, idolatry, and divination are abominations of Satan's doing. Avoid them, so that you get prosperity," reads Chapter 5 of the Quran. "Satan wants to incite dissension and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to prevent you from remembering God and praying. Why don't you desist?"
Nearly 50% of the survey participants believed casinos would result in gambling addiction, and almost 40% thought casinos would undermine local culture.
Out of the 3,000 individuals polled, 60% resided in Dubai, and 78% were Emiratis. Dubai Casinos distributed the questionnaire to over 10K UAE residents. But several potential respondents declined to participate out of fear of expressing their opinions publicly.
Opinions in Favor
Despite the minority support for legalizing casinos, the study indicated that a majority believed that casinos could have a positive impact on the local economy.
Nearly 60% agreed that casinos could boost tourism and provide new tax revenue for public programs. 30% of those surveyed recommended that only foreigners be authorized to gamble at UAE casinos.
Approximately four in 10 respondents suggested that if the government pursued casinos, it ought to engage in a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers associated with slot machines and table games.
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