Gambling laws around the world are becoming increasingly liberal, and more and more countries are choosing to license their markets in order to regulate them. This creates international influence, as countries tend to impact one another. Seeing that this upswing also will demonstrate a positive effect in terms of taxes, this new, more liberal legislation, is likely to be kept in place further on. Unlike in the past – when gambling markets were generally more restrictive, state-controlled, or even entirely banned – there are now several reasons and advantages driving this shift toward a more liberal approach globally.

Licensing systems are introduced so that governments can regulate the gambling industry, tax gambling companies, and offer stronger consumer protection that promotes responsible gambling. Licensing systems often show positive results in terms of both player protection and revenue – so what does the situation look like in Kuwait, and why is it somewhat difficult to understand?

An active but unofficial gambling market

One of the fundamental reasons why the gambling industry is expected to grow from around 161 billion USD in 2024 to 221 billion USD by 2030, is primarily because of the liberal laws around the world, according to Business Wire. Licensing systems are being implemented around Europe and Asia, not the least the United Arab Emirates, which is something that players in Kuwait benefit from where the online casino scene is fast growing.

The global gambling market, which includes betting and casino games such as slots and blackjack has a value of $160 billion, but is expected to increase in value by $60 billion in just a few years. The main reason behind this estimate is a wider accessibility to stable and fast internet connections and devices that are needed to play casino games online, such as more advanced smartphones, tablets, or laptops. More online casinos are also offering easier payment systems, straight from one’s cell phone – which is in the line of the growing trend of mobile payments.

A gambling dilemma

It is not just the technological advancements that are behind the casino industries blossoming, but a more liberal approach to gambling in general. Across the globe, more countries are adapting a more liberal view of gambling, making it possible for the gaming industry to flourish. However, the gambling market in Kuwait is growing under the radar. Despite the fact that gambling is technically prohibited by law in the country, there is a large and growing interest in it. This contradiction makes the market slightly difficult to understand.

As a consumer, you still have access to international casinos, and you can keep up with the latest gambling developments in nearby countries and cities, such as Dubai, which is one out of seven emirates of the UAE, United Arab Emirates. Like in many other countries, there are loopholes for those who like online gambling – particularly casino games and other forms of betting. In essence, the gambling market in Kuwait is active yet unofficial. It operates in the shadows of legal barriers, where rising public demand cannot be met by any clear regulatory framework. At the same time, access to foreign platforms remains just a few clicks away thanks to the nature of the internet, digitalization, VPNs, cryptocurrencies.

Developments in gambling

So, what are the latest gambling updates in the region? Gambling has been seen as controversial throughout the Middle East, but as more countries introduce effective licensing systems, more countries are beginning to see the positive aspects of it. As mentioned earlier, one can take a closer look at the developments in the neighboring countries, with the situation regarding gambling in the UAE currently undergoing change.

A couple of years back, the UAE initiated a government issued licensing system, which allows qualified casino operators to provide the country with lotteries, wagering and other forms of gambling. For example, the luxurious gaming resort Ras Al Khaimah situated on the Wynn Al Marjan Island, is planned to open by 2027 and will mark the first-ever casino resort in the UAE. It will be located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and will house a main casino of over 20,000 square meters, which will also make it the largest gaming area in the Middle East.

Important factors when choosing online casino

Although online casinos are not provided in Kuwait, residents can still gamble. Like everyone else, these consumers still need to look for the same key factors that are important when choosing an online casino – which is something that is covered in more detail in this section. Below, you can therefore read more about some crucial factors to consider in order to maintain responsible gambling habits while also staying informed about the operator you are playing with, to avoid scams or other complications.

From responsible gambling to secure payment options

As previously mentioned, Kuwait does technically not allow gambling. Unfortunately, no regulation means there is no consumer protection. This results in the absence of a framework for responsible gambling, fair play, and dispute resolution. Therefore, it is especially important to be careful when choosing which online casino to play at.

Here are some factors to take into consideration:

Choose a regulated platform. Since gambling sites don't always hold local licenses, it's important to look for online casinos with licenses issued by trusted authorities that ensure rules are followed to protect players. Also, set a pre-determined budget to help keep track of your gambling habits, something that becomes even more important if you can’t rely on a licensed operation. It is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with gambling, such as addiction, which is why you must understand the terms and conditions to keep track of deposit requirements and potential restrictions.

Healthy gambling should be for entertainment purposes only, not as a way of making money. If you notice that someone close to you is suffering from their gambling in any way, or that it is affecting their work or social life, it should be taken very seriously. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to stay in control of your gambling – setting a budget is one of many important steps towards that.

It is also a good idea to check which payment options are offered to ensure they are both secure and reliable. Fortunately, in most cases, you no longer need to provide sensitive card details, as you can often pay with e-wallets like PayPal. It might also be useful to check the game selection, which means ensuring the games have certified fairness, meaning they have been tested by independent organizations. Lastly, keep an eye on local laws to avoid engaging in any activity that may be illegal.