A brief history of online Arabic casinos

  (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

Online casinos have boomed all over the world over the last few years. Thanks to advancing technology and more people seeking entertainment at home, the industry is riding a wave like very few others. And the Arabic-speaking world is no exception to this phenomenon.

That might come as a surprise to some, but dig a little deeper and there’s lots to discover about Arabic casinos. But just how has that sector continued to develop, what challenges does it face and how does it fit into the larger gaming world as a whole?

Early days of online gaming

Before getting too specific about the Arabic-speaking world, we first need to understand when the online gaming boom began. The very first online casino emerged in the mid-1990s, at a time when the internet was becoming more prevalent in everyday life. This huge change in technology brought classic casino games into players’ homes for the first time.

As the 90s gave way to the 2000s, online casinos became far more sophisticated. Now armed with even more advanced software and secure payment methods, the rise continued.

The rise of online casinos

Internet use in the Middle East and North Africa exploded in the early 2000s. This boom brought the world of online gaming but online casinos have found the Arab market a tough nut to crack, as many countries have an outright ban on gambling of any kind.

Online casinos’ place in the entertainment world is a delicate subject, considering the cultural, legal and religious factors involved. To this day, strict regulations govern brick-and-mortar casinos in the few places where they are allowed to operate.

Despite those challenges, the demand for online entertainment continued to grow. Arab players looked for alternatives and that led to the growth of online casinos that were sensitive to the cultural norms of the region. Many of these casinos can be found on sites such as Habibibet. Suddenly, platforms were available in the Arabic language and offered local currency options to play. The barriers had been broken down.

Cultural adaptation

There would be no online casino industry in the Arab world if the sector hadn’t adapted. Operators had to consider the cultural and religious values in the region or they simply wouldn’t succeed. Players want games with a local flavor, so many developers began using Arabic language options and catered to region-specific payment methods.

In addition, the marketing strategies of these platforms were also tailored to resonate with Arab players. This included advertising in local languages, highlighting features like privacy and security, and promoting responsible gaming practices. The aim was to create a sense of trust and community around online gaming, ensuring that players felt comfortable participating in a safe, culturally respectful environment.

The role of technology

Online casinos became a much more interesting endeavor with significant advancements in technology. Mobile technology, in particular, has been at the forefront of online gaming, with many people playing on the go. Mobile technology ran particularly rampant in the Arab world and thanks to that, mobile gaming progressed as well.

But mobile technology alone wasn’t enough. Secure payment systems, including e-wallets and more recently cryptocurrency have become the norm in the industry. This has proved vital in letting players enjoy online casinos with a greater degree of anonymity and security of their financial details.

Still, with these tech advancements, nobody would be signing up to play if the games were boring. These days, most online casinos have features from classic video games to keep them entertaining. Players might complete levels while on the slots, or beat a series of opponents in poker, giving a fresh twist to what could otherwise be repetitive games.

Legal challenges

The rise of online casinos in the Arab world is all the more remarkable, considering the taboos around the industry. Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa expressly forbid activities related to traditional casinos. Betting of any kind is banned in Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest nations in the region, but not every country is quite that strict.

But that hasn’t stopped players in the Arab world from gaming. Players can still access international casinos that don’t have a physical presence in the region for their entertainment. Many players use VPNs to sidestep any geo-blocked sites. But players should remember to follow local laws and regulations at all times.

The future of online Arabic casinos

The future of online Arabic casinos will continue to be shaped by many factors. Technology, regulations and changing social attitudes are likely to have the biggest effect. 

Many parts of the world have grown to accept regulated online casinos, where betting had previously been frowned upon or banned outright. Governments have recognized the opportunities for economic growth in the sector, and it’s conceivable that over time, many Arab countries will revisit their own laws. This could create a well-regulated and secure online gaming industry that will allow players to expand their entertainment options.

Should that happen, technology is ready to lead the way and redefine the sector. The next big transformation in the sector looks like it will come from virtual and augmented realities. VR takes a player to the casino floor, while AR brings elements from a casino into a player’s home – it doesn’t get much more immersive than that without leaving the house.

Many casinos now accept cryptocurrency and that is going to become more of a norm in the future. The blockchain technology that underpins digital currencies is one of the most secure around, offering greater safety for players and operators.

The story of online Arabic casinos is one of innovation, adaptation and overcoming obstacles. An industry still in many ways in its infancy is growing to become one of the key areas of the online gaming world. Challenges remain for the industry but there is no doubt it will adapt where it needs to. If player’s voices are heard, then the gaming sector in the Arab world will surely develop strongly in the years to come.

This article was written in cooperation with Atlas