From Resorts to Smartphones: The Gambling Evolution among Arab Players

Historically, different types of recreational activities, some involving elements of chance—appeared in various parts of the Arab world. In certain historical contexts, these activities served as forms of entertainment and social interaction among specific groups. Over the years, this exciting activity has undergone significant changes. Although today gambling is officially prohibited in the Arab region, there are online sites available to players around the world. For example, you can choose one of the recommended Arab-friendly casinos by Casinosarabi.com and enjoy playing slots, live games (poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack), and more. On Casnosarabi site, you can choose a reliable casino for betting and read helpful guides and industry news.

Below, we will talk about the evolution and prospects for developing the gambling industry in the Arab world.

The Origins of Gambling in the Arab World

The first gambling games appeared in Ancient Arabia. They were based on chance, risk and predictions. At that time, various forms of entertainment emerged that were closely linked to cultural traditions and local customs.

The influence of neighbouring cultures significantly enriched Arab gambling, introducing new elements and rules. This cultural exchange resulted in the development of various forms of recreational games, including some involving chance, each with its own unique rules reflecting the values ​​and beliefs inherent in society.

The evolution of gambling coincided with the rapid development of trade activities. Travelling to different cities and countries, traders brought not only goods but also new games from afar. This made it possible to diversify local entertainment and contributed to the creation of a system of informal bets.

At that time, gambling and folklore were closely intertwined. Over time, certain games took on a more prominent role within the daily activities of particular communities.

Overall, the development of early games involving chance was influenced by social, commercial, and cultural factors of the time. This laid the foundation for the development of the multi-million dollar iGaming industry that you see today.

Transition to Modern Venues

Over time, traditional gambling in the Arab region has evolved into vibrant activities that attract a wider audience. This transformation is indicative of changing social norms and cultural shifts in various areas of society.

Initially, gambling venues were local gatherings. They strengthened community bonds as people found joy in playing and socializing with each other.

As the gambling industry evolved, so did the venues where these activities occurred. The rise of modern venues marked a departure from past practices, offering improved experiences and unique gaming experiences. First and foremost, resorts have become the primary venues for the development of gambling in the Arab region. They catered to visitors' preferences, offering various gambling activities, from backgammon and card games to colorful slot machines. This transition signifies a broader cultural integration, combining traditional elements of the Arab region with modern aspects of the gambling world.

Development of virtual gambling in the world and the Arab region

As you already understand, the development of gambling in the Middle East is closely connected with the international online gambling industry. We decided to highlight the key stages in the development of the global iGaming industry, which made a real revolution in the gaming Arab world:

• 1994. In the mid-90s, the first virtual gambling platform, InterCasino, appeared on the Internet. It allowed players to play gambling games online and place bets for real money.
• 1996. Two years later, Playtech entered the market, allowing users to play online roulette for money. It took several years for the whole world to learn about the Playtech provider.
• 1997. Soon, the first slots appeared. These colorful games quickly overtook classic roulette in popularity. At first, the slots' design repeated the gameplay and mechanics of «one-armed bandits» in land-based casinos. But hundreds of new slots with interesting themes or unusual designs began to appear over time.
• In the 2000s, virtual gambling platforms gained immense popularity worldwide, including in the Arab region. Many casinos appeared at that time, each seeking to offer the maximum amount of gambling entertainment, convenient payment methods, and first-class service.
• 2010s. With the development of digitalization, online casinos began to offer their users mobile versions of their sites and branded applications. They allow you to enjoy gambling at any time on any device.
• 2015. The beginning of legal regulation of the gaming industry. At that time, the first jurisdictions appeared worldwide, and they began to provide licenses for online casinos and control their activities. No law prohibits online casino playing in the UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Algeria, and other countries. Most gamblers from these countries gamble through applications and VPN services.
• 2020s: Introducing Innovative Technologies. Thanks to new technologies such as virtual reality (VR), AI, and blockchain, online gambling has become one of the world's most profitable and fastest-growing industries.

Today, online gambling is a thriving, billion-dollar industry that is getting better and more popular every year.

What do modern online casinos offer Arab gamblers?

Top gambling platforms offer Arab gamblers safe gambling and vast gaming opportunities. Here are some of them:

All slot machines offered by top gambling platforms to Arab gamblers are certified and operate on a random number generator. This ensures that no one can change the results of the games and victory depends solely on the player's luck.