Several Middle East nations have started to embrace technology-driven modern trends in recent times, some of which have been hugely surprising.
For example, GGPoker’s recently link-up with Lebanon’s Casino Du Liban marked a seismic shift in attitudes towards the gambling industry.
By contrast, Kuwait’s strict stance on gambling remains firmly intact and leaves the nation in danger of being left trailing by their neighbours.
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Gambling in the Middle East
Gambling in the Middle East has always been a delicate topic, especially in Kuwait, where religious and cultural beliefs strongly oppose the practice.
However, while the country’s rulers have vehemently refused to shift their stance on the subject, online iGaming platforms have exploited a loophole that Arab players have willingly exploited.
They can play online poker in Kuwait, but it is only accessible to local residents through platforms which are licensed and regulated in other jurisdictions.
Other casino games are also available in Kuwait, but the country does not benefit from the tax revenues they could generate if they had a regulatory infrastructure in place.
By contrast, several of Kuwait’s neighbours have been laying the foundations for gambling to operate without restriction within their borders.
For example, the United Arab Emirtaes recently awarded its first lottery licence, while GGPoker’s move into Lebanon is a landmark development in the region.
GGPoker-PokerArabia Partnership Could be a Game-Changer
PokerArabia can now offer players a unique opportunity to engage the World Series of Poker (WSOP), paving the way for them to venture into the larger international community.
Lebanon’s potential to host a live WSOP event is also an exciting prospect for the country. Thiswould not only elevate Lebanon’s prestige in poker but also generate considerable economic rewards through tourism and associated expenditures.
The event would attract poker aficionados from around the world, and the result could be a massive boost to Lebanon’s reputation as a premier destination for high-stakes gaming.
Despite the sizeable list of benefits on offer, Kuwait remains resistant to gambling. The country’s rigid laws threaten to leave it isolated in the face of a growing and profitable regional market.
Several Middle East countries have begun experimenting with regulated gambling, but Kuwait’s refusal to tweak its policy means the country risks missing out on huge economic opportunities.
The nation’s refusal to adapt its stance on gambling could also hinder its ability to compete in the wider entertainment and tourism sectors.
Kuwait Facing a Slippery Slope Thanks to its Stubbornness
Kuwait’s stance against gambling is a cornerstone of its social structure. It has helped maintain traditional values and prevent social problems often associated with excessive gambling.
However, the region’s changing landscape is making this position increasingly difficult to sustain.
Countries such as Lebanon and the UAE are not only legalising gambling but also integrating it into their economic plans. They are attracting tourists and generating revenue from gambling activities.
Kuwait’s stance means missing out on billions of dollars in potential revenue, not just from tourists but also from residents who participate in online gambling through foreign platforms.
Lebanon’s move to transition PokerArabia’s players to GGPoker gives players access to one of the world’s most respected online poker platforms.
It also offers themthe opportunity to participate in global events such as the WSOP. This type of exposure increases Lebanon’s attractiveness as a gambling destination.
If Kuwait continues to resist any form of gambling, it risks creating a vacuum whereresidents and tourists turn to neighbouring countries for such experiences.
Kuwait’s Entertainment City Project Needs a Gambling Element
Kuwait has initiated a new Entertainment City project to boost tourism, diversify its economyand build a reputation as a premier destination for leisure.
Given the significant investment being pumped into the project, it is obvious Kuwait wants to establish a world-class entertainment hub.
The project is gaining momentum and while it would undoubtedly draw visitors from around the world, Kuwait could potentially triple their anticipated revenue if they include a gambling element.
The country has traditionally distanced itself from such ventures, but it would be a highly lucrative addition that could strengthen the nation’s appeal at home and abroad.
Despite the huge stigma and disdain associated with gambling across the Middle East, it has proven to be a powerful economic driver in many countries.
Casinos and other gambling ventures have the power to attract a larger number of tourists, which generates even more revenue for the country.
Kuwait’s strict laws against gambling set it apart from the UAE and Lebanon, and critics of such activities often raise concerns about its potential negative social consequences.
However, the UAE and Lebanon are proof that such concerns can be mitigated through effective regulation without stepping on long-standing cultural traditions.
Including gambling in the Entertainment City project would do wonders for the country’s economy by creating more jobs and stimulating local businesses.
