GCC Sports Betting Market Report

Market Overview: 

The GCC sports betting market size reached USD 2.8 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 5.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% during 2025-2033. The growing popularity of sports, the implementation of favorable government policies, and the increasing digital transformation that allow convenient access to online betting platforms thus representing some of the key factors propelling the market growth.

Sports betting is a form of gambling that includes predicting the outcomes of sporting events and placing wagers on those predictions. Individuals, known as bettors, place bets on various aspects of a game or match, such as the final score, the team or player to win, or the total number of points scored. The odds, determined by bookmakers or betting sites, reflect the probability of each outcome. It offers several sports to bet on, including football, basketball, soccer, horse racing, and cricket. The thrill and excitement of sports betting stem from the potential to win money based on one's knowledge and analysis of the sport. The growing online sports betting platforms have made it accessible to audiences. Nowadays, sports betting is gaining immense traction across the GCC region.

GCC Sports Betting Market Trends:

Technological Advancements

Online sports betting is becoming increasingly reachable and safe due to the extensive adoption of smartphones, fast internet connections, and sophisticated payment methods. The combination of live streaming, immediate statistics, and interactive betting interfaces is greatly improving the user experience, making betting platforms more captivating for the tech-savvy audience in the region. These wide-ranging technological movements are backed by specific improvements in the area's digital infrastructure and connectivity. For example, in 2024, stc Group and Huawei launched SuperLink, a 5G connectivity solution designed to enhance network efficiency in rural regions of Saudi Arabia. This innovation, functioning 200% quicker than earlier 5G models, not only minimized infrastructure size but also improved digital experiences in neglected regions. In the same way, the implementation of secure payment systems, such as cryptocurrencies, is enabling bettors to handle their finances securely and effectively. These technological innovations are enhancing the sports betting market in the GCC, making it more advanced and reachable, leading to wider acceptance throughout the region.

Investment by International Operators

International sports betting companies are progressively focusing on the GCC market because of its considerable economic prospects, along with a young and technology-oriented population that is very open to online platforms. This market offers a hopeful chance for expansion, drawing international betting firms aiming to take advantage of the area's growing market. These operators are investing significantly by establishing strategic local collaborations, sponsoring prominent sports events, and customizing their services to fit regional tastes and cultural considerations. Utilizing their vast expertise in creating advanced, innovative platforms, these international firms are improving the complexity of the local betting environment. The existence of globally acknowledged brands in the market is resulting in heightened competition and providing a wider range of betting options, enhanced odds, and superior user experiences. The arrival of international operators enhances market credibility, builds user trust, and aids in creating a more dynamic and competitive sports betting landscape in the GCC.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in the sports betting industry is transforming the way odds are determined and wagers are made, greatly improving the overall experience for gamblers. Operators are currently utilizing AI-powered algorithms to create more precise forecasts and provide tailored betting options according to personal preferences and historical behaviors. These algorithms enable improved risk management and more competitive odds, creating a more dynamic betting experience. Moreover, data analytics delivers immediate insights into betting patterns, player performance, and event changes, allowing operators to modify offerings and offer live, in-game betting opportunities. This enhances user engagement levels and promotes a more interactive betting atmosphere. Utilizing AI and analytics simplifies operations, enhancing platform effectiveness and overall user support. As tourism continues to grow, the sports betting market in the region is witnessing growth, attracting more international participants.

GCC Sports Betting Market Growth Driver:

Increased Sports Tourism and Events

The rise in tourism in the GCC is impelling the market growth by attracting international visitors who are increasingly seeking legal and regulated platforms for betting on sports during their stays. This trend of tourism-fueled market growth is powerfully exemplified by the robust visitor numbers recorded in key destinations like Dubai. In the initial six months of 2025, Dubai attracted 9.88 million overnight guests, reflecting a 6% rise compared to the equivalent timeframe in 2024. Most of these visitors originated from Western Europe (22%), South Asia (15%), and other GCC nations (15%). The arrival of international tourists introduces various betting preferences, ranging from casual sports enthusiasts to seasoned bettors, all looking for regulated, easy-to-use platforms to place their wagers. This rise in tourism not only elevates the hospitality industry but also fosters a vibrant sports betting environment, with providers improving their offerings to meet the demands of an international clientele.

Growth of E-Commerce and Digital Platforms

With an increasing number of individuals adopting online services for shopping, entertainment, and recreational activities, there is a significant shift towards digital betting platforms. This trend indicates a wider trend of digital engagement, as individuals are increasingly opting for the convenience and accessibility provided by online sports betting. This wider trend of digital engagement is clearly reflected in the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector, which provides a strong foundation for the acceptance of online transactions. For instance, in the last quarter of 2024, Saudi Arabia recorded 40,953 e-commerce businesses, reflecting a 10 percent rise from the prior year. This rise in e-commerce activity highlights a broader shift toward digital transactions, which directly facilitates the acceptance of online betting platforms. The growing presence of e-commerce companies and online services in the area creates a favorable setting for the advancement of sports betting, giving users reliable, intuitive, and readily available platforms to interact with their preferred sports and place bets effectively.

Rising Popularity of Fantasy Sports

The growing appeal of fantasy sports in the GCC is driving increased engagement and participation, as more people seek interactive and immersive betting experiences. Fantasy sports leagues, especially those centered around football and cricket, are gaining considerable traction as they provide fans an engaging and strategic method to connect with their beloved sports. These platforms enable users to form virtual teams, handle player selections, and compete using real-world statistics, offering an engaging experience. This type of online competition is creating a natural intersection with conventional sports betting, as numerous fantasy sports players wager on their teams or associated sporting events. The emergence of specialized fantasy sports applications and platforms is attracting younger, tech-oriented demographics, offering them a structured and captivating introduction to gambling. With the increasing popularity of fantasy sports, they act as a bridge to greater involvement in conventional sports betting within the area.

GCC Sports Betting Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC sports betting market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on platform, betting type, and sports type.

Platform Insights:

• Offline
• Online

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the platform. This includes offline, and online.

Betting Type Insights:

• Fixed Odds Wagering
• Exchange Betting
• Live/In-Play Betting
• Pari-Mutuel
• eSports Betting
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the betting type. This includes fixed odds wagering, exchange betting, live/in-play betting, pari-mutuel, esports betting, and others.

Sports Type Insights:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Horse Racing
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the sports type. This includes football, basketball, baseball, horse racing, cricket, hockey, and others.

Country Insights:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Latest News and Developments:

• In June 2025, Momentum, the operator of the UAE’s National Lottery, announced its plans to expand into the online casino and sports betting markets. The company posted job openings for key roles, signaling its intention to launch a regulated online gaming platform. The move follows the UAE’s 2024 introduction of gaming regulations under the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
• In March 2025, a UAE-based startup launched Hajem Sports, a sports betting app designed to align with Islamic principles. The app allows users to predict football outcomes without money involvement, offering points and digital rewards instead of financial stakes. It aims to provide the excitement of betting while avoiding gambling, which is forbidden in Islam.
• In July 2024, the UAE introduced new regulations for legal gambling, including rules for casino and lottery licenses. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) unveiled frameworks for various gaming activities, such as sports betting, slots, and online gaming. The UAE aimed to build a world-class gaming industry while ensuring social responsibility and player protection.

GCC Sports Betting Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the GCC sports betting market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the GCC sports betting market?
• What is the breakup of the GCC sports betting market on the basis of the platform?
• What is the breakup of the GCC sports betting market on the basis of betting type?
• What is the breakup of the GCC sports betting market on the basis of sports type?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the GCC sports betting market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the GCC sports betting market?
• What is the structure of the GCC sports betting market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the GCC sports betting market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC sports betting market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC sports betting market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC sports betting industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.