The 2026 World Cup may change attitudes to betting in the Middle East

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could be the catalyst for a broader change in attitudes towards betting in the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already established a regulatory organisation to oversee the gambling industry, a move that may force other nations to reconsider their stance.

Millions of Arab citizens regularly keep abreast of the latest football news from the world’s top leagues and also in their own region.

Given that betting is an integral part of the worldwide football ecosystem, conversations around gambling in the Middle East are inevitably on the rise.

A region united by football

Football is one of the most popular sports in Arab society. Domestic competitions such as the Saudi Pro League (SPL) are gaining wider recognition while European football garners massive audiences.

The performances of nations such as Morocco have boosted football’s profile in the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

They reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and have progressed to the knockout stage at the latest edition in North America.

Saudi Arabia also made their mark four years ago by defeating eventual champions Argentina in one of the greatest-ever upsets in international football.

Their exploits not only increased interest in the sport but also triggered more demand in the region for second-screen experiences such as football betting.

The global betting boom continues apace

While many Arab nations have traditionally frowned upon gambling, millions of fans in the region regularly engage with betting-related content.

Premier League broadcasts feature gambling sponsors while social media is filled with prediction videos, statistical analysis and other betting information.

International broadcasters and media outlets promote betting to keep fans engaged with the sport, especially in regulated markets such as Europe and North America.

Modern betting has driven investment in football analytics. Many fans have turned to statistical platforms to predict results or make their fantasy football picks.

At the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America this summer, this analytical approach will gain even more popularity with Arabic audiences.

Regulation rather than prohibition is the way forward

While most Arab nations are vehemently against gambling, the UAE has realised that blanket bans are ultimately counter-productive.

The country’s first regulated iGaming platform recently went live, while the first-ever integrated resort with a casino is set to open its gates in 2027.

The 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly spark new conversations about regulation for countries that maintain strict stances on gambling.

Governments across the region will note that internationally registered betting platforms are diverting their tax revenues elsewhere and will decide to regulate gaming.

Saudi Arabia could be the first to follow in the UAE’s footsteps, given that they have been chosen to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Technology will help to change the landscape

Technology is the biggest driver of the global betting boom. Smartphones ensure that people can stay connected 24/7/365.

Sports betting operators have changed how they operate to capitalise on this trend. Many of them have become entertainment applications that offer live statistics, match trackers and other features.

The same technology also powers fantasy sports, professional gaming, prediction markets and more, creating an ecosystem where engagement is king.

Given that many nations in the Middle East boast world-class technological infrastructure, it seems unthinkable that gambling will continue to remain a taboo subject there.

The UAE has demonstrated that tightly controlled regulation can deliver the desired results, and other countries may ultimately follow their lead.