MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle has confirmed that the Vegas-based company is seeking a casino license in Abu Dhabi.

At a recent Skift Global Forum, Hornbuckle stated, “Yes, we have applied. We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi,” before expressing optimism about obtaining the license. Hornbuckle then explained that the federal government would have the final say, as each emirate would cast a vote to grant or deny casino operations.

MGM owns and operates 31 properties globally, including resorts in the USA, China, and Macau. They are also building a non-gaming resort in Dubai featuring three hotel towers and over 1,500 rooms. The resort is reported to mirror their properties in Vegas, such as the MGM Grand and the Bellagio.

MGM also confirmed a Dubai Sphere at the Global Forum, which will rival the new Las Vegas Sphere, which has already gained global recognition in its short existence.

After a 2006 non-gaming project failed to materialize, the company veered away from Abu Dhabi. Hornbuckle now says that MGM will not venture into Abu Dhabi without a casino license: “That’s the business MGM is in.”

Are Offshore Casinos Safe?

Yes, offshore casinos are generally safe, whether in person or online. In-person, each casino typically has a security team that ensures patrons are safe when coming to and from the casino. However, sometimes criminals outsmart security, and casinos are known locations for some sketchy characters.

With offshore online casinos, you must ensure the site you are playing is legit. The best way to determine if a site is safe and fair to play is to check online reviews, verify the site is licensed, and verify that the community trusts the jurisdiction. Some of the biggest names in the game, like MGM and Caesars, also have offshore licensing for their properties.

Is Gambling Legal In Abu Dhabi?

No, gambling, either in person or online, is illegal and punishable by up to 2 years in prison in Abu Dhabi. There are currently no casinos in operation, but MGM hopes to change that, having recently applied for a casino license.

The MGM is currently working on its most ambitious Dubai project, which will host numerous hotel towers, a sphere, dining, and shopping. However, there are no plans for a casino at the Dubai location. Those plans would likely change if the company is granted the casino license they recently applied for.

Are Online Casinos Legal In The U.S.?

In the United States, there are no federal gambling laws that make online casino gambling illegal. Individual states have the power to enact their rules, but many states have failed to pass legislation concerning online ventures. U.S. gambling states include all continental states, D.C., Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico to various degrees.

Singapore authorities have taken a step forward in fighting money laundering schemes by banning cryptocurrencies at in-person or online casinos.

Money laundering has long been associated with offshore casino gambling, but only recently has it been linked to crypto schemes. Singapore has banned digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptos from being accepted at their licensed casinos to add legitimacy to their online and in-person gambling services.

Betting with Bitcoin has grown in popularity over the last several years due to its convenience and fast processing times. Many players today seek online casinos that accept crypto for the bigger bonus rewards, instant transfers, and the additional security it provides by bypassing traditional banking methods.

Minister of State Sun Xueling told media sources that the changes were made to modernize the gambling industry. Xueling also stated that “The Gambling Regulatory Authority has no intention of allowing cryptocurrency to be used as chips for casino gambling as this presents money laundering risks.”

Can I Bet Online With Cryptocurrency?

Many trusted offshore betting sites will accept cryptocurrency, and several countries have even included digital assets in their in-person game rooms. For most players, crypto is a way to bypass currency exchange services and a faster way to fund an account or withdraw winnings.

For most online casinos that deal in the US dollar (USD), digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and various altcoins are all converted to USD and added to the account holder’s bankroll. Players who deposit in crypto can also elect to receive their winnings in crypto.

Crypto Gambling Websites That Don’t Require ID

Be wary of casinos and sportsbooks that don’t require ID, these sites are often not licensed or regulated. Offshore betting sites such as Bovada and BetOnline allow players to sign up and bet without providing ID but require identification before withdrawing their winnings. Identification upon withdrawal is a normal process and is how most online casinos operate.

You should always read a site’s terms and conditions before signing up to avoid confusion. Most online gambling sites will accept anyone over the age of eighteen who hasn’t previously excluded themselves. Self-exclusion is another process many legitimate sites utilize for those players battling an addiction.

Bovada, the online casino and sportsbook, has announced that it will no longer accept new accounts from Michigan, Connecticut, Colorado, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia.

Bovada only recently excluded Michigan, Colorado, and Connecticut; the other states were already on the not-accepted list. This announcement comes after several states sent the trusted offshore site a cease-and-desist letter after claiming a loss of revenue for their state-licensed sportsbooks.

While Bovada could fight for access to those players, it would be easier for the site outside the US to comply instead of facing a lengthy court battle. In the past, other states have also sent letters for operators to quit accepting their client pool. States like Nevada, New Jersey, and New York were among the first to fight to retain their player pool.

Bovada has been operating legally online since 2011 when it was spurred from Bodog to target US players. Today, Bovada is still one of the most trusted online casinos available to US players and a major provider for many Americans who don’t live in states that authorize online casinos and sports betting.

Online Gambling Options For Bovada Banned States

Despite Bovada backtracking and accepting fewer players today than when they first launched, there are still plenty of legitimate offshore gambling options for all 50 states. The US States that allow offshore betting are still the majority, as Bovada is only one of several legitimate operators.

Other lesser-known casino and sportsbook operators like BetOnline, BetUS, and MyBookie have slipped under the radar and can still service Bovada-restricted states. Since there are no gambling laws that specifically make online gambling illegal, it is left for each state to decide what their residents can access online. To our knowledge, no state has passed a law banning online gambling from offshore sites. For now, only a few states are sending cease and desist letters to try to retain some players who have grown accustomed to offshore services.

Will My Bovada Account Get Locked If They Stop Accepting Players From My State?

No, Bovada will let you keep your online account and withdraw funds if you live in a recently banned state. However, you will likely not be allowed to further participate in the games found online as the site is geofenced.