UAE Sports Betting App Has Juice, but No Squeeze

• Betting app doesn’t require real money be put on the line
• Wagering is prohibited by Islam

It’s been said that “life is more fun with skin in the game.” In fact, that was a tagline in a DraftKings commercial. A “betting” company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is trying to find a workaround.

Under Islam, wagering, among other indulgences, is prohibited, but Hajem Sports has a way for bettors to “wager” on football (soccer) matches in a way that’s Halal compliant. Founder Zaid Abu Soud started the mobile application in January and rather than requiring bettors to front cash, Hajem Sports provides customers with daily credits that can be used for wagers. Winning bets are paid in points that can used to purchase avatar skins on the app.

The free-to-play prediction model has been deployed in the US, usually in states that don’t allow a sports avenue or by gaming companies and teams looking to provide gentler avenues for novice bettors to get into the game and potentially transition to traditional sports wagering. Those games typically don’t feature cash prizes — a model embraced by Hajem Sports. The UAE app also looks to tap into the social side of wagering.

Earn bragging rights as you rack up accurate predictions. Compete in friendly challenges with your team or other fans, and climb the leaderboards to prove you’re the best sports predictor out there,” according to a description of the app on the Google Play store.

Abu Soud told The National that Hajem Sports provides customers with the positive emotional component associated with winning a sports bet without the negativity that comes with losing money.

UAE Taking Liberalized View on Betting

As a result of Islam forbidding wagering for money, finding legal, regulated gaming options in the Arab world has long been impossible, but that’s starting to change and the UAE is the birthplace of that liberalization.

The UAE is taking a pragmatic approach to gaming expansion as it’s widely expected that Wynn Al Marjan will be the only venue of its kind there for years before a competing property is approved.

The country also has a national lottery that follows the traditional model of players buying tickets in hopes of winning significant cash prizes. It rolled out last November.

‘Gambling Without the Sin’

For his part, Abu Soud views his app as an avenue for “gambling without the sin,” indicating that his aim isn’t to flout Islam, but rather to give Arab and Muslim customers a chance to participate in an activity that’s legal in much of the West without risking violations of their faith.

Hajem Sports is hoping to add basketball, combat sports, and eSports to its menu of “wagering” options.