Zain eSports, the gaming arm of Kuwait’s Zain Group, has teamed up with Riot Games MEA to bring official League of Legends content and tournaments to the Middle East.
This partnership will bolster the region’s quest to be at the forefront of eSports and could potentially influence Kuwait’s stance on gambling.
The collaboration started with launch parties for the new Middle Eastern League of Legends server across eight countries.
Over 2,000 gamers participated in these events, and millions more joined through social media, with gaming influencers having a field day.
Stakeholders were excited about the partnership and its potential to improve the League of Legends experience for players across the Middle East.
However, while this collaboration paves the way for a flourishing eSports scene, it also lays the foundations for a serious conversation around online gambling.
A Grey Area with Potential
Online gambling in Kuwait exists, but there is a legal grey area. Kuwaiti players can only access casino games and sports betting via platforms licensed in overseas jurisdictions.
However, Kuwait’s exciting plans for economic diversification could open the door for the creation of a formal licensing and regulatory framework to be created there.
Kuwait’s hugely ambitious Vision 2035 project has outlined plans to make the nation more competitive globally.
This could lead to more real money online casinos in Kuwait, allowing players to gamble without fear of legal consequences due to antiquated laws.
The current online gambling scene operates in a bit of a grey area, but a future guided by regulation is exciting for players and the Kuwaiti economy.
With careful planning and execution, Kuwait could unlock the golden potential of online gambling, transforming it from a risky pastime into a secure and revenue-generating industry.
Fresh Source of Revenue for a Country Eager to Diversify
Many Middle East countries are desperate to diversify their revenue sources. The reliance on energy is as shaky as oil price fluctuations and future demand remains uncertain.
Saudi Arabia successfully diversified its economy under its Vision 2030 scheme, with the non-oil sector growing from 40% to 45% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accruing notable developments in tourism, manufacturing, logistics and renewable energy.
Kuwait is lagging behind its neighbours. Over 90% of its revenue still comes from oil and gas, and it has rightly joined this drive to vary its notoriously oil-focused economy.
This creates fertile ground for discussions on modernising the legal framework around the iGaming sector. Kuwait could make billions in revenue by embracing online gambling, even in a heavily regulated setting.
The government will need to issue licenses to gambling operators and can charge them for the privilege, creating an initial revenue stream. They can also levy taxes on online gambling, which will generate ongoing income.
A regulated online gambling industry would create new jobs in areas such as game development, customer support, marketing and regulation.
How Kuwait Can Chart the Course for Online Gambling
The subject of gambling in Kuwait is a delicate one. The country operates under Islamic law and has traditionally frowned on the act.
However, the times are changing and the Middle East finds itself dancing to the tune of modernity.
With new developments brewing across the Middle East, Kuwait must be ready to open its arms to embrace gambling. Despite the societal concerns, the government can take solid steps to help chart this course responsibly.
They must frame online gambling regulation as a way to embrace technological innovation and provide a safe and controlled entertainment option for Kuwaiti citizens who choose to participate.
The government must also commit to responsible gambling practices by emphasising the need for deposit limits, self-exclusion programs and addiction awareness resources for players.
They must promote transparency in the regulatory process. This involves working with stakeholders such as consumer protection groups and mental health organisations to develop regulations.
Open communication with Kuwaiti citizens will help to build public trust in the government’s approach to online gambling.
