The Middle East has become a hotbed for online gaming over the past few years, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Their newfound interest has also sparked a betting boom across the desert, with gambling enthusiasts showing increased interest in wagering on eSports leagues and competitions.
One of the sports that gets the most attention from bettors is Formula One (F1). The series has crossed seamlessly into the gaming sector, making it the ideal vehicle for betting.
Read on as we discuss how racing games have triggered a betting boom in Arab countries.
Why the Middle East is Crazy About eSports
Many Middle Eastern countries are eager to expand their revenue stream beyond oil and gas, and online gaming is a lucrative goldmine they are tapping into.
They have already reaped the rewards, with Arab nations chosen to host online gaming competitions such as the eSports World Cup, the eSports Olympic Games and more.
Professional gaming is a rapidly growing worldwide trend. It has become incredibly lucrative, with the top participants earning staggering amounts of money.
The Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), combined with Asia, accounts for more than 56 percent of the global eSports billion-dollar market.
Saudi Arabia is one of the key players. The Kingdom has set aside a jaw-dropping $38bn to develop its gaming and eSports sector in its relentless pursuit of the top spot in the global industry.
Investing in infrastructure for hosting and broadcasting is a key part of the Saudi budget, and they are also serious about streaming platforms and production technologies.
Sports are a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which is particularly focused on economic diversification.
The Kingdom has shown its willingness to pull out all the stops to establish a thriving eSports hub, and motorsports competitions are garnering plenty of attention among gamers.
F1 is a Big Deal in the Arab Region
Motorsports have gained plenty of momentum across Arab countries. F1’s popularity in Saudi Arabia increased by 11% last year compared to the 2023 season.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also in the mix, with fan interest going up 6%. Those numbers have laid the foundations for betting to make inroads in the region.
Operators which offer sports betting in Arab countries have recognised the appetite for eSports and are expanding their offerings to cater to a new audience.
The leap towards betting on online racing events, especially F1-themed competitions, was inevitable given the popularity of motorsports in the region.
Two years ago, the MENA Gaming & eSports Summit claimed that there are over 377 million gamers across the Middle East alone, and that number has skyrocketed since.
The Middle East’s reputation as a major force in the global sports industry is down to its regulatory reforms, infrastructure development and strategic investments.
Those numbers show that racing as a franchise is thriving in the Gulf region, and if audiences are excited about F1, they are more likely to carry that interest into eSports competitions.
How F1-Related Gaming Events are Driving the eSports Industry in Arab Countries
The 2025 eSports World Cup (EWC) was hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It featured 26 events across 25 eSports titles with a whopping $71.5 million prize pool up for grabs.
Saudi Arabia is also set to host the inaugural eSports Olympic Games in Riyadh, although the line-up for the historic event has yet to be revealed.
Arab countries are sinking their teeth into the Formula One Sim Racing World Championship (F1 Sim Racing), with Qatar and the UAE participating in the eighth season, which involved official F1 teams.
Teams such as Scuderia Ferrari HP eSports were active in the championship, racing on circuits including Mexico, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The presence of Arab-region tracks in the F1 Sim Racing calendar and the official sanctioning by the governing body gives the whole structure credibility in the region.
Arab enthusiasts familiar with F1 real-world racing see the same circuits simulated, which will only increase their interest in these kinds of events.