UAE gaming unlocked, a milestone review

In recent months, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made noteworthy strides in transforming its gambling landscape, moving away from its traditionally conservative approach. With the introduction of new regulations and licences for major international operators, the UAE is set to become an important player in the global gambling market.

In September 2023, the UAE signalled its intentions to legalise gambling in the country by launching the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and bringing in experts from the U.S. gaming industry. In August 2024, the regulator revealed the country’s new licensing process. “The establishment of a formal regulatory framework, albeit still under development, will allow iGaming companies to operate with greater legal clarity and stability” explained Venera Palii, Head of Compliance at SiGMA Group.

A year later, the UAE is positioning itself to compete with neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which is ramping up its entertainment and tourism offerings under its Vision 2030 agenda. As the UAE seeks to maintain its status as a leading business and tourist hub, the integration of regulated gaming is viewed as an opportunity to attract international tourists. According to Venera Palii, “The recent developments in the UAE’s gaming market present promising perspectives, as iGaming companies now have an opportunity to explore a previously untapped market, potentially leading to increased player bases and revenues.”

Game LLC breaking grounds with lottery licence

In July 2024, the Game LLC, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Momentum, became the UAE’s first licensed lottery operator. The Game LLC, a commercial gaming operator, specialises in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content. 

The Game LLC’s CEO stated, “We are thrilled to introduce a comprehensive portfolio of lottery games that cater to diverse player interests in the UAE. Our focus is on integrity and regulatory excellence, ensuring a positive gaming experience for our players.”

Wynn Resorts’ operator licence

In October 2024, Wynn Resorts has made headlines as the first company to obtain a commercial gaming operator licence in the UAE. The Las Vegas-based hospitality titan is currently developing a luxurious integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, in Ras Al Khaimah, with plans to open by the first quarter of 2027. “The positive trajectory of high-profile projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island demonstrates investor confidence in the UAE’s gaming sector,” explained Venera Palii.

The $5.1 billion project is set to feature not only gambling but also a myriad of luxury amenities designed to attract tourists from around the globe. Wynn Resorts, alongside its partners RAK Hospitality Holding and Al Marjan Island LLC, will benefit from a favourable tax structure, with rates between 10 percent and 12 percent. The resort is well positioned to capture a significant share of the anticipated $3 to $5 billion market for integrated resorts in the UAE, with Wynn projecting that it will secure a 33 percent market share. 

Mick Auer, Wynn’s CEO, commented on the venture: “We are excited to embark on this journey and contribute to the UAE’s tourism landscape. Our vision for Wynn Al Marjan Island is to create a premier luxury destination that not only offers exceptional gaming experiences but also world-class hospitality and entertainment.”

Aristocrat’s first ever UAE supplier licence

In October 2024, Aristocrat, the Australian gaming giant, became the first company to receive a supplier licence from the General Authority for Commercial Gambling Regulation (GCGRA). “There is an evident demand for digital gaming platforms,” commented Venera Palii, adding, “iGaming companies that can provide innovative, engaging online products will find significant opportunities to capture market share”.

The licence allows Aristocrat to provide both land-based electronic gaming machines and online gaming solutions to operators authorised by the. Hector Fernandez, CEO of Aristocrat, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this ground-breaking achievement: “We are honoured to be the first large, international technology provider to be awarded a gaming-related vendor licence to serve the UAE market. Our commitment to delivering premium gaming content, while promoting responsible play, aligns perfectly with the GCGRA’s vision for a regulated gaming environment.”

Smartplay International joins the ranks with a supplier licence

Smartplay International, a prominent supplier of lottery and gaming equipment based in New Jersey, secured its own licence in October 2024. The GCGRA has granted Smartplay a supplier licence, the second one in the country, allowing it to supply advanced lottery and gaming systems to licensed operators across the UAE.

Darrell Smith, Vice President of Sales at Smartplay International, stated, “We’re honoured to have received this vendor licence, which enables us to bring our innovative solutions to the UAE. We see great opportunities in this burgeoning market and are eager to collaborate with new gaming operators approved by the GCGRA.”

MGM Resorts eyes expansion

MGM Resorts International has formally applied for a casino licence in Abu Dhabi, signalling its interest in capitalising on the UAE’s evolving regulatory landscape. During the 2024 Skift Global Forum, MGM’s CEO Bill Hornbuckle expressed optimism about the company’s prospects in the region: “We are excited about the prospects in the UAE and believe our extensive experience in similar markets will position us well. With a large expatriate population and a growing tourism sector, we see significant potential for success here.”

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