According to an official press release from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), UAE Lottery has become the first license-holder in the United Arab Emirates. The announcement, made on July 28, 2024, was a turning point in the regulator’s efforts to ensure a safe, transparent, and properly regulated gaming environment in the UAE.
Apart from granting the first lottery license to The Game LLC, the authority also disclosed its powers to regulate casino games, including slot machines, bingo, poker, table games, as well as sports betting. As the GCGRA revealed, its scope would extend to regulating both land-based and online gaming facilities. At present, The Game LLC remains the sole license holder in the UAE.
In line with GCGRA’s Responsible Gaming Framework, commercial operators will be subjected to audits at least every two years. Furthermore, they must have a “qualifying domestic entity” (QDE) in the UAE.
Established in September 2023 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority monitors commercial gaming in the UAE. A high-profile team of experts in gaming regulation, finance, law, and responsible gaming will regulate, license, and supervise gaming activities within the country.
UAE Is “the Next Frontier for Gaming”, According to CBRE Capital Advisors
Jim Murren, former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International and current Chairman of GCGRA, commented on the launch of the UAE Lottery. Apart from being a key event for the gaming industry in the UAE, it also highlighted the organization’s “commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”
Kevin Mullally, CEO of GCGRA, bringing a wealth of regulatory experience to the gaming authority, echoed the enthusiasm shared by Jim Murren. He reasserted the organization had adopted the best global practices in terms of regulatory framework and consumer protection mechanisms. Consumers will be provided with a complete range of responsible gambling tools, including betting limits and cooling-off periods, to keep their gambling activity within healthy limits. The CEO also underscored the organization’s commitment to utilizing new technologies to support the development of safe and highly engaging games with a customer-first approach.
According to estimations by CBRE Capital Advisers, the UAE is “the next frontier for gaming,” with projections of $8.5 billion in gaming revenue. UAE’s first casino, a $3.9 billion resort, is set to open in early 2027.
While the GCGRA framework bans conducting and facilitating commercial gaming activities without a license, engaging as a consumer with unlicensed operators is also punishable by law and could entail severe penalties. Players must stay informed of game odds, and the risks involved, and set their limits on time and money spent on gaming. Cooling-off periods and self-exclusion options will also be available.
