Key Moments:
- The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) plans to issue a single B2C online gaming license per emirate.
- The same one-license-per-emirate rule currently governs land-based casinos, with only Wynn holding a license in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Recent B2B licenses awarded to companies like Hub 88 Holdings Ltd and Sportradar AG signal upcoming sector growth.
Adopting a Unified Licensing Approach
The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) plans to introduce a single online gaming license system. Similarly, this approach mirrors the current land-based casino framework. Each of the seven emirates may provide a sole business-to-consumer (B2C) license for online gaming, according to information cited in a recent Vixio GamblingCompliance report.
So far, the land-based sector has followed this one-license model. Only Wynn’s US$5 billion integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah has received approval. Although speculation surrounds Abu Dhabi’s potential second license, sources suggest that several emirates may choose not to enter the casino market.
Selective Participation Expected in Online Market
The new online gaming model gives each emirate the freedom to participate or abstain. As a result, analysts expect only two or three emirates to proceed with licensing online operators. This careful rollout is seen as a forward-thinking path to regulation.
B2B Licensing Sets the Stage
Recently, the issuance of business-to-business (B2B) licenses created essential groundwork for future operator licensing. Recent recipients include iGaming platform operator Hub 88 Holdings Ltd and sports data firm Sportradar AG, highlighting the industry’s anticipated expansion.
| Type of License | Company |
|---|---|
| B2B Vendor License | Hub 88 Holdings Ltd |
| B2B Vendor License | Sportradar AG |
Focusing on Innovation and Evolving Regulation
At the SBC Summit in Lisbon, GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally outlined a vision for the UAE to lead the way in gaming technology innovation. Mullally urged suppliers to “deliver creative gaming content without being limited by regulation.” Moreover, he said game design should not rely entirely on existing laws. The regulator, he added, is ready to adapt its framework to match new and innovative gaming ideas. Mullally stated the goal is to support player protection and data integrity while enabling creativity, highlighting the desire to set a new global standard with innovation at the forefront.
Market Prospects and Forward Momentum
The UAE’s exclusive, per-emirate license allocation reflects its strategy to diversify the national economy, stimulate tourism, and maintain robust controls over gaming activities. The regulatory foundation and focus on technological advancements are expected to attract operators drawn to both unique market access and inventive growth.
Emerging as a newcomer in commercial gaming, the UAE – under the oversight of the GCGRA – is taking a distinctive approach that balances regulatory stringency with proactive encouragement of innovation in gaming technologies and services.
- Author
Daniel Williams
