GCGRA Issues First Lottery Licence in the United Arab Emirates
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has issued the first lottery licence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The licence has been granted to The Game LLC, a commercial entity set to launch the UAE Lottery brand in the market.
The GCGRA officially announced on its website the issuance of the UAE’s first-ever lottery licence. The licence was awarded to The Game LLC, a well-known game developer. The issuance of the gambling licence is considered notable given the widespread prohibition of gambling throughout the Arab world.
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“Significant Step Forward”
Issuing this initial licence marks a significant step forward for the GCGRA as it works towards establishing a regulated commercial gaming market in the UAE. According to the regulator, The Game LLC, under the UAE Lottery brand, will be the first operator to enter the UAE’s gaming market. UAE Lottery is set to offer a variety of lottery games and other forms of gaming designed to cater to the diverse interests and financial preferences of players. Jim Murren, Chairman of the GCGRA, commented on this milestone and labelled it is a “pivotal event”. CEO Kevin Mullally also shared his thoughts in the press release:
“The GCGRA is unwavering in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE, including lottery games. Additionally, we equip consumers with a robust set of tools to oversee and control their gaming activities. Furthermore, we are embracing cutting-edge technologies to foster the development of safe, engaging games and to encourage innovation centred around the overall consumer experience.”
Kevin Mullally, CEO GCGRA
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Middle East Slowly Embracing Gambling
As the first step in legalising gambling in the United Arab Emirates, the GCGRA was established in September 2023. The GCGRA was created to oversee gambling activities, providing the country with the opportunity to introduce a national lottery and commercial gaming offerings.
At the time of its announcement, it was also revealed that Jim Murren was appointed as the chairman of the organisation. Murren previously served as the CEO of MGM Resorts International, a position he left at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, the first integrated resort in the Middle East is expected to open by early 2027. The Wynn Al Marjan Island project, with a total cost of $3.9 billion (NZ$ 6,56 billion), will be Wynn Resorts’ new casino resort. Land based casinos in this Arabic region are rare due to the Islamic prohibition on gambling.
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