Aristocrat has announced that it has become the first international gambling company to be awarded a gaming-related vendor license by the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

The GCGRA oversees all commercial gaming activities in the UAE and is responsible for issuing licenses to overseas gambling companies ahead of the establishment of a fully regulated gambling market for both online and land-based activities.

The license allows Aristocrat to provide land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online games and technology solutions to commercial gaming operators licensed by the GCGRA.

Aristocrat will operate under the ‘Gaming Related Vendor License’ category.

In a statement announcing the license approval, Hector Fernandez, CEO, Gaming for Aristocrat said:

“We are honored to be the first large, international technology provider to be awarded a gaming-related vendor license to serve the UAE market. At Aristocrat, our vision is to deliver the best seat in the house wherever, and whenever the world plays. We look forward to doing so by providing premium content for players in the UAE while simultaneously encouraging responsible gameplay.”

UAE Legalizes Commercial Gambling

In 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), a new regulatory body tasked with overseeing all forms of commercial gaming.

Gaming was initially illegal in the UAE due to religious principles that prohibit such practices. This ban includes activities like card games, slot machines, roulette, and online casinos. The UAE Penal Code stipulates penalties ranging from fines up to AED 20,000 (approximately $5,445) to imprisonment for up to two years. Organizing gaming activities carries a more severe penalty of up to ten years in prison.

The GCGRA was established to create a “socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment,” according to WAM, the UAE’s state-run news agency. The authority includes a diverse group of lawmakers, including some from the United States, and aims to ensure that all gaming activities follow stringent guidelines and adhere to the highest standards of compliance.

The UAE’s legalization of gaming is expected to positively impact tourism, which currently accounts for about 9% of the country’s GDP. Legalized gaming will be allowed in specific areas, such as designated zones within hotels or on cruise ships, to attract tourists while maintaining regulatory control.

Before the GCGRA’s formation, several international gaming companies had already begun collaborating with the UAE government. This included, Wynn Resorts, which signed an agreement to build a hotel in the UAE that may include a dedicated gaming area.

First License Awarded

In July, the GCGRA issued its first lottery license and unveiled comprehensive casino and gambling regulations, positioning itself as the first Gulf state to permit legalized gaming.

Notably, the application form for a gaming license offers applicants the option to select any of the seven emirates, indicating that legalized gaming will extend beyond Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, potentially reaching other sheikdoms.

Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA, said in a press release:

“The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”

UAE Legal Gambling Options

On its website the GCGRA stated:

 “Commercial Gaming refers to any game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered – i.e. placed as a bet – for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items.”

GCGRA will regulate: lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, land-based gaming facilities.

Natasha Lyndon

Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.