UAE Approves Single Online Gaming License for Each Emirate

The UAE is fast-tracking its gaming regulations, seeking to combine creative opportunities with strong controlsImage Source: Shutterstock.com

The United Arab Emiratesis getting ready to make a big move to grow its regulated gaming industry. The country’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA)will roll out a plan to allow one online gaming licensein each emirate. This approach mirrors the current system for land-based casinos, where each emirate can have one operator.

UAE Sets Stage for Online Gaming with Exclusive Licenses and Technology Partnerships

Industry sources say the GCGRAplans to give out no more than seven online B2C licenses— one for each emirate — but it is up to individual emirates to join in. Right now, Ras Al Khaimah has a land-based gaming license, which it gave to Wynn Resortsfor its $5 billion resort project on Al Marjan Island. People think Abu Dhabiwill be next, but experts guess that at first, two or three emirates will start online gaming operations, reported Inside Asian Gaming.

The UAEis speeding up the creation of its regulated gaming rules, striking a balance between new ideas and tight control. In recent months, the regulator has given out several supplier licenses to key tech companies, showing it is ready for the next step. Some of the approved firms are Hub88 Holdingsand Live88, both part of Yolo Group, as well as sports data and analysis company Sportradar AG. These approvals suggest that the business and legal groundwork to start a controlled online market is already set up.

Sportradar’s new approvalgives the company permission to offer its data-driven products and integrity solutions to licensed operators in the UAE. The company, which works with UEFA and the NBA, plans to use its cutting-edge analytics to boost transparency and stop match-fixing in the region’s growing betting scene.

Kevin Mullally Outlines Vision for a Modern, Responsible Gaming Industry in UAE

Last month, GCGRA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mullallyshared his vision of the UAEas a world leader in gaming innovation. He urged developers to put creativity first rather than worrying about regulatory limits. He stressed that the authority would adjust rules to fit new technologies instead of holding them back. Mullallypointed out that the UAEwants to reshape modern gaming by mixing fun, skill, and tech in a responsible way.

Experts watching the industry see the UAE’s approach, giving out just one license per emirate, as a careful but progressive plan. By mixing strict rules with reasons to innovate, the UAEaims to set a new standard for controlled gaming in the Middle East. The country has already given out key licenses, and the first group of online operators should start soon. This means the UAE’s gaming industry looks set to go from idea to reality.