Arena Racing Company Gains GCGRA Vendor Approval in UAE

Arena Racing Company has received regulatory approval to operate as a gaming-related vendor in the UAE, marking another measured step in the country’s emerging commercial gaming framework. The licence was issued by the GCGRA– General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, the federal body responsible for licensing and supervising all regulated gaming activity in the UAE.

The authorisation takes immediate effect and permits Arena Racing Company to supply its products and services to licensed gaming operators in the region. Following approval, the company has been added to the regulator’s public register of licensed vendors, formally confirming its eligibility to operate within the regulated market.

Central to the approval is the company’s Racing1 Markets platform, which combines horse racing and greyhound racing content within a single regulated solution. The platform is delivered through collaborations with several established partners, including 1/ST CONTENT, Racecourse Media Group, Tabcorp, and technology provider Pythia Sports.

Commercial gambling has historically been prohibited in the UAE, although regulatory discussions have gained momentum in recent years. The establishment of the GCGRA in 2023 created a single authority overseeing licensing and compliance across the sector. While most gaming activities remain tightly controlled, the country currently operates a state-run lottery and has granted a land-based casino licence to Wynn Resorts, which is developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah scheduled to open in 2027.

Arena Racing Company joins a growing list of approved vendors supporting licensed operators as the UAE’s regulatory framework continues to evolve. iGaming News Today observes that industry expectations point to 2026 as a pivotal period for further regulatory clarity. The approval positions Arena Racing Company among the early entrants able to engage with the UAE’s regulated gaming sector under federal supervision.