Yolo Group has achieved a major regulatory milestone after receiving gaming vendor licences from the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) for its subsidiaries Hub88 Holdings and Live Online Gaming Services. This approval positions Live88.io as the first officially licensed live casino studio in the UAE, setting the foundation for regulated gaming in the Gulf region.
The UAE’s decision to regulate commercial gaming marks a pivotal moment for the industry, and Yolo Group’s early involvement underscores its commitment to operating within trusted, transparent frameworks. Founder Tim Heath described the achievement as “a statement of intent,” noting that the company is building the future of gaming on innovation and compliance.
This development is part of Yolo Group’s larger strategic transformation. Moving away from its crypto-led grey market roots, the company is consolidating its operations under a single regulated brand, Yolo.com. The group plans to integrate digital and land-based experiences through its Estonian-licensed Bombay Casino, including MiCA-compliant crypto payments and one-wallet systems.
The UAE’s approval marks the start of a broader expansion strategy targeting other regulated markets such as Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Alongside this pivot, Yolo Group is restructuring internally, including reviewing 280 roles in Tallinn and transitioning leadership within Yolo Entertainment.
As Live88 leads the way as the first licensed live studio in the UAE, Yolo Group’s evolution signals a new chapter for regulated iGaming in the Gulf one grounded in compliance, transparency, and global scalability.
