The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has announced plans to allow each emirate to issue one online gambling licence, marking a landmark shift toward a regulated online gaming market. This move mirrors the existing land-based model, where only one casino licence has been granted so far to Wynn Resorts for its $5 billion integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Under the proposed structure, each emirate will have the option to grant a single business-to-consumer (B2C) licence, pending local approval. Analysts anticipate that only two or three emirates will participate initially, reflecting the UAE’s cautious and selective approach to market entry.
The GCGRA has already begun building the foundation for the digital ecosystem, issuing several B2B supplier licences to technology and analytics providers. Notably, Hub88 Holdings Ltd and Sportradar AG have received vendor approvals, marking an important transition from regulatory planning to active implementation.
At the recent SBC Summit in Lisbon, GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally outlined a vision of regulation driven by innovation rather than restriction. He highlighted player safety, transparency, and responsible product design as key pillars of the authority’s mission.
This framework positions the UAE to become a leading jurisdiction for regulated gaming in the MENA region, balancing economic opportunity with ethical oversight. With the groundwork now laid, the first operator licences could be issued soon, paving the way for a new chapter in the UAE’s gaming landscape.
