The high point of gambling liberalization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) so far was the awarding of a nationwide lottery license to The Game LLC in July 2024. In our reporting on this novelty, we already suspected a kind of initial spark after which gambling in the Emirates could gain momentum. Current developments confirm this assumption.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), founded in September 2023, is taking another big step towards an open but professionally supervised gaming sector by issuing the first so-called “Gaming Related Vendor License” to Aristocrat.
It is noteworthy that the authority’s leadership positions have been filled with industry veterans such as Jim Murren, former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, and Mark Lipparelli, former Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. These personnel changes can also be seen as clear indications that the UAE is striving to become a major gaming market in international competition. This is also indicated by the activities of some of the largest gaming groups in the world in the country.
The strategic liberalization of the gaming market in the UAE is taking place against the backdrop of an economic diversification agenda aimed at opening up new sources of income beyond the oil sector. By creating a regulated and controlled gaming environment, the UAE could not only increase its tourist appeal, but also create jobs and attract foreign investment. The involvement of internationally recognized regulators and operators is apparently intended to ensure that aspects such as player protection, money laundering prevention and responsible gaming are implemented in accordance with global standards.
With the award of the license, Aristocrat Gaming is authorized to provide various types of gaming machines in the UAE. On the one hand, this opens up new business opportunities for the company, but on the other hand it also lays the foundation for the introduction of a diversified gaming offering in the state. The license makes it possible to provide integrated solutions that cover both the stationary and digital markets. This in turn indicates a comprehensive strategy by the UAE, under which local casinos should not be neglected in the development of new opportunities.
Aristocrat is proud to be the first gaming licensee in the country
In a press release, Aristocrat Gaming expressed its delight at receiving the Gaming Related Vendor License. Specifically, this authorization allows the company to supply its land-based gaming systems, online games and related technological solutions to commercial providers operating with an official permit within the UAE.
Hector Fernandez, CEO Gaming at Aristocrat, commented:
“We are honored to be the first major international technology provider to be granted gaming-related approval for the UAE market. At Aristocrat, our vision is to provide the best seat in the house – wherever and whenever the world plays. We look forward to putting this motto into practice in the Emirates by providing premium content for gamers while promoting responsible gaming.”
Aristocrat Gaming has an extensive portfolio of gaming products that are potentially very attractive for the UAE market. The range includes Online slots and slot machines with well-known titles such as “Buffalo Gold”, “Lightning Link” and “Dragon Link”, which have a wide fan base thanks to first-class graphics and exciting game mechanics. Progressive jackpot systems are also part of the program. The company also provides comprehensive casino management applications for the efficient management of gaming operations. By providing online gaming and portable solutions, Aristocrat fully meets the growing digital and mobile needs. The ability to culturally adapt hardware and content enables it to confidently take into account the local preferences and legal requirements of the UAE market.
Other large gaming companies are already in the starting blocks
Aristocrat Gaming is not the only one taking advantage of the opening of the gaming market in the UAE; other international industry giants are also preparing to enter.
- On October 5, Wynn Resorts received the first commercial license for a land-based casino in the country. The company is currently building the Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), which was scheduled for completion in 2026 but is now expected to take place in 2027. Wynn is very positive about the opening: the international trade press is predicting that the UAE gaming market could reach a volume of 3 to 5 billion US dollars in the foreseeable future. The operator expects gross gaming revenue of between 1 and 1.67 billion US dollars for its own resort.
- MGM Resorts International also applied for a gaming license in the UAE on September 20. CEO Bill Hornbuckle said he expects further information on the federal mandate and the regulatory authority’s oversight later this year. MGM is already involved in a resort project in Dubai. In partnership with Hospitality and Leisure, a total of 1,500 hotel rooms are to be built under the MGM, Bellagio and Aria brands. The cooperation has existed since 2017.
These developments show that global gaming groups recognize the UAE as an emerging market with considerable potential. The combination of strategic location, economic diversification and increasingly liberalized regulation makes the country an attractive location for investments in the gaming sector. The presence of industry leaders such as Wynn Resorts or MGM Resorts could once again act as a catalyst – in this case for further investments in land-based casinos – and have a lasting impact on competition.
Conclusion
The awarding of the first license for slot machines and related technologies to Aristocrat is another major step forward in the liberalization of the Emirates’ gaming market. With the authorization to provide both land-based and digital products, the company is making a significant contribution to creating a diversified offering in the country. The strategic opening has attracted other international industry giants such as Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, which are driving significant investments and projects. These developments underline the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a major player in the global gaming sector. We can certainly expect a lot more here.
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