UAE opens door for casino boom with new gambling regulations

In a landmark decision signalling a major shift in the region’s regulatory landscape, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially approved its first gaming license and unveiled comprehensive casino and gambling regulations.

This development marks the UAE as the first country in the Gulf region to embrace legalised gaming.

On Sunday, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) released details of its regulatory framework, previously kept under wraps.

The newly publicised guidelines outline a structured approach to managing gaming activities, from issuing casino licenses to overseeing slot machines and poker tables.

Jim Murren, Chairman of the GCGRA, emphasised the significance of the move.

“The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only establishes a disciplined regulatory framework for lottery activities but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering a secure and sophisticated commercial gaming environment in the UAE,” he said in a press release.

The new regulations cover a wide range of gaming activities, including lotteries, internet gaming, sports betting and land-based casino operations.

The GCGRA’s website now details the types of games that will be regulated, including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps, among others.

So far, only one license has been granted: The Game LLC has received approval to operate the UAE Lottery.

This company, specialising in lottery operations and game development, is now the sole entity authorised to offer gaming services under the new regulations.

Notably, this means that established lottery operators like Mahzooz and Big Ticket must cease their activities until they are compliant with the new licensing requirements.

While the framework for casino operations is now in place, no specific casino properties have been granted licenses yet.

However, anticipation is building around major projects such as Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is expected to be the first to receive a gaming license by its projected 2027 opening.

Other potential contenders include Atlantis Dubai and the upcoming MGM Dubai, both of which are eyeing the new opportunities in the UAE’s burgeoning gaming market.

Wynn Resorts, which is collaborating with RAK Hospitality, is set to play a significant role in this new industry.

The company’s CEO, Craig Billings, hinted at future developments around Wynn Al Marjan Island, including the possibility of additional hotels and a new “Marjan Strip” concept.

Analysts at CBRE predict that the UAE’s casino sector could eventually generate up to US$8.5 billion in revenue.

John Decree, a director at CBRE, highlighted the UAE’s strong tourism infrastructure and luxury market as key factors driving this optimistic outlook.

“We believe the UAE represents one of the most compelling opportunities in global gaming given its robust existing tourism industry, high propensity for luxury and consumer spending, business-friendly operating environment, strong existing transportation and lodging infrastructure, and virtually no gaming competition in the region,” he said.

For players, the GCGRA has introduced several regulations aimed at promoting responsible gaming.

These include mandatory cooling-off periods for online gaming, tools for setting deposit limits, and access to self-exclusion programs.

The authority also emphasises the importance of engaging only with licensed operators and staying informed about the risks associated with gaming.

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