In the UAE, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has launched its website, detailing the new regulatory framework of the country. This launch coincides with the first issuance of lottery licenses to commercial operators, marking the beginning of a new era in the UAE gaming industry.
The GCGRA was established in 2023, responsible for overseeing and regulating domestic gaming activities. According to research by CBRE, the website is a "key milestone and potential emotional game-changer," representing significant progress in the country's gaming industry.
The new website now outlines detailed information about the licensing process, renewal procedures, and operator requirements.
Licensing Process
To apply for a gaming license, operators must first pass a preliminary screening, then submit a detailed application, including their business plan and compliance strategy. Operators must also establish a "qualified local entity" in the UAE or collaborate with a UAE company. Approved license holders will undergo an audit every two years.
Renewal Rules
CBRE analyst John DeCree noted that as long as operators remain compliant, the license could be "permanent," suggesting that the UAE's licensing environment will be more stable and predictable, similar to Nevada's model, rather than the competitive renewal process seen in Macau and Singapore. DeCree stated: "The license renewal process appears to be more administrative in nature."
Responsible Gaming
The GCGRA's website lists strict responsible gaming requirements that operators must adhere to. These include creating a responsible gaming program that covers player education, responsible marketing, staff training, and evaluation. Operators must also have a dedicated staff member responsible for these tasks.
Players can set deposit limits and enforce a cooling-off period of at least 72 hours to limit access. Interaction with unlicensed operators is illegal and subject to severe penalties. Players are encouraged to use tools for self-assessment and set gaming limits.
"The Next Gaming Frontier"
According to CBRE, "The UAE remains the next gaming frontier. We continue to believe that the UAE gaming market is one of the most attractive opportunities globally today. The GCGRA, composed of well-known and experienced gaming industry veterans, is rapidly establishing industry-leading regulations, which are now becoming visible. The progressively refined licensing process is well-received by the investment community, as they have been seeking transparency in global gaming expansion opportunities."
