UAE regulator issues Gaming License and publishes Rules

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the UAE has come up with a responsible framework. It ensures the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates. Also, the UAE regulator issues gaming license to The Game LLC to run the national lottery operations in the country.

This marks a significant milestone in the GCGRA’s efforts to establish a responsible commercial gaming sector in the UAE. GCGRA’s first licensee offers a diverse range of lottery and other games to cater to players’ interests and financial preferences. The Game LLC is a commercial gaming operator that specializes in game development, lottery operations, and gaming content.

Top companies taking an interest in obtaining gaming licenses must prepare themselves by identifying their services. They must engage with local partners, for expressing their intentions to the regulatory authority and other government bodies. So, they can seek the help of professional business setup advisors to assist them with the procedure.

Significance of the UAE’s National Lottery Launch

The launch of the national lottery in the UAE is a pivotal event in the MENA region. This prospective gaming initiative of the UAE is set to bring many opportunities for expatriate investors. With this gaming advancement, many foreign businesses are very much likely to prosper in the UAE.

However, there are several laws and regulations those gaming companies have to comply with. It is a testimony to the establishment of a responsible world-class regulatory framework for lottery and gaming mechanisms. Also, it highlights the GCGRA’s commitment to a secure commercial gaming environment in the UAE.

GCGRA’s regulatory framework ensures the transparency, integrity, and fairness of the UAE’s commercial gaming activities. It includes lottery games and responsible sports wagering options. Also, the GCGRA is leveraging new technologies to foster safe, entertaining games, and drive consumer-centric innovation.

Responsible Gaming Rules for Players in the UAE

The GCGRA has set forth these rules of responsible gaming (RG) for players in the UAE.

• Engage Only with Licensed Gaming Operators: Players must only engage with the licensed gaming operators. Also, they should stay informed about the games they play. They must use tools by operators and GCGRA, to set their own limits on time and money spent on gaming.
• Penalty: On the other hand, engaging with unlicensed gaming operators, including lottery operators, is illegal and may result in severe penalties.
• GCGRA Support System: Players in the UAE must familiarize themselves with the support system by the GCGRA. This support service enables licensees, and responsible gaming partners to help the players struggling with gaming behavior.
• Voluntary Self-exclusion: Players can also consider voluntary self-exclusion programs by operators as part of their RG obligations. These programs allow players to take control and initiate periodic breaks from gaming activities.
• Cooling-off Periods: GCGRA is introducing “cooling off periods” for online gaming, requiring operators to cut communication to players, if they request it. Players can restrict themselves from an online gaming platform for specified time, which must not be less than 72 hours. However, they have to submit a request on the operator’s website or mobile application with their customer support team.

Types of Commercial Gaming Licenses in the UAE

UAE’s commercial gaming licensing categories by the GCGRA cover all stakeholders from entities (operators, vendors/manufacturers, and corporate key persons). Also, they include individual licenses for executive decision makers and gaming employees. Entertainment companies can apply for these five types of commercial gaming licenses in the UAE.

• Entity Licenses
  • Gaming Operators – Entities running land-based gaming infrastructure, online gaming platforms, lotteries, sports wagering, and lottery resellers
  • Gaming Vendors and Suppliers – Manufacturers and suppliers of gaming equipment (and related goods or services)
  • Corporate Key Persons – Owners or corporate decision makers within the entities (for example, controllers, affiliates, or management service providers, etc.)
• Individual Licenses
  • Individual Key Persons – Executive decision makers (for instance, directors, executive officers, etc.)
  • Gaming Employees – Individual persons working for gaming applicants/licensees (or otherwise connected with them)

Process to get Commercial Gaming License in the UAE

This is the process to obtain commercial gaming license in the UAE from the GCGRA.

• Plan your commercial gaming activity in the UAE and choose your business name.
• Make your business plan, and finalize the legal structure for your commercial gaming company.
• Fill the Intake Form on the GCGRA website to express your intention to the UAE’s gaming body.
• Inform the GCGRA about your chosen type of gaming license(s) for an initial screening.
• On deeming eligible after assessment, applicants get access to the GCGRA’s licensing portal.
• Submit your gaming licensing application with complete documentation, including business plan, and necessary compliance strategy.
• The GCGRA evaluates the eligibility, integrity, and operational abilities of the applicant against regulatory requirements and commercial gaming standards.
• You get the commercial gaming license in the UAE and passing the rigorous regulatory criteria.
• Gaming licensees have to undergo periodic regulatory reporting with the GCRGA and ensure ongoing supervision.
• Companies can amend gaming licenses to add other activities, and can renew gaming licenses after expiry.

Kinds of Legal Gaming infrastructure in the UAE

United Arab Emirates has made different kinds of gaming activities legal. Lotteries, casinos, and sports betting are available, along with other forms of online gaming and sports wagering. The UAE is preferring to have casinos in hotels, emulating the model of Singapore.

Resort-type venues with multiple gaming options are better off than the dispersed casinos. Likewise, the UAE may introduce cruise liners presenting various gaming facilities. However, hotels are going to provide the best gaming infrastructure in the first step.

Potential of the UAE’s Commercial Gaming initiative

United Arab Emirates is set to become the next “commercial gaming frontier” and that too with a responsible framework. Moreover, the UAE has the potential to transform into the “Lag Vegas of the Middle East”. It presents a compelling opportunity in global gaming due to its robust tourism industry.

Analysts at CBRE predict UAE’s casinos and gaming infrastructure can produce $8.5 billion (€7.9 billion / AED 31.22 billion) in revenue. Business-friendly environment, luxury consumer spending, strong transportation and lodging infrastructure, and minimal gaming competition are some top market drivers. RAK’s Wynn Al Marjan Island resort will generate high gaming returns and property margins from greater non-gaming mix.

Regulatory framework for UAE’s legal Gaming system

UAE’s gaming body GCGRA supervises lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities. The regulation of these gaming activities helps ensure fair and legal entertainment experience in the UAE. Furthermore, the UAE is focusing on the responsible gaming, that is driven by financial technology, is safe from monetary crimes.

Internet gaming includes bingo, casino games, eSports, fantasy games, peer-to-peer games, skill-based games, and sports. Land-based gaming facilities include slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and craps. In case, a sports betting license is available, it can lead to Caesars’ return to Dubai, which left in late 2023.

Opportunities for Gaming infrastructure Investors in UAE

Awarding of the first gaming license to The Game LLC is set to open new opportunities in this entertainment-driven sector. Atlantis Dubai can turn out a great contender to have gaming experience in the future. Dubai’s MGM resort like “The Island” project has 150,000 square foot space available for potential gaming infrastructure development in future.

United Arab Emirates is aiming to build integrated gaming resorts like Las Vegas (USA), Singapore, and Macau. Ras Al Khaimah is a pioneer in gaming in the UAE, but Dubai will catch up and become a leader. Businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors must keep in their minds these key notes about the new gaming initiative by the UAE.

• Gaming initiative puts the UAE in an interesting economic and cultural position in the Gulf region.
• It adds another dimension to UAE’s entertainment options, while creating business opportunities for foreign investors, and attracting tourists.
• Also, it encourages manufacturers, suppliers, and software providers, due to the scope of gaming in the UAE jurisdictions.
• Gaming application review and license granting in the UAE may take more time, as it is a new move.
• Overall, gaming is a fascinating initiative by the UAE, and the results will turn out interesting in the coming years.

Wynn Al Marjan Island to house UAE’s first Gaming center

Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Al Marjan Island will become UAE’s first gaming resort, with its opening date set for 2027. Wynn holds “Encore Marjan Island” and “Marjan Strip” trademarks, suggesting potential for sister hotel similar to “Encore in Las Vegas”. Craig Billings (CEO of Wynn) disclosed in April 2023 that they are exploring potential developments around Wynn Al Marjan Island.

Wynn resorts is planning to manage other hotel brands on the area with RAK Hospitality Holding. It will allow Wynn to run an entire portfolio of hotels on the Wynn Al Marjan Island. Additional hotels will likely serve as a significant feeder to Wynn Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, and the UAE.

FAQs about UAE’s Gaming License and Rules

These are answers to common questions about legal gaming, commercial gaming, lottery, gaming licensing and internet gaming in the UAE.

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