to our sector rather than leaving them to rely on circumventing regulation in the grey and illegal market.
Our message to developers and operators is simple: don’t constrain your vision to yesterday’s categories. Knock yourself out. Innovate boldly. We’ll work with you to ensure that your product meets the highest standards of fairness, accountability, and integrity, and then help you showcase it on a global stage.
Tis is about creating a regulatory environment that rewards innovation instead of inhibiting it. We are challenging the industry to step beyond incremental improvements and bring forward transformative ideas that redefine what gaming can be. Tat’s how we pioneer a new age in commercial gaming entertainment and move the entire sector forward.
What categories of gaming will the GCGRA regulate, and what types of licences are available?
Te GCGRA is the sole federal authority responsible for licensing and regulating all commercial gaming activity in the UAE. Tis includes:
u
Integrated resorts with land-based gaming facilities, including sports wagering
u iGaming and online sports wagering, u Te UAE Lottery, and u Gaming-related vendors.
It is essential to understand that operator licenses will be strictly limited and issued through a deliberate, two-stage process. Te pathway begins at the emirate level, where prospective operators must first obtain formal approval from the local government. Only with that approval can they proceed to engage with the GCGRA’s licensing process. Tis structure reflects a coordinated approach between federal and local authorities to ensure that any commercial gaming development aligns with the UAE’s broader strategic and regulatory priorities.
Tis process reflects our commitment to a measured, phased approach to market development. Te focus is on licensing a select number of world-class operators capable of delivering exceptional gaming experiences while upholding the strongest standards of integrity, consumer protection, and social responsibility. Our licensing structure is tiered and risk- sensitive, with tailored processes for operators, suppliers, and individuals in key positions. Tis allows us to match regulatory scrutiny with the potential impact of the applicant’s role in the ecosystem.
What are the ongoing compliance obligations for licensees, and how does the GCGRA enforce them?
Compliance is not a one-time checkpoint; it is a continuous expectation. We require licensees to uphold rigorous standards in areas including, but not limited to:
u AML/CFT protocols aligned with FATF guidance, u Responsible gaming tools and reporting,
u Technical system certification and change controls, u Corporate governance and audit readiness.
Our supervision model is proactive, data-informed, and outcomes-focused. It is built on real-time oversight, targeted audits, and the foundation of a Unified Player Database that enhances visibility across the entire ecosystem. Te purpose is not merely to enforce compliance, but to facilitate understanding and alignment. We ensure that every licensee operates under a clear, consistent, and fair set of expectations.
We embrace our responsibility to ensure licensees understand what is required and why it matters. Every regulatory obligation, whether it involves reporting, internal controls, technology deployment, or staff training, aligns with a specific public policy objective. What risk are we mitigating, or what public benefit do we aim to advance? What is the intended outcome? How can we measure it? Tis helps licensees understand how each regulatory obligation contributes to a safer, more transparent, and responsible market.
Compliance becomes a shared objective when licensees understand what is expected, why it is necessary, and how success will be evaluated. Tis collaborative approach reduces the need for corrective enforcement and strengthens consumer protections.
What enforcement powers does the GCGRA have, and how are decisions reviewed?
We have a full suite of enforcement tools, from administrative fines to licence revocations. However, enforcement is not punitive by design; it is corrective. We act decisively when necessary and provide clear guidance and remedial pathways. We have taken down over 7,000 websites and developed methods to disrupt illegal operators, which have made it costly and inconvenient to continue operating in the UAE. We have also partnered with other regulatory and law enforcement agencies and the International Association of Gaming Regulators to coordinate efforts on this global problem. Collectively, we are making significant progress and
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