Gambling has traditionally not been easy in the Arab world. Although they are popular in society, they are considered taboo under Islamic law. The United Arab Emirates has been positioning itself as a pioneer with a new, more pragmatic and business-orientated approach to this sensitive issue for several years now. In the summer of this year, the local regulatory authority finally granted a lottery licence to a local company. Another milestone followed at the end of October: Aristocrat Gaming became the first legal slot and gaming technology provider in the country to be granted a licence.

The highlight of gambling liberalisation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to date was the award of a nationwide lottery licence to The Game LLC in July 2024. In our reporting on this novelty, we already surmised a kind of initial spark, after which gambling in the Emirates could pick up speed. The current development confirms this assumption.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), founded in September 2023, is taking another major step towards an open but professionally supervised gaming sector by issuing the first gaming-related vendor licence to Aristocrat.

The appointment of industry veterans such as Jim Murren, the former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, and Mark Lipparelli, the former Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, to the authority's management positions is remarkable. These personalities can also be seen as clear indications that the UAE is striving to become a significant gaming market in international competition. The activities of some of the world's largest gaming groups in the country also point to this.

The strategic liberalisation of the gaming market in the UAE is taking place against the backdrop of an economic diversification agenda aimed at tapping into new sources of revenue beyond the oil sector. By creating a regulated and controlled gambling environment, the UAE could not only increase its tourism appeal, but also create jobs and attract foreign investment. The involvement of internationally recognised 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.

The granting of the licence gives Aristocrat Gaming the authorisation to provide various types of gaming devices in the UAE. While this opens up new business opportunities for the company, it also lays the foundation for the introduction of a diversified gaming offering in the country. The licence makes it possible to provide integrated solutions that cover both the stationary and digital markets. This in turn points to a comprehensive strategy by the UAE, under which local casinos are not to be left out of the expansion of the new opportunities.

Aristocrat is proud to be the first gaming licence holder in the country

In a related press release, Aristocrat Gaming has expressed its delight at receiving the Gaming Related Vendor Licence. This licence specifically allows the company to supply its land-based gaming systems, online gaming and related technology solutions to commercial vendors operating with an official permit within the UAE.

Hector Fernandez, CEO Gaming at Aristocrat, comments:

‘We are honoured to be the first major international technology provider to be granted a gaming-related licence for the UAE market. At Aristocrat, our vision is to provide the best seat in the house - wherever and whenever the world is gaming. 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 to the UAE market. The range includes video slots and slot machines with well-known titles such as ‘Buffalo Gold’, ‘Lightning Link’ and ‘Dragon Link’, which have a broad fan base thanks to their first-class graphics and exciting game mechanics. The programme also includes progressive jackpot systems. The company also supplies comprehensive casino management applications for the efficient administration of gaming operations. By providing online gaming and portable solutions, Aristocrat meets the growing digital and mobile needs. The ability to culturally customise hardware and content allows it to confidently accommodate the local preferences and legal requirements of the UAE market.

Other major gaming groups are already waiting in the wings

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 the market.

  1. On 5 October, Wynn Resorts received the first commercial licence 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 open in 2027. Wynn is very positive about the opening: The international trade press predicts that the UAE's gaming market could reach a volume of 3 to 5 billion US dollars in the foreseeable future. The operator expects its own resort to generate gross gaming revenue of between 1 and 1.67 billion US dollars.
  2. MGM Resorts International also applied for a gaming licence in the UAE on 20 September. CEO Bill Hornbuckle said that he expects to receive further information on the federal mandate and the regulator's oversight before the end of the year. MGM is already involved with 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 partnership has been in place since 2017.
These developments show that global gaming groups recognise the UAE as an emerging market with significant potential. The combination of strategic location, economic diversification and increasingly liberalised 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 investment in land-based casinos - and have a lasting impact on competition.

Conclusion

The awarding of the first licence for gaming machines and related technologies to Aristocrat marks another major step forward in the liberalisation of the Emirates' gaming market. With the authorisation to provide both land-based and digital products, the company is making a significant contribution to the creation of a diversified offering in the country. The strategic opening has attracted other international industry giants such as Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, who are driving significant investments and projects. These developments emphasise the UAE's ambition to position itself as a major player in the global gaming sector. We can certainly expect a lot more here.

Image source: Screenshot von https://www.aristocratgaming.com/emea/slots/games/

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