Category: UAE, Latest News, Global Insights
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is taking a cautious and deliberate approach to expanding integrated resort licensing in the UAE. Speaking at the Skift Global Forum East in Dubai, Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA, emphasized that the focus remains on the operators already licensed, including Wynn Resorts and the UAE Lottery operator, The Game.
Current Progress on UAE Casino Licensing
The GCGRA has made notable strides, licensing Wynn Resorts to develop the UAE’s first integrated resort in Ras Al-Khaimah, slated to open in early 2027. It has also issued its first payment provider licence to PayBy, a Dubai-based company acquired by Astra Tech in 2022.
While there is interest from other global operators, such as MGM Resorts, Murren was clear that the rollout of additional licences will take time. “The government wants a state-of-the-art, highly compliant regulatory regime to ensure this is world-class,” Murren stated.
MGM Resorts Eyes Abu Dhabi
At a prior Skift event, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle expressed interest in constructing an integrated resort in Abu Dhabi. However, Murren downplayed the likelihood of accelerated licensing in the near future, reiterating that the government is committed to methodical and rigorous regulatory processes.
“We take this responsibility very seriously,” Murren noted, adding that further licences are expected over the “next five to ten years.”
Wynn Resorts Leads the Way
The development of Wynn Al-Marjan Island gives Wynn Resorts a significant head start in the UAE gaming market. Murren praised the Emirate’s vision, stating, “This project will have a tremendous economic impact on Ras Al-Khaimah and the region.”
UAE’s Vision: A Global Sports and Entertainment Hub
Murren also highlighted the UAE’s potential to rival Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment capital. He compared the UAE’s current development to the early transformation of Las Vegas during his tenure at MGM, citing investments in infrastructure, road systems, and integrated resorts as key catalysts.
“There’s such great vision here,” Murren said. “I see the sports and entertainment growth in the UAE and the Middle East as I did in Las Vegas 30 years ago.”
First Gaming Payment Provider Licensed
The GCGRA’s licensing of PayBy as the first gaming-related payment provider marks a milestone for the UAE’s gaming ecosystem. PayBy joins vendors such as SmartPlay International and Aristocrat, who were licensed in October to support the UAE Lottery.
SmartPlay powers lotteries globally, including PowerBall, MegaMillions, and the UK National Lottery, and is likely providing solutions for The Game’s diverse lottery offerings, designed to cater to different player preferences.
Luckshots Perspective
At Luckshots, we applaud the UAE’s strategic and transparent approach to gaming regulation. With Wynn Resorts paving the way and companies like PayBy entering the market, the UAE is establishing itself as a key player in the global gaming industry. Stay tuned as we continue to track this exciting evolution.