The UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has licensed three more companies as gaming-related vendors, bringing the total number of licensed companies to five. This is part of the country’s regulated approach to commercial gaming activities.
Aristocrat: Pioneering Gaming Content and Technology
Aristocrat, a global leader in gaming content creation, became the first international company to secure a vendor license. This license allows Aristocrat to provide land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs), online games, and technology solutions to approved gaming operators in the UAE.
The company offers a wide range of products, including casino games, gaming hardware, and online gaming systems. Hector Fernandez, CEO of Gaming for Aristocrat, commented:
“We are excited to deliver premium gaming content to players in the UAE while promoting responsible gaming practices.”
Smartplay International: Lottery and Gaming Equipment
Smartplay International has also obtained a license to supply lottery and gaming equipment in the UAE. This includes traditional lottery machines, random number generator systems, bingo blowers, raffle machines, and lottery balls.
Darrell Smith, VP of Sales at Smartplay, stated:
“We see great opportunities in the UAE and are eager to collaborate with new operators approved by GCGRA.”
Smartplay currently partners with lottery and gaming operators in 127 countries, showcasing its global reach and expertise.
PayBy Technology Projects: Financial Solutions for Gaming
The UAE-based fintech platform PayBy Technology Projects has received approval to provide financial services to licensed gaming operators. Their services include digital wallets, secure payments, and fraud detection systems, all designed to align with GCGRA’s commitment to ensuring a secure and innovative gaming environment.
Strict Licensing Requirements
Only entities holding valid licenses from the GCGRA can operate gaming-related businesses in the UAE. This includes operators, vendors, and third parties providing related products or services. Unlicensed gaming activities are strictly illegal for both companies and players.
The GCGRA offers licenses across five categories:
- Lottery
- Land-based gaming facilities
- Gaming-related vendors
- Internet gaming
- Sports wagering
In October, Wynn Resorts secured the UAE’s first land-based gaming facility license for its property in Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan. Earlier in July, Abu Dhabi-based The Game LLC received the country’s first lottery license.
As of November 20, no licenses have been issued for Internet gaming or sports wagering.
