UAE has established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to introduce a regulatory framework for national lottery and commercial gaming, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Monday.
Kevin Mullally, who has more than 30 years of experience in national and international gaming regulation, was named as GCGRA’s CEO. Industry veteran Jim Murren sitting as chairman of the board of directors.
Abu Dhabi will be overseeing GCGRA’s operations, however, the rulers of each of the seven emirates will have the power to decide whether to allow gambling.
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The country is looking for new ways to boost its tourism industry since hotel and casino operator Wynn Resorts announced in late 2022 that it would be opening a casino at its new $3.9 billion resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
There is a Caesars Palace in Dubai but the hotel does not offer casino-like services.
GCGRA “will create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, ensuring that all participants adhere to strict guidelines and comply with the highest standards,” WAM said.
“It will coordinate regulatory activities, manage licensing nationally and facilitate unlocking of the economic potential of commercial gaming responsibly,” the statement added.
“The GCGRA will create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, ensuring that all participants adhere to strict guidelines and comply with the highest standards. It will coordinate regulatory activities, manage licensing nationally and facilitate unlocking the economic potential of commercial gaming responsibly,” WAM reported.
The UAE has set up a federal entity to regulate gaming and hired veterans of the U.S. gambling industry to lead it, state news agency WAM said.
The UAE has introduced a number of liberal legal reforms as it tries to maintain its edge as the region’s trade, tourism, and financial hub.
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