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UAE Plans One Online Gambling License Per Emirate
- UAE allows each emirate to issue one iGaming license.
- Initial participation expected from only 2-3 emirates.
- B2B licenses issued to Hub88 and Sportradar pave way for iGaming.
The United Arab Emirates just moved one step closer to establishing a regulated iGaming market, with its General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) expected to allow each of the country’s seven emirates to issue a single online gambling license, should they choose to participate.
This new framework isn't actually anything new since it mirrors the UAE’s approach to land-based casinos, where only one license has been granted so far, to Wynn Resorts for its $5 billion resort project on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
A Cautious but Strategic Rollout
According to reports, the GCGRA's framework plans to permit each emirate to issue a single B2C (business-to-consumer) license for online gaming, contingent on local government approval.
However, analysts don't think every emirate will opt in. While Abu Dhabi could be a potential frontrunner for land-based expansion, the online gaming picture is going to be a little but different with only two or three emirates likely to participate, at least in the early stages.
Vendor Licensing Paves the Way
Signs of that early stage groundwork are already surfacing. The GCGRA recently began issuing B2B (business-to-business) supplier licenses. Two names on that list are Hub88 Holdings Ltd, an iGaming platform provider and Sportradar AG, the international sports data and analytics giant.
Sportradar’s UAE vendor license, announced just last week, enables the company to supply integrity services, analytics, and data technology to any future licensed online operators in the country.
GCGRA: Regulator with a Vision
Here's a little background on GCGRA. It was formed in 2023 to supervise all commercial gaming and national lotteries across the UAE. While it's still relatively new, the authority has moved fast, particularly in clarifying its vision on the international stage.
Speaking at the SBC Summit in Lisbon this September, CEO Kevin Mullally encouraged technology-led regulation and innovation.
We want regulation to follow innovation, not stifle it.
He emphasized that any new iGaming products should be secure, data-driven, and built with consumer protection at their core.
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