The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to introduce a controlled online gaming framework that will grant only one business-to-consumer (B2C) license per emirate, mirroring the country’s existing approach to land-based casino licensing. The policy, developed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), marks a decisive step in shaping one of the world’s most anticipated new regulated gaming markets.
A Licensing Model Based on Exclusivity
According to details reported by Vixio GamblingCompliance, the GCGRA’s upcoming framework will restrict each of the UAE’s seven emirates to a single online gaming license, pending each emirate’s own decision to participate. This structure mirrors the current land-based system, under which only one casino license has been issued, to Wynn Resorts’ $5 billion integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
While Abu Dhabi is expected to secure a second land-based license, not all emirates are anticipated to pursue casino or online gaming projects. Analysts expect that two or three emirates will opt into the online licensing framework, maintaining a balance between market development and regulatory control.
Foundations for Online Regulation
Preparations for the online market have already begun. The GCGRA recently granted several business-to-business (B2B) vendor licenses, including approvals for Hub 88 Holdings Ltd and Sportradar AG. These early approvals lay the regulatory and commercial groundwork for forthcoming operator licenses covering iGaming and sports betting.
By limiting the number of B2C licenses while establishing a robust supplier base, the UAE aims to build a controlled but technologically progressive gaming environment that aligns with its economic diversification goals.
Emphasizing Innovation Over Restriction
At the SBC Summit in Lisbon (September 2025), Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, outlined the authority’s vision for a technology-first regulatory approach. He urged developers to prioritize creativity and innovation, assuring that regulation would adapt to support, rather than restrict, new ideas.
“Technology should lead, not the regulations,” Mullally said. “If you can design a game that introduces new concepts, mixes skill and chance, or integrates social engagement, we’ll find a way to regulate it safely.”
Mullally emphasized that the UAE’s ambition is to “redefine what gaming is for the rest of the world,” creating a model where player protection and innovation coexist.
A Strategic Vision for Global Leadership
The UAE’s measured approach reflects its broader strategy of economic diversification and tourism development. By allocating one license per emirate, the country ensures operational exclusivity, mitigates risk, and sets a precedent for responsible market expansion.
With its federal oversight, emphasis on innovation, and focus on integrity, the UAE is positioning itself as a next-generation hub for regulated gaming, blending strict governance with open collaboration between operators, technology providers, and regulators.
Sources: iGaming Today, Inside Asian Gaming
