The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was previously opposed to all forms of gambling but the landscape has changed in recent times.
The UAE caught out its regional counterparts by establishing the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in September 2023.
Significant changes have started sweeping the country and things are moving fast with an unmistakable air of ambition.
Wynn Al Marjan Island – The First Casino in the UAE
Wynn Al Marjan Island is the centrepiece of the UAE’s gaming revolution sweeping the UAE. The integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to open its gates in 2027.
The resort will house the UAE’s first legal, land-based casino, allowing the Emirate to compete with destinations such as Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore for high-end tourism revenue.
The most exclusive zone of the resort, Enclave, perfectly encapsulates the opulence and service levels Wynn are renowned for.
There are 15 suites per floor with private elevators and 16,000-square-foot royal apartments that set a benchmark in luxury that similar facilities globally will struggle to match.
Enclave was designed for international luxury travellers, delivering a bespoke experience, including beachside cabanas and fine Lebanese dining.
Unsurprisingly, the main headline grabber is that Wynn Al Marjan will deliver legal casino gaming in a traditionally conservative market.
Allowing a casino into the UAE is a big deal. It will generate revenue for a country looking for alternative income streams as the world pivots away from its reliance on oil.
The ambitious project also ties into the Ras Al Khaimah goal of becoming a juggernaut in the tourism business.
A Lottery That Opens the Door to Much More
The UAE launched its first regulated national lottery called The Game last November.
Operating under a license from the GCGRA, The Game subsequently solidified its legitimacy by securing a World Lottery Association (WLA) membership.
Going under the umbrella of such an internationally respected regulatory body shows the UAE’s commitment to developing a transparent, secure and socially responsible gaming environment.
Director of Lottery Operations, Bishop Woolsey, said clinching membership was a crucial milestone, while GCGRA chief executive officer Kevin Mullaly claimed it proved the UAE is committed to integrity and meeting global standards.
Some industry experts believe the lottery is a low-risk entry point before introducing other regulated gaming verticals into the UAE.
SmartPlay International recently received a vendor license, pointing to gaming possibilities beyond scratch cards and draw-based games. Online casinos and sports betting platforms, strictly regulated by the GCGRA, are now a real possibility.
Numerous online casinos already welcome Arab players, but they currently operate under licenses issued in other established gaming jurisdictions.
Establishing a legal framework would allow local companies to emerge and force foreign international brands to align with the GCGRA.
The model of introducing state-controlled lotteries as a Trojan Horse for a more expansive, high-yield gambling market is a popular tactic. The plan is to establish compliance and trust before gradually rolling out more regulated digital gaming options.
Supplier Licenses Signal Rapid Ecosystem Development
While lotteries and glamorous resorts are grabbing the headlines, every regulated gaming market thrives on solid infrastructure, and the GCGRA has been putting in work in this regard.
The federal body has been issuing licenses to suppliers and vendors, moving the idea of commercial gaming in the UAE from concept to reality.
There are two major reasons why these supplier licenses are pivotal. They show that the UAE is not all talk and enables the sector by forging partnerships with established, compliant players.
They also tell the international gaming community, including software providers, payment processors, compliance firms and technology specialists, that the UAE is ready for business.
Awarding a license to a recognised lottery and gaming draw equipment provider such as Smart play International is the beginning of things to come.
More vendors, including integrity firms and digital gaming platforms, will enter the market as the country assembles the crucial components for a competitive gaming ecosystem.
Enforcement will not be patchy as seen in unregulated or grey markets. The UAE will run a tight ship anchored in the GCGRA model, and this structured system will differentiate its gaming model from Middle Eastern neighbors still pondering regulation.
Some of the biggest betting, online casinos and tech platforms will soon be knocking on the UAE’s door, if they have not already.
