UAE to reportedly offer one online gaming licence per emirate; participation subject to emirate approval

The United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) reportedly plans to introduce a licensing model that will allow one B2C online gaming operator per emirate, mirroring its single-license approach for land-based casinos. Participation will depend on individual emirate approval, and not all seven are expected to opt in.

A comparable structure governs land-based gaming, where only one casino license has been granted to date for Wynn Resorts’ $5 billion integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Two to three emirates are expected to approve online operations, according to a Vixio GamblingCompliance report.

The recent issuance of B2B supplier licenses, including to Hub 88 Holdings Ltd and Sportradar AG, signals that operator licensing for online gaming and sports wagering may be imminent.

The GCGRA has stated that its goal is to position the UAE as a leader in gaming technology innovation. The authority is promoting the development of new concepts that blend skill, chance, social engagement, and entertainment, while ensuring consumer protection through adaptable regulation.

At the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 in Lisbon in mid-September, GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally said, “Our message to the industry and the technology providers is don’t design your game around the regulations," encouraging suppliers to get creative with what they presented to the regulator.

He further emphasised: “Technology should lead, not the regulations, so if you can design a game that uses new concepts, uses reflexive math, combines elements of skill with elements of chance, integrates social media and figures out how to entertain your customers – the operators’ customers – in the best way you can, we will figure out a way to regulate it.”

Mullally added: “Whatever you bring us, we will design a way, we will make sure it’s safe, we will make sure that we have data to ensure that the customer experience is protected.” The UAE “is going to redefine what gaming is for the rest of the world,” Mullally concluded.