UAE gaming regulator appoints former Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers as chief executive

The UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed former Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers as its new chief executive officer, placing a veteran casino executive at the helm of the country's expanding commercial gaming sector.

Carruthers becomes the regulator's second permanent CEO and assumes the role with immediate effect, succeeding Kevin Mullally, who stepped down in November 2025 for family reasons. GCGRA Chairman Jim Murren has served as interim CEO since Mullally's departure.

According to the regulator, Carruthers will lead the authority as it continues developing what it described as a "world-class regulatory environment for commercial gaming in the UAE."

Carruthers said he was honored to "contribute to the continued development of the UAE's regulatory framework for commercial gaming."

"The UAE is establishing itself as a global benchmark for modern and responsible gaming regulation, and I look forward to working closely with the team, licensees, and government partners to deliver on that ambition," Carruthers added.

“Ciarán brings exactly the caliber of leadership this role demands. His track record of building trust with governments, regulators and industry partners across multiple jurisdictions is exceptional. The future of gaming regulation in the UAE is in exceptional hands. Welcome, Ciarán," said Murren.

Carruthers arrives at the regulator following a career spanning senior management positions across several major gaming operators.

Before joining the GCGRA, he served as CEO of Crown Resorts in Australia until December 31, 2024. Prior to that, he held executive roles with Galaxy Entertainment Group, Sands China and Wynn Macau, including serving as chief operating officer of Wynn Macau.

At Crown Resorts, Carruthers oversaw the company's remediation efforts following regulatory investigations that exposed anti-money laundering failures, inadequate responsible gambling controls and links to criminal activity identified in the Bergin Report. The findings resulted in Crown being deemed unsuitable to hold casino licenses in New South Wales and Victoria.

Under Carruthers' leadership, regulators later determined that remedial measures were addressing previous deficiencies. In 2024, the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission allowed Crown to retain its casino license, while Crown Sydney secured a full unrestricted license.

Carruthers takes charge at a time when the UAE's regulated gaming sector is moving into a new stage following the establishment of the GCGRA in September 2022.

During Mullally's tenure, the regulator oversaw several milestones, including the launch of The UAE Lottery in December 2024 through The Game LLC, a Momentum-owned company.

The GCGRA also awarded the country's first commercial gaming license to Wynn's integrated resort project in Ras Al Khaimah in October 2024.