UAE Limits Online Gaming to One Licence Per Emirate Under New Federal Framework

The United Arab Emirates is taking its next step in building a regulated gambling market. The focus has shifted from physical casino projects to controlled online operations. After establishing the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in 2023, the country is now preparing how digital gaming platforms will be licensed under federal oversight.

The GCGRA was created as the sole national regulator for the sector. It has the power to license, supervise and enforce rules for operators across all seven emirates.

Industry reports indicate that the authority is preparing an online framework built around one business to consumer gaming licence per emirate. This would allow up to seven licensed online operators across the country.

Each operator must be approved at federal level by the GCGRA and then cleared by the individual emirate that chooses to participate. While players today rely on offshore platforms where AED deposits are available alongside slots, table games and live dealers with Arabic support, the new framework will bring these services under direct regulatory control.

Analysts note that this approach mirrors the model already used for land based gaming. Each emirate can approve only one major licence. The first such approval went to Wynn's integrated resort project on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.

The online model extends the same philosophy. It will be limited in number, high profile and heavily supervised rather than an open market.

The regulatory framework is already visible in the GCGRA's public guidance. The authority positions itself as the only body that can issue commercial gaming licences. It warns that operating without a licence can trigger serious penalties including criminal sanctions.

Legal experts point out that this system must work alongside the UAE's existing federal penal rules. These still treat unlicensed games of chance as a criminal offence. The regulated channel is being carved out very precisely.

International operators and technology partners face a clear choice. They can enter the market through a GCGRA licence and accept tight compliance obligations, or remain outside and off limits to UAE customers.

The framework is already attracting global players. Vendor licences have been granted to lottery and gaming suppliers such as Scientific Games. Data and technology firms like Sportradar have secured approvals to support licensed operators.

Google has announced that ads for state authorised lotteries will be allowed in the UAE, provided the organisers are licensed by the GCGRA. This shows how quickly the regulator's decisions are shaping related digital markets.

Industry sources say the goal extends beyond tourism and resort spending. The UAE wants to create a hub for regulated online gaming technology that can serve the wider region. The framework includes strong requirements around player protection, anti money laundering standards and responsible gaming.

Recent weeks have seen a leadership change at the authority. Founding chief executive Kevin Mullally stepped down and chair Jim Murren took over the CEO role on an interim basis. The regulator presents this as part of a natural shift from start up phase to full operation.

With the land based resort pipeline advancing and a capped model now reportedly chosen for online gaming, the UAE is signalling that its commercial gaming experiment will proceed on its own terms. For investors, operators and technology firms, the message is clear. The market will be small in licence numbers, but significant in influence if the model works as intended.