Operators can apply for licences in any of the seven emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
United Arab Emirates.- The United Arab Emirates\u2019\u00a0General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(GCGRA) has launched its website with details on the future regulation of gaming in the UAE<\/strong>. The site outlines plans for the issuance of casino licences for venues with slot machines and poker tables, a move that will make the UAE the first Arab country with casino gambling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulator will issue licences for gaming operators running internet gaming platforms, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities. It will also issue licences for gaming-related vendors (suppliers of gaming equipment or related goods and services), key persons and gaming employees. The intake form<\/strong> for gaming licence applications allows potential applicants to choose from all seven emirates<\/strong>, which suggests that, at least in the longer term, gambling may not be confined only to Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The GCGRA website also provides a list of Responsible Gaming Minimum Requirements<\/strong>. Gaming operators will have to implement a Socially Responsible Gaming Programme covering player education, responsible marketing, employee training and evaluation plans. They must also have a designated member of staff to oversee the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operators must offer options to set daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits<\/strong>. Cooling-off periods for online gaming will allow players to restrict access to gaming platforms for a minimum of 72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for unlicensed gambling, the regulatory framework clarifies that engaging with unlicensed operators, including lottery operators is illegal for players and could result in severe penalties. Players will be able to self-exclude from gambling and are encouraged to use tools provided by operators and the GCGRA to set limits on their gaming activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested parties must notify the GCGRA of their intention to apply for a gambling licence by first completing the Intake Form on the regulator\u2019s website. They will need to name the requested type of licence(s) and provide basic information for an initial screening and assessment.<\/strong> If they\u2019re considered eligible, applicants will gain access to the GCGRA licensing portal, where they can submit their full application and upload documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The required documentation includes business plans and compliance strategies. Operators will also have to establish a qualifying domestic entity <\/strong>(QDE) in the UAE or enter into a relationship with a UAE company with substantial business operations in the jurisdiction. Once approved, licensees will be audited by the regulator every two years to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The GCGRA was established last year to regulate lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming. It granted its first licence on Sunday<\/a>, establishing\u00a0The Game<\/strong>\u00a0as the operator of a new UAE national lottery. However, the launch of the licensing process for other gaming operators suggests casino licences could follow relatively soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The GCGRA defines \u201ccommercial gaming\u201d as \u201cany game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered \u2013 i.e., placed as a bet \u2013 for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUAE gambling licence requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
UAE licensing process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n