G2E 2026 examines the UAE’s emerging gaming market

Experts discussed licensing requirements, responsible gaming and market-entry opportunities as the UAE builds its commercial gaming framework.

Key takeaways:

• A panel titled “UAE Gaming Developments” at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2026 in Las Vegas on September 29 examined the UAE’s regulatory structure, licensing landscape and considerations for companies entering the market. GLI’s Joseph Bunevith took part, according to GLI’s post-event statement, and Greenberg Traurig listed Omar Hegazy of its Dubai office as a speaker.
• The UAE’s Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority is the sole authority responsible for issuing commercial gaming licences.
• Wynn Al Marjan Island is the UAE’s first licensed land-based gaming facility and is scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in September 2027. Greenberg Traurig said early market participants are already building relationships and infrastructure as the commercial gaming market develops.

Industry and legal experts discussed the UAE’s evolving gaming regulatory and licensing framework at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2026 in Las Vegas on September 29. The panel took place during the four-day event, which ran from September 28 to October 1, and examined the market’s development and the requirements facing companies seeking to enter the country’s commercial gaming sector.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) vice president of government and regulatory affairs Joseph Bunevith participated in the “UAE Gaming Developments” panel, according to GLI’s post-event statement. International law firm Greenberg Traurig listed Omar Hegazy, Of Counsel at its Dubai office, as a speaker on the panel, which addressed the UAE’s regulatory structure, licensing landscape and considerations for businesses entering the market.

Greenberg Traurig said early market participants were already building relationships and infrastructure as the UAE’s commercial gaming market develops.

The UAE’s regulatory priorities also featured in a separate G2E panel hosted by the International Association of Gaming Advisors on September 28, where Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) CEO Ciarán Carruthers stressed the need for effective tools to support responsible gaming and anti-money laundering policies.

The discussion comes against the backdrop of the UAE’s wider regulatory transformation. On June 1, 2026, Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 took effect, repealing the previous Civil Transactions Law. The former law’s Articles 1012–1021, which addressed gambling and betting, were not carried forward into the new legislation. The change comes as the UAE develops its specialised commercial gaming framework under the GCGRA.

The GCGRA is the UAE’s sole competent authority for issuing commercial gaming licences. Its official register lists Island 3 AMI FZ-LLC, doing business as Wynn Al Marjan, as the land-based gaming facility licensee; The Game LLC as the operator of the UAE Lottery; and Coin Technology Projects LLC for internet gaming and sports wagering.

The supplier ecosystem is also expanding, with Playtech subsidiary VSTechnology among the companies to have secured a Gaming-Related Vendor Licence. The GCGRA register also lists major international suppliers including Aristocrat, IGT, Novomatic and Scientific Games.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is the UAE’s first licensed land-based gaming facility and is scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in September 2027.

G2E 2026 brought together more than 25,000 gaming professionals from more than 120 countries, regions and territories, with more than 100 education sessions and 400+ exhibitors. The September 29 Main Stage programme also featured senior executives from MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts and BetMGM, alongside hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.