GCGRA names Ciarán Carruthers as new CEO
Carruthers becomes the second CEO of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, taking the helm from Kevin Mullally.
The United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed Ciarán Carruthers as chief executive with immediate effect. He becomes the second person to lead the regulator, stepping into the role vacated by Kevin Mullally towards the end of 2025. Jim Murren, GCGRA chairman, served as interim chief executive following Mullally’s departure.
Carruthers brings nearly 40 years of experience in luxury resorts and gaming. He was most recently the CEO of Crown Resorts in Australia, where he led the regulatory fixes that got the operator back to full licensing. He’s also run large operations at Wynn Macau and advanced responsible gaming programmes that have influenced industry standards across the board.
Murren said: “We are pleased to welcome Ciarán to the GCGRA leadership team. He brings the experience and vision to lead the Authority as we continue to build a world-class regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE.”
Carruthers said: “I am honoured to join GCGRA and 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.”
The GCGRA was launched in September 2023. Since then, the Authority has been mandated to regulate commercial gaming activities throughout the UAE. This scope includes casinos, online gaming, sports betting and lotteries. The Authority has demonstrated significant operational advancement within a brief timeframe. Its activities have progressed from developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to the issuance of initial operating licences. Specifically, lottery and vendor licences have been distributed. Furthermore, the first regulated online gaming platforms are now operational.
