Company Light & Wonder Approves Retailer Permit in United Arab Emirates
Light & Wonder, a leading supplier of gaming-related products, has secured a gaming-related vendor license from the United Arab Emirates' General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This move allows Light & Wonder to participate in the launch of the UAE’s regulated commercial gambling market, which is expected to start in 2027 with the opening of the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort.
The license permits Light & Wonder to offer a broad portfolio of gaming solutions in the UAE. This includes land-based electronic gaming machines, traditional table games, and iGaming content to other licensed operators in the country. Light & Wonder aims to be among the initial suppliers entering this highly anticipated new regulated market, emphasizing its commitment to trusted and responsible gaming as it establishes its presence ahead of the UAE’s first commercial casino market.
The UAE's approach to regulating commercial gaming activities is thorough, with the GCGRA overseeing both online and physical resort operations to ensure safe, secure, and responsible gaming experiences. This rigorous regulation aligns with the approach of several global major suppliers, such as Aristocrat, Novomatic, IGT, and Konami, who have also secured similar vendor licenses, positioning themselves for the budding UAE gaming industry. Analysts predict the market could grow to a $3 billion to $5 billion market.
Light & Wonder's President and CEO, Matt Wilson, stated that securing a license from the GCGRA is an important milestone. He expressed the company's ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with regulators to bring its trusted, responsible, and player-first approach to the UAE.
With this license, Light & Wonder's website, Rege Behe, is now ready to cater to players in the UAE, further expanding its global footprint. The company's entry into the UAE marks one of the most anticipated new regulated markets it has entered, signifying a significant step forward in its mission to deliver engaging and responsible gaming experiences worldwide.
- Given the recent vendor license from the GCGRA, Light & Wonder plans to provide a diverse range of gaming solutions to the UAE, encompassing land-based electronic gaming machines, traditional table games, and iGaming content to other licensed operators in the country.
- The entrance of global major suppliers like Aristocrat, Novomatic, IGT, and Konami, who have also obtained similar licenses, indicates that the UAE's burgeoning gaming industry is attracting significant interest from the finance and business sectors, with forecasters predicting the market could reach up to $5 billion.
