Written by
Mohammed Fadel
Updated 6 months ago
2 min read
The burgeoning gaming industry in the United Arab Emirates has taken another step forward with the approval of an independent testing laboratory to assess gaming products for both lottery and commercial gaming sectors.
The approval, granted under the “Independent Testing Laboratories” category, signifies a commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity within the UAE’s rapidly developing gaming landscape. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), established in September 2023, oversees all commercial gaming activities, including lottery, online gaming, sports betting, and land-based casinos.
The GCGRA is led by Jim Murren, formerly the chairman and CEO of a major casino group. The UAE currently has one licensed casino operator, Wynn Resorts, which is developing the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah, slated for a pre-opening in early 2027. The Game LLC has also been granted a license to operate the UAE Lottery, the country’s first authorized lottery.
“We are excited and deeply honoured that the GCGRA has entrusted [us] with the responsibility of testing products for their new lottery, land-based, and digital gaming programme, knowing that we’ll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.”
This latest development underscores the UAE’s commitment to establishing a well-regulated and transparent gaming environment. As the industry continues to evolve, independent testing and certification will play a crucial role in maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible gaming practices.