New Jersey, a state renowned for its Atlantic City casino scene, has formalized a collaborative agreement with the gaming regulatory body of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week.
This agreement coincides with discussions held by a major casino operator regarding its forthcoming ventures within the UAE.
The memorandum of understanding was executed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, involving New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), an entity established last year to provide exclusive federal oversight to the gaming sector.
“New Jersey’s standing as a national frontrunner and a sought-after destination for gaming is bolstered by international alliances that foster innovation within an industry driven by consumer demand for engaging experiences,” stated Governor Phil Murphy, who formalized the agreement during an economic mission to the Gulf region.
The MoU aims to “establish a partnership between the gaming regulators of both regions to drive innovation in both land-based and online gaming, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and consumer protection,” according to the official statement.
“The collaboration between the DGE and GCGRA will strengthen our international economy while prioritising responsible gaming,” Murphy added.
New Jersey’s online gaming sector has experienced substantial growth. Since the current administration took office, the state’s total gaming revenue has more than doubled, reinforcing its position as a national leader in this rapidly growing industry.
“Commercial gaming is a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy for diversified economic growth,” stated GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullall.
Real estate consultancy CBRE projects that legalized gambling in the UAE could generate approximately $8.5 billion annually.
Atlantic City in New Jersey stands as the second-largest casino market in the United States, generating nearly $6 billion in 2024, compared to the roughly $9 billion earned by casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
While gambling remains prohibited under UAE federal law, a major resort is under development on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island that’s expected to feature the country’s first legal casino when it opens in 2027.
In October 2024, the resort secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming license from the GCGRA. This license grants an exclusive 15-year term for casino operations in Ras Al Khaimah, the company confirmed in an investor update last year.
The resort projects annual gross gaming revenue between $1 billion and $1.7 billion from its Ras Al Khaimah resort, based on a UAE market potential of $3 billion to $5 billion.
The CEO of a rival Las Vegas operator told analysts that company executives had recently visited the UAE to meet local leaders and update them on a beachfront development in the emirate, which will feature three Las Vegas hotel brands.
“[The] key mission was to see the prince and to update him on our project … the potential gaming we could bring to not only the UAE, but Dubai specifically,” he said.
“It was a great conversation. They haven’t said yes. They haven’t said no. We are building an environment that can accommodate it.
“And that building is due to complete, third quarter of ’27. We’re literally up on the fifth floor of the MGM Tower as we speak.”
Announced in 2017, the Dubai project is a part of a megaproject.
The resort is due for completion in the third quarter of 2027, he said.
He said the delegation received a warm reception during their visit, but stressed that any decision on gaming ultimately rests with the emirate’s leadership.
“Hopefully, we’ll get to add gaming. But the ball truly now is in their court,” he said.
