Light & Wonder has become the latest global gaming supplier to receive a vendor licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The company announced on Friday (18 July) that it had secured regulatory approval to operate within the UAE’s emerging legal gaming framework, making it the 13th authorised gaming-related vendor in the country.
The licence allows Light & Wonder to supply a comprehensive portfolio of products, including land-based electronic gaming machines, table games, and gaming utilities.
It also enables the firm to offer online iGaming content to licensed operators under the GCGRA’s oversight.
The development places the company among a small group of international suppliers that are authorised to participate in the UAE’s nascent but high-profile gaming sector.
The UAE has been actively establishing a regulated gaming environment, drawing attention from global operators and suppliers eager to enter the market.
Light & Wonder described the licensing as a pivotal milestone, noting the strategic importance of entering a jurisdiction that many see as a future hub for regulated gaming in the Middle East.
The company emphasised its intention to be a reliable partner, supporting responsible and secure gaming aligned with the GCGRA’s objectives.
Matt Wilson, president and CEO of Light & Wonder, said the approval marks an important achievement for the company, particularly as the UAE becomes a focal point for international gaming expansion.
Wilson highlighted that Light & Wonder aims to deliver a player-first experience while upholding rigorous standards for responsible gambling and regulatory compliance.
He also reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with gaming authorities in the jurisdictions where it operates.
UAE’s future gambling industry takes form
Light & Wonder’s licensing follows similar approvals granted to other major industry players. Among those already authorised by the GCGRA are Aristocrat, IGT, Novomatic, Scientific Games, and Xpoint Technology.
These companies represent a growing ecosystem of vendors aligning with the UAE’s structured approach to regulated gaming.
Payment service providers have also been incorporated into the licensing regime, further strengthening the operational infrastructure of the developing market.
Although the vendor licensing program continues to gain momentum, operational licences remain limited.
Wynn Resorts is still the only firm licensed to operate a land-based casino in the UAE. Its Wynn Al Marjan Island project, currently under development in Ras Al Khaimah, is expected to be the first integrated resort in the country.
In February, Wynn secured a $2.4bn construction facility through a syndicate of international lenders to fund the resort’s development.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is situated approximately 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and will serve as a test case for the viability and regulatory model of integrated casino resorts in the UAE.
The development represents a major commitment to building a luxury entertainment and gaming destination that could shape the future of tourism and gaming policy in the region.
In parallel, the UAE’s gaming regulator has also issued a lottery licence, which was awarded to The Game LLC.
The company currently maintains exclusive control over the country’s official lottery operations, marking another early step in the gradual rollout of regulated gaming activities.
