Approval Granted to Scientific Games and Random State by UAE Gambling Authority
Scientific Games and Random State have recently received Gaming Related Vendor licenses from the gambling authority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has authorized these two international gaming technology companies to provide their services within the emerging lottery sector of the UAE. This expansion brings the total number of licensed suppliers in the region to nine.
Previous approvals have included various vendors such as slot machine manufacturers and payment processors, including IGT Global Services, Novomatic, and Aristocrat Technologies Europe.
The GCGRA was formed in 2023 by the UAE to create a regulatory framework governing gambling, national lotteries, and commercial gaming. In June of the previous year, it granted the sole lottery license in the nation to The Game LLC. Additionally, in 2024, Wynn Resorts was awarded the UAE’s first commercial land-based casino gaming license.
Scientific Games Enthusiastic About UAE Prospects
Operating in 50 countries, Scientific Games expressed enthusiasm about entering the UAE lottery market.
“We are incredibly excited that Scientific Games has been recognized as a lottery supplier in the UAE with this license,” stated Michael Conforti, president of international business for Scientific Games.
“We are eager to leverage our 50 years of expertise to deliver high-quality products that will responsibly generate revenue for lottery initiatives benefiting local communities and nationally significant projects.”
Random State Celebrates Significant Achievement
Random State, based in Sweden and known for its real-money eInstant games and tailored digital-lottery products, sees promising prospects in the UAE region.
“The UAE has the potential to emerge as one of the world’s most vibrant digital-lottery markets,” remarked Adam Fonsica, co-founder and chief operating officer at Random State. “Gaining the trust of the GCGRA is a critical achievement for us. We are excited to launch our innovative eInstants and customized draw games to local players later this year.”
Launch of UAE Lottery Remains Uncertain
The Game LLC, the license holder, operates as the UAE Lottery, providing various lottery games and products. Ticket sales began in November 2024, leading up to the first draw scheduled for December 14.
In anticipation of this event, the GCGRA issued a notice emphasizing that the UAE Lottery is the sole legal lottery in the nation. Two duty-free lotteries, Big Ticket at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai Duty Free, are permitted to hold draws for travelers.
Last year, the GCGRA indicated that the UAE Lottery aims to accommodate diverse player interests and financial preferences.
The GCGRA describes The Game as “a commercial gaming operator specializing in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content.” The entity is a subsidiary of Momentum, an Abu Dhabi-based firm that specializes in mobile game development, publishing, virtual reality, iGaming, and esports management.
Wynn Resorts, already licensed for land-based casino gaming, is in the process of constructing its Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort. This project in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a collaboration involving affiliates of Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
Wynn anticipates opening this multi-billion-dollar resort in the first quarter of 2027. Al Marjan Island is conveniently located 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and about 65 miles from Dubai, the largest city in the UAE.
The resort will feature a gaming area, over 1,000 hotel rooms, conference facilities, shopping venues, and various dining options.