UAE Awards First Lottery License, Sets Sights On Integrated Resorts And iGaming
The Game LLC will operate the lottery, at a launch date to be announced
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted The Game LLC the exclusive right to operate the emirate’s first national lottery, according to a press release by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
The announcement marks a key milestone for the GCGRA, the federal gaming regulator established last September under the leadership of former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren. The Game LLC is the first business to receive a license from the agency, signaling its progress in establishing a solid framework for the UAE’s gaming industry.
While the company has secured the coveted lottery license, defeating Emirates Draw and Mahzooz in the process, details surrounding the launch date remain undisclosed. Financial terms of the licensing agreement have also been kept under wraps. However, the GCGRA confirmed previously that lottery revenue will be subject to a single-digit tax in addition to the standard 9% corporate tax imposed in the UAE.
With the lottery license issued, the GCGRA now turns its attention to two other high-profile projects: the licensing of integrated resorts (IR) and the launch of a regulated iGaming market. Construction is already underway on Wynn’s Ras Al-Khaimah resort, an IR project that is expected to be a cornerstone of the UAE’s gaming landscape. Nevertheless, the timeline for granting a license to Wynn remains uncertain.
The decision to introduce a regulated lottery and explore opportunities in IRs and online gaming is part of the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy. By tapping into the global gaming industry, the country aims to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and boost tourism.
GCGRA Takes Shape
In tandem with the lottery announcement, the GCGRA has also confirmed its board structure. It’s bringing in a wealth of knowledge on a range of subjects.
Jim Murren (Chairman)
Murren has had an illustrious career. His significant contributions to the gaming and hospitality industries were recognized in 2023, when he was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame.
Chris O’Donnell (Vice Chairman)
O’Donnell, a specialist in real estate and investment, currently serves as the managing director of CNN Advisory. He has previously held a directorial position at CityCenter Holdings in Las Vegas.
Nick Casiello (Board Member)
Casiello, a legal expert, once headed the gaming division at Fox Rothschild. He is a co-founder of the International Masters of Gaming Law and is an active member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
William Grounds (Board Member)
Grounds held the position of president and COO at Infinity World Development Corp, a company owned by Dubai and involved in the creation of CityCenter Las Vegas. He has served on the board of MGM Resorts and is a director at PointsBet.
John Kelly (Board Member)
Kelly, a partner at the London-based law firm Harbottle & Lewis, is recognized as a specialist in reputation protection, privacy, data protection, and defamation.
Giovanni Lega (Board Member)
Lega is the founder and managing partner at the law firm LCA. He has participated in various M&A, real estate, and gaming transactions.
Mark Lipparelli (Board Member)
Lipparelli, who previously chaired the Nevada Gaming Control Board, now serves as the chairman of both Galaxy Gaming and casino operator Golden Entertainment.
