Key points:
- This is the first gaming-related vendor licence given out by the GCGRA
- It will apply to both online and land-based casinos in the UAE
- Although nothing else has been announced, Wynn Resorts is the only land-based casino confirmed to be opening in the UAE; while a lottery licence has also been awarded
Aristocrat has been awarded the first gaming-related vendor licence by The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This will allow Aristocrat to offer its portfolio of electronic gaming machines in land-based casinos, as well as its online slot library and technology solutions to commercial operators also licensed by the GCGRA.
To receive this licence, Aristocrat had to pass the strict regulations enforced by the federal entity before it could operate in the jurisdiction.
Although the GCGRA has only recently started to hand out licences, this does suggest that the only venue with a commercial gaming licence – Wynn Resorts – will have its casino floor populated with Aristocrat slot games.
Hector Fernandez, CEO of Gaming for Aristocrat, said: "We are honoured to be the first large, international technology provider to be awarded a gaming-related vendor license to serve the UAE market.
"At Aristocrat, our vision is to deliver the best seat in the house wherever, and whenever the world plays. We look forward to doing so by providing premium content for players in the UAE while simultaneously encouraging responsible gameplay."
Good to know: The first commercial gaming licence was awarded to Wynn Resorts on 4 October for its land-based venues.
This new jurisdiction was announced just after Anne Tucker was appointed as Aristocrat's new Chief Legal Officer.
Prior to joining Aristocrat in 2021, she held senior global legal and company secretary positions at several organisations, including Corporate Travel Management, Tatts Group and UniTab.
Aristocrat claimed a trio of wins at the Global Gaming Awards Americas earlier this month.
