Interest in the United Arab Emirates' emerging gaming landscape remains strong, with Light & Wonder, a global gaming major, now obtaining its license that will allow the company to provide its products locally.
Light & Wonder prepares for further growth with UAE license
Light & Wonder has secured a gaming-related vendor license issued by the local regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, which means that the company would be able to provide its gaming machines on-site at the upcoming Wynn Al-Marjan Island casino resort project, due to open early in 2027.
The license obtained by the company applies to its table games and utilities, electronic gaming machines, and even the company’s iGaming services and products. The license has been welcomed on a strong note by Light & Wonder, which is determined to further consolidate its position in the UAE at a time of rapid local growth and talks about further legalization.
Although Wynn Al-Marjan Island is expected to be the only major gambling project for a while, sports betting and iGaming could be coming in the next years, positioning early entrants in a good spot.
Commenting on the opportunity to secure an early GCGRA approval, Light & Wonder CEO and President Matt Wilson had this to say:
"Securing a license from the GCGRA is an important milestone for Light & Wonder as we enter one of the most anticipated new regulated markets in the world. We’re honored to be among the first approved suppliers and are committed to bringing our trusted, responsible, and player-first approach to the UAE."
As regulation is still being hammered out, chances are that there are more developments coming into the market. The licensure of major companies is just a precursor to this.
