Novomatic AG has secured a Gaming Related Vendor Licence, authorised by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The licence marks a major development for Novomatic in its bid to become one of the first gaming machine manufacturers and distributors to operate under the UAE’s forthcoming regulatory framework for gambling and lotteries.
In 2023, the federation of UAE states sanctioned the establishment of the GCGRA as the federal regulatory authority tasked with developing and launching a framework to govern the commercial activities of gambling.
Led by US executive Kevin Mullally (CEO/President), the GCGRA announced last year that Wynn Resorts had been awarded the concession to develop a casino resort in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Scheduled to open in 2027, Wynn Resorts is set to build a 1,000-room resort and entertainment centre. However, the GCGRA has yet to confirm the gaming capacity and operational framework that will govern gambling within UAE venues.
To date, the GCGRA has granted two Gaming Vendor Licences – to Novomatic and its competitor Aristocrat Gaming.
Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board of Novomatic AG Group, commented on the licence approval: “Receiving this licence as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for Novomatic. This honour reflects our unwavering commitment to offer the most innovative products fulfilling the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we enter this exciting opportunity in the United Arab Emirates market, we successfully continue our international expansion strategy.”
In November 2024, the UAE introduced its first officially regulated national lottery, licensed and overseen by the GCGRA. The UAE has also engaged in drafting and implementing federal gaming legislation, establishing regulatory guidelines for responsible gambling, licensing, compliance, and enforcement, while also working to clearly define the legal boundaries between permitted and prohibited forms of gambling.
Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President of Global Sales and Product Management at Novomatic AG, added: “As a leading global player in the gaming industry, Novomatic is excited to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this dynamic and rapidly growing market.
Our latest gaming solutions are designed to deliver exceptional performance to land-based gaming facilities across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their preferred games with the same high standards and quality they expect from other jurisdictions worldwide.”
