Kevin Mullally, former head of the UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority and current CEO of the International Association of Gaming Regulators, outlined the regulatory framework for the UAE iGaming sector. The discussion covered the authority’s compliance-driven model, licensing procedures across emirates, and the market’s focus on long-term industry growth.
Regulatory Framework and Licensing
Mullally joined the UAE to establish a regulatory body from the ground up after more than thirty years in gaming oversight. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority operates on a principle that every business requirement must address a specific risk or deliver a measurable public benefit. Rather than relying on penalties, the framework prioritizes compliance support, with performance tracked through objective metrics. The complete regulatory structure was implemented in under six months, enabling the launch of a national lottery, the licensing of the Wynn project, and the approval of initial online operators.Licensing decisions rest with individual emirates, which select operators before the federal authority issues permits. Each emirate maintains a capped number of B2C licenses while offering broader opportunities for B2B providers, allowing operators to run multiple brand skins. The regulatory model does not aim to generate gambling revenue.
Instead, it supports economic diversification, tourism expansion, and technology adoption. The approach treats the sector as an integrated ecosystem, developing service providers and infrastructure alongside gaming operators.
Technology and Market Entry
The regulatory stance follows the principle that technology should drive development while oversight adapts to new formats. Rules are designed to accommodate emerging game types rather than restrict them with legacy standards. As a reference, the YOLO company exited contested markets, restructured its operations, and secured a UAE license by aligning with the regulated framework. Companies entering the region are advised to prioritize long-term partnerships, respect local cultural norms, and align with national economic objectives instead of targeting short-term returns.The overview was provided during a NEXT.io interview.