What We Do

As the competent authority overseeing commercial gaming in the UAE, the GCGRA regulates, licenses, supervises and investigates businesses and individuals involved in commercial gaming activities and facilities, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Federal Law by Decree.

The GCGRA aims to foster an open, transparent, and attractive investment climate within the commercial gaming industry to attract the world's leading innovators. Our priority is to integrate advanced digital solutions to streamline regulatory processes, enhance compliance, and support rapid and sustainable growth in the gaming industry.

By collaborating with government and industry leaders, technology experts, and community stakeholders, we aim to set new standards for regulatory excellence, promote ethical practices, and protect the interests of players and operators alike.

Regulation

To fulfil its regulatory mandate, the GCGRA establishes and implements the strategies, policies and regulations governing commercial gaming, ensuring the industry adheres to the highest standards of safety, quality, and consumer protection.

Our focus is to develop and implement a comprehensive regulatory framework, using evidence and established risk-management techniques to prevent and mitigate risks while encouraging innovation and socially responsible behaviour within the sector.

Licensing

The GCGRA is the sole competent authority to issue licenses for commercial gaming in the UAE. Anyone wishing to conduct business in commercial gaming within the UAE must first apply for and obtain a license from the GCGRA. Engaging in, operating, or facilitating commercial gaming activities without a valid license is unlawful and will result in legal action, including criminal penalties. Likewise, participating as a player in such activities through an unlicensed operator, whether online or at a physical venue, is also illegal and may subject individuals to severe penalties.

The GCGRA issues various licences for different types of individuals and businesses, following a clear and transparent licensing process.

Supervision and Investigations

The GCGRA supervises and investigates licensees’ compliance with commercial gaming regulations and technical standards to ensure the sector's integrity and accountability. We maintain a transparent relationship and ongoing dialogue with our licensees, conducting investigations and imposing administrative penalties where appropriate, if our standards are not upheld.

Our role is to ensure that gaming activities are conducted responsibly by properly qualified and licensed individuals and entities, in accordance with the GCGRA’s regulations and risk-based approach.

Financial Crime Prevention (FCP)

The UAE has rigorous laws and regulations to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and financial crimes in general. As the competent authority, the GCGRA regulates and oversees financial crime prevention (FCP) within the UAE’s commercial gaming industry, fostering continuous engagement and collaboration with licensees and stakeholders.

Responsible Gaming

A cornerstone of our mission is to promote responsible gaming practices in the UAE by deploying a comprehensive and collaborative strategy through research-based regulations, informed-decision making, accessible support services, and continuous monitoring tools that improve the understanding of problematic behaviour. We leverage technology by mandating the use of evidence-based techniques for educating and empowering players. 

Our goal is to reduce harm by providing players with self-management tools and steering high-risk players towards periods of self-exclusion and other support resources.