The increasing interest in gaming across the UAE presents unique opportunities for service providers.
The UAE’s “dynamic” gaming market “presents unique opportunities,” according to gaming compliance expert Kate McCormick.
McCormick, who has previously held senior roles at top industry companies including William Hill, Superbet, Playtech and bwin.party (now Entain), recently joined law firm WH Partners as Chief Executive Officer of its UAE operations.
“These are exciting times for the area, and we’ve already seen an increase in interest over the last couple of years,” said McCormick of the potential that exists for gaming companies in the UAE market.
“The UAE government has a bold vision for the future.”
The UAE is the first country in the Gulf Region to open itself up to the gaming industry, and it aims to do so by implementing a best-in-class regulatory framework designed by the recently established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
International online casinos and betting sites are already accessible to UAE players, but the signs suggest that the GCGRA will look to limit all forms of gaming to UAE-licensed operators in the future.
It has already issued operating licenses to The UAE Lottery, the joint venture developing Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, and numerous gaming service providers.
Many ancillary service providers are establishing footholds in the region, including WH partners, which set up a Dubai office three years ago and already assists gambling and fintech clients in the UAE.
