Legal Updates on Gambling in the UAE and Dubai

Establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) - On September 1, 2023, the UAE established the GCGRA as a federal body to regulate commercial gaming. This marked a pivotal shift, introducing a framework for potential gambling legalization, though it initially focused on oversight rather than immediate implementation in Dubai.

Wynn Resorts Secures UAE’s First Commercial Gaming License - On January 25, 2024, Wynn Resorts received the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator license from the GCGRA for its planned resort in Ras Al Khaimah, set to open in 2027. While not in Dubai, this event signaled a broader move toward regulated gambling that could influence Dubai’s future policies.

First Lottery License Issued - On July 28, 2024, the GCGRA awarded its first lottery license to The Game LLC, launching the UAE Lottery. This was the first legal gaming activity permitted nationwide, though it excluded casino-style gambling and did not yet extend to Dubai-specific operations

Publication of Commercial Gaming Regulations - Coinciding with the lottery license, the UAE publicly released its comprehensive commercial gaming regulations on July 28, 2024. These rules, detailed on the GCGRA website, outlined licensing, responsible gaming, and enforcement protocols, setting the stage for future casino developments, potentially including Dubai.

MGM Resorts Applies for Casino License in Abu Dhabi - On September 10, 2024, MGM Resorts International, a major U.S.-based casino operator, officially applied for a gaming license in Abu Dhabi, as confirmed by CEO Bill Hornbuckle. This move positions MGM to potentially become the first major operator in the UAE’s emerging gambling market, with plans for a casino resort near Dubai. While the license is still pending approval from the GCGRA as of March 16, 2025, this development underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to expand regulated gaming beyond Ras Al Khaimah, potentially influencing Dubai’s future gambling landscape.

Temporary Suspension of Big Ticket Operations - In December 2024 (exact date pending final confirmation but reported late in the month), Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket raffle paused operations under GCGRA directives for regulatory review. This action underscored the ongoing transition to a centralized gaming framework, impacting Dubai by signaling stricter oversight of existing prize draws.