Fennica Gaming latest to secure UAE online supplier licence
In addition to its operations in the UAE, Fennica Gaming is also licensed in key markets, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Fennica Gaming, a subsidiary of Veikkaus, has recently obtained a license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to explore opportunities in emerging markets.
Fennica is among the three online gaming suppliers, alongside Aristocrat and EQL Games, that have received approval from the GCGRA. The Gaming Related Vendor License allows Fennica, a B2B iGaming solutions provider, to deliver its innovative “Games as a Service” (GaaS) to licensed operators within the UAE’s regulated gaming landscape.
Fennica’s GaaS portfolio features a variety of online casino games, including slot machines, video poker, and specialty games, all supported by an advanced platform powered by Google Cloud. Additionally, the company offers instant-win titles, catering to diverse gaming preferences.
According to Fennica, this license is pivotal for its ongoing international expansion. Just last month, the company also received approvals in Sweden and Ontario, further solidifying its presence in 15 countries across three continents, including the UK, Denmark, and Spain.
“Securing the Gaming Related Vendor License from the GCGRA is a crucial step for Fennica Gaming as we continue to establish our global footprint,” said Timo Kiiskinen, Managing Director of Fennica. “The UAE offers a unique and dynamic market, providing us with opportunities to penetrate new continents and markets. We look forward to contributing to the advancement of its regulated gaming sector with our trusted and innovative solutions.”
UAE Licenses on the Rise
The GCGRA has been actively issuing licenses in recent weeks, underscoring the rapid growth of the UAE gaming market.
Recently, GCGRA extended its approvals to Scientific Games and Random State, enabling them to offer services to the burgeoning lottery market in the UAE. Additionally, prominent slot machine manufacturers and payment service providers, including IGT Global Services, Novomatic, and Aristocrat Technologies Europe, have also received licenses, bringing the total number of approved suppliers to 10.
Established in 2023, the GCGRA aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework encompassing gambling, national lottery, and commercial gaming sectors in the UAE.
In June 2024, the authority granted the nation’s first lottery license to The Game LLC, introducing a diverse range of lottery games and products. Tickets for the new UAE Lottery went on sale in November 2024, with its inaugural draw scheduled for December 14.
Last year, GCGRA also awarded Wynn Resorts the first commercial land-based casino gaming license in the UAE. Currently under construction, the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is a collaborative project between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
Wynn anticipates that this multi-billion-dollar project will open in Q1 2027, further enriching the UAE’s vibrant gaming landscape.
