Novomatic Secures UAE Gaming Vendor License from GCGRA

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially granted a gaming vendor license to Novomatic, marking a pivotal moment as the company becomes one of the first international suppliers to penetrate this rapidly evolving market.

With the acquisition of this prestigious Tier 1 license, Novomatic is now empowered to offer its comprehensive array of land-based gaming solutions to operators throughout the UAE. While the current gambling landscape in the UAE is still in its nascent stages—primarily characterized by a regulated national lottery—this license paves the way for Novomatic to contribute to significant projects, such as the ambitious Wynn Resort Al Marjan Island casino development, which promises to elevate the region’s entertainment offerings.

This milestone is part of the UAE’s gradual transition towards a regulated gambling framework. In a noteworthy development, Wynn Resorts became the first entity to obtain a gaming license from the GCGRA in October for its island project in Ras Al Khaimah, underscoring the country’s steps towards legitimizing and expanding its gambling sector.

Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board at Novomatic AG Group, commented on this landmark achievement:

“Receiving this license as one of the pioneering gaming technology groups globally is a significant milestone for Novomatic. This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to delivering innovative products that uphold the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we venture into the UAE market, we continue to successfully implement our international expansion strategy.”

Novomatic’s licensing announcement arrives shortly after Aristocrat, a prominent competitor, disclosed in October that it secured the inaugural gaming-related vendor license from the GCGRA. Thus, Novomatic joins an exclusive cohort of just three organizations currently authorized to operate within the tightly regulated gambling sphere of the UAE, marking a crucial evolution in the region’s entertainment and gaming industry.