This development follows Wynn Resorts’ milestone achievement in October, when it was awarded the UAE’s first gaming licence for its project in Ras Al Khaimah—signalling the nation’s formal embrace of regulated gambling.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted an official gaming vendor licence to Novomatic, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s newly regulated gambling landscape. With this move, Novomatic becomes one of the first suppliers authorised to enter the UAE market.
The Tier 1 licence will allow Novomatic to distribute its land-based gaming products to operators across the country. While the UAE’s market currently consists solely of a regulated state lottery, Novomatic is now positioned to supply its solutions to the landmark Wynn Resort Al Marjan Island casino development project.
This development follows Wynn Resorts’ milestone achievement in October, when it was awarded the UAE’s first gaming licence for its project in Ras Al Khaimah—signalling the nation’s formal embrace of regulated gambling.
Reflecting on the announcement, Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board of Novomatic AG Group, stated:
“Receiving this licence as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for Novomatic. This honour reflects our unwavering commitment to offer the most innovative products fulfilling the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we enter this exciting opportunity in the United Arab Emirates market, we successfully continue our international expansion strategy.”
Novomatic’s licensure comes shortly after Aristocrat revealed in October that it had obtained the UAE’s first-ever gaming vendor licence. With Novomatic now joining the fold, only three gambling organisations currently hold authorisation to operate within the country’s emerging market.
Notably, the UAE launched its first regulated lottery in November, reinforcing its broader shift toward a controlled and structured gaming environment.
Also commenting on the development, Thomas Schmalzer, VP Global Sales and Product Management at Novomatic AG, said:
“As a leading global player in the gaming industry, Novomatic is excited to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this dynamic and rapidly growing market. Our latest gaming solutions are designed to deliver exceptional performance to land-based gaming facilities across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their preferred games with the same high standards and quality they expect from other jurisdictions worldwide.”
Gambling Insider, which previously explored the UAE’s gaming potential in Q4 2024, is set to revisit the topic in the upcoming cover feature of Asia Focus, reflecting the growing global interest in the region’s gambling evolution.