For years, gambling in the UAE was simply illegal. That changed in September 2023, when the UAE created a federal regulator for lottery and commercial gaming: the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, or GCGRA. In June 2026, Play971 became the first licensed online sportsbook and casino in the UAE.
For iGaming operators, the UAE is now one of the most talked-about new markets in the world. This guide explains in plain English what the GCGRA licence is, who needs one, how the process works and what the marketing rules are.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Before you act, always check with the GCGRA and a UAE lawyer. We can support you here too, by putting you in touch with the UAE lawyers we know and work with.
The GCGRA is the federal authority that regulates lottery and commercial gaming in the UAE and manages licensing nationally. Its chairman is Jim Murren, former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts; in November 2025 he also took over as interim CEO. The basic rule is simple: commercial gaming without a GCGRA licence is illegal in the UAE, and players who use unlicensed sites can also face penalties.
UAE Lottery: the national lottery was the first licensed product, in 2024.
Wynn Al Marjan Island (Ras Al Khaimah): received the first commercial gaming licence in October 2024 for its integrated resort with a casino, due to open in 2027.
Play971: run by Coin Technology Projects LLC (part of Abu Dhabi-based Momentum Group), holds "Internet Gaming" and "Sports Wagering" licences, the GCGRA's 19th licence. It offers online sports betting, online casino games and live dealer games. Players must be 21 or older and physically in the UAE. Read more: Fanatics and Play971.
Suppliers: technology companies such as Sportradar, Xpoint and Hub88/Live88 (Yolo Group) have received GCGRA vendor certification.
The GCGRA licenses companies and people:
Gaming operators: Gaming Facility Operator (land-based casinos and resorts), Lottery Operator, Lottery Retailer, Internet Gaming Operator (online casino) and Sports Wagering Operator (sports betting). Online operators usually need the last two.
Gaming-related vendors: suppliers of gaming products and services, such as platforms, game studios and data providers.
Key persons: owners, directors and senior managers, both companies and individuals, are checked and licensed.
Gaming employees: occupational licences (Level 1 and Level 2) for staff in gaming roles.
This is the point many foreign operators miss. To apply for an operator licence, you must have a clear relationship with a Qualifying Domestic Entity: a company incorporated in the UAE with substantial operations here, solid finances and a track record. In practice, a foreign operator cannot simply apply alone; it needs the right UAE partner and structure from the start.
1. First contact: send the GCGRA intake form, naming the licence type(s) you want, for an initial screening. Meetings with the GCGRA are by email request and appointment only.
2. Full application: if you are eligible, you get access to the licensing portal. You upload your business plan, compliance strategy, responsible gaming policy, anti-money laundering programme, technical details and financial evidence.
3. Suitability check: the GCGRA investigates the company, its owners and key persons: integrity, finances and ability to operate.
4. Approvals and fees: an application fee is due once the intake form is accepted. An in-principle approval fee (10% of the licence fee) follows, and the rest of the licence fee is due when the GCGRA issues its "Intent to Issue Licence".
5. Testing before launch: systems are tested and certified before you can take a single bet.
6. After launch: regular reporting to the GCGRA, and an audit of your responsible gaming programme at least every two years by a GCGRA-approved auditor.
The GCGRA does not publish its licence fees; they are set case by case. Advisers estimate the full process at around four to twelve months, depending on how complete your application is. On top of the licence, budget for your UAE company and partner structure, system testing and certification, local compliance staff, and your marketing plan.
On 1 June 2026, the UAE's new Civil Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025) came into force. It removed the old articles that made every gambling contract void. Law firms say this means contracts made under the GCGRA licensing system can now be enforced in civil courts, which gives licensed operators, suppliers and players more legal certainty. Unlicensed gambling remains a criminal offence. Read more: UAE civil code and gambling rules.
Getting the licence is only half the work; you then need to win players within strict marketing rules:
GCGRA Advertising Standards: nothing that targets or appeals to people under the legal age, accurate odds and bonus terms, a responsible gaming message and help resources, and content that respects UAE values. Marketing must never present gambling as a way to solve money problems.
Licence details and Arabic: advisers report that the operator name and GCGRA licence number must be shown or easy to find, and that key terms should be available in Arabic where you reach Arabic-speaking audiences.
Google and Meta: since 10 March 2026, Google Ads accepts lottery, online casino and sports betting ads in the UAE, but only from GCGRA-licensed operators with Google certification. Meta also requires prior approval.
Influencers and ambassadors: anyone posting paid content in the UAE needs a UAE Media Council Advertiser Permit. See how Play971 appointed Brett Lee as brand ambassador.
Sports sponsorship: the same rules apply. Choose properties where most of the audience is adult, and build responsible gaming into the activation. Our guide How to Sponsor Sport in the UAE explains the steps.
TRIX20 combines more than 12 years of iGaming experience with sports marketing in the UAE. We give operators a clear first overview of the UAE licence, introduce serious applicants to the right licensing partner, and build your go-to-market strategy around it. See our iGaming Consulting service or contact us for a first conversation.
Sources: GCGRA, Mondaq, Khaleej Times, Yogonet, iGaming Business, Malay Mail, AGBI, Global Law Experts, Google Ads Help, Gulf News. Image: Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort (artist's impression), Wynn Resorts, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
