Novomatic AG has secured one of the first gaming-related vendor licences in the United Arab Emirates, signaling its official entry into a new and tightly regulated market. The Austrian-based gaming technology firm announced on Thursday that it received a Tier 1 vendor licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal body overseeing commercial gaming in the UAE.
Novomatic now joins a short list of gaming vendors cleared to operate in the UAE. Last October, Aristocrat was the first to publicly confirm receipt of a gaming-related vendor licence from the GCGRA.
The GCGRA was set up in September 2023 and is chaired by Jim Murren, the former CEO of MGM Resorts International. It is responsible for licensing and supervising gaming-related activity across the country.
Novomatic stated that it aims to work closely with licensed operators in the region and position itself as a dependable supplier. “Receiving this licence as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for Novomatic,” said Stefan Krenn, a member of the company’s executive board. He added that the move demonstrates Novomatic’s “unwavering commitment to offer the most innovative products fulfilling the highest standards of responsible gaming.”
Thomas Schmalzer, who oversees global sales and product management at Novomatic, emphasized the company’s readiness to serve the UAE market. He noted that players will be able to enjoy their preferred games with the same quality they expect in other regions.
The UAE gaming sector is still in its early stages. So far, Wynn Resorts is the only licensed casino operator in the country. The company is currently developing the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, with a planned pre-opening in the first quarter of 2027.
With its licence in hand, Novomatic now looks to expand its global footprint further by working within the UAE’s newly established regulatory framework and preparing to serve the upcoming casino and gaming venues in the region.
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