Plans include fighting red palm weevil, helping small-scale farmers combat climate change and learn about correct farming techniques
uae18 hours ago
Three companies have been granted gaming-related vendor licences to operate in the UAE, Khaleej Times can reveal. With these, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has so far licensed five companies.
Entertainment and gaming content creation company Aristocrat became the first international slot and online technology firm to get the vendor licence. The company can offer its land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs), online games and technology solutions to licensed commercial gaming operators in the country.
The company provides “gaming content, hardware and services to cater to (varied) player interests and financial preferences”. According to its website, the company’s products include land-based casino games, hardwares and systems; and mobile and online games.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Hector Fernandez, CEO, Gaming for Aristocrat, said: "We look forward to … providing premium content for players in the UAE while simultaneously encouraging responsible gameplay."
Smartplay International said its licence allows it to provide lottery and gaming equipment to approved gaming companies in the UAE. The company designs and manufactures traditional lottery drawing equipment, digital random number generator systems, raffle machines, bingo blowers, lottery balls and gaming-related services.
Darrell Smith, VP of Sales at the company, said they see “great opportunities” in the UAE and “look forward to working with new operators as they are approved by GCGRA”.
Smartplay said it works with lottery and gaming operators in 127 countries.
UAE-based fintech platform PayBy Technology Projects said it has been licensed to provide financial services to GCGRA-approved commercial gaming operators. Services include digital wallets, secure payments, and advanced fraud detection systems, “aligning with the GCGRA’s vision of creating a secure and innovative gaming environment that prioritises player safety”.
Only businesses and individuals holding a valid licence from the GCGRA are authorised to do commercial gaming-related businesses within the UAE. This applies to operators, individuals and third parties “providing products or services related to this industry”, according to the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities.
Unlicensed commercial gaming in the UAE is illegal for both operators and players.
The GCGRA grants licences in five categories: Lottery, land-based gaming facilities, gaming-related vendors, Internet gaming and sports wagering.
In October, hotel and casino operator Wynn Resorts was awarded a land-based gaming facility licence for its property coming up in Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan. As reported by Khaleej Times, Wynn disclosed that the licence is valid for 15 years and can be renewed.
In July, the GCGRA awarded the licence to operate the first authorised lottery in the country to Abu Dhabi-based The Game LLC. The Abu Dhabi-based company specialises in “game development, lottery operations and … commercial gaming content”.
As on November 20, there are no Internet gaming and sports wagering licensees.
ALSO READ:
Plans include fighting red palm weevil, helping small-scale farmers combat climate change and learn about correct farming techniques
uae18 hours ago
An Emirati educator with a commitment to nurturing young minds, Sultana was instrumental in building one of the city’s most respected educational institutions
uae19 hours ago
A company is aiming to make space travel more affordable and accessible to everyone
uae19 hours ago
During a debate among law students, the arbitration panel recognised the potential of social media accounts as inheritable assets
uae19 hours ago
Located in Abu Dhabi, the centre aims to deliver services such as therapeutic treatment, rehabilitation, and educational support for people of determination
uae20 hours ago
Dubai Future Solutions exhibition showcases breakthrough projects in key domains such as healthcare, energy, society, nature, and data science
uae20 hours ago
These companies hired 3,035 UAE nationals in violation of policies and engaged in fake Emiratisation
uae21 hours ago
Paul Griffiths said that he also wishes for the check-in process to be compact, where a traveller can 'step into a train, get off at the right place'
uae22 hours ago