Fennica Gaming Expands Its Global Footprint with Licensing in the UAE
Fennica Gaming, a subsidiary of Veikkaus, recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development positions Fennica among an elite group of licensed suppliers, including industry giants like Aristocrat and EQL Games.
Licensing and Growth Opportunities
The Gaming Related Vendor Licence granted to Fennica enables the company, which specializes in B2B iGaming solutions, to provide its innovative “games as a service” (GaaS) offerings. This license allows Fennica to collaborate with licensed operators within the UAE’s evolving gaming landscape. Their GaaS portfolio features a diverse selection of online casino games, including slots, video poker, and unique instant-win games, all supported by the advanced Google Cloud platform.
This UAE partnership is part of Fennica’s broader strategy for global expansion. Notably, just last month, the company also received licenses in Sweden and Ontario, allowing it to extend its reach to a total of 15 countries across three continents, further solidifying its presence in markets like the UK, Denmark, and Spain.
Management Insights
Fennica’s Managing Director, Timo Kiiskinen, expressed enthusiasm about the UAE market’s potential, remarking that it offers a fresh opportunity to access new geographical areas. Kiiskinen emphasized the company’s eagerness to contribute to the UAE’s regulated gaming industry with their cutting-edge solutions.
Rising Licenses in the UAE
The GCGRA has been diligently issuing licenses, indicating a rapid expansion of the gaming sector in the UAE. Recently, the authority also approved Scientific Games and Random State, enhancing their involvement in the region’s developing lottery market. This latest approval marks Fennica as the tenth supplier licensed by the GCGRA, highlighting the growing interest in this space.
Since its establishment in 2023, the GCGRA has laid down a comprehensive regulatory framework governing more than just gambling but also encompasses lottery and commercial gaming activities. The organization made headlines earlier this year by granting the UAE’s only lottery license to The Game LLC, set to introduce an array of lottery games to residents starting November 2024, with the inaugural draw scheduled for December 14.
Additionally, last year saw Wynn Resorts being awarded the UAE’s first license for commercial land-based casino gaming, with its highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah set to debut in early 2027.
Conclusion
Fennica Gaming’s licensing in the UAE signifies not only a step forward for the company but also reflects the dynamic growth of the gaming industry within the region. With an increasing number of licensed entities contributing to a regulated landscape, the UAE is poised to become a significant player in the global gaming market, attracting innovative companies ready to tap into its potential.