Light & Wonder Secures Gaming License in the UAE
Light & Wonder has made headlines by obtaining a new gaming vendor license, enabling it to provide services in both online and brick-and-mortar settings across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The recent approval by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) marks a significant step for the company, which is now among the first to navigate this emerging regulated market. This news follows a formal announcement made by the GCGRA on July 18.
With the new license, Light & Wonder is poised to offer a variety of gaming options. These include electronic gaming machines, table games, and a range of iGaming content aimed at licensed operators throughout the region.
“This license represents a pivotal moment for us,” said Matt Wilson, President and CEO of Light & Wonder. “We take pride in being one of the initial approved suppliers, and we are eager to introduce our commitment to responsible gaming and player-centric services to the UAE.”
The Licensing Landscape in the UAE
Light & Wonder’s licensing achievement positions it as the 13th company to be granted this approval within the UAE. The first company to receive a gaming license was Aristocrat Technologies Europe, which secured its own license back in October 2024. A variety of other vendors, ranging from manufacturers of gaming machines to payment service providers, have followed suit.
Notable licensed companies include Novomatic, IGT Global Services, and Scientific Games International. Additional entities like TCS John Huxley and Pollard Banknote have also joined the ranks of licensed vendors in the region.
Aside from gaming vendor licenses, the GCGRA, established in 2023, has circulated other types of licenses. In June 2024, the organization awarded the UAE’s first lottery license to The Game LLC. This new lottery initiative promises a range of lottery-related offerings, with ticket sales commencing in November 2024, leading to its first draw scheduled for December 14.
Currently, while many online vendor licenses are active, there remains uncertainty around the rollout of iGaming services in the region. On the land-based side, the only existing license is for Wynn Resorts, which covers the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort—an ambitious development in Ras Al Khaimah expected to open in early 2027.
Conclusion
Light & Wonder’s entry into the UAE gaming market reflects the growing interest and investment in regulated gaming in the region. As the market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these new licenses reshape the gaming landscape in the UAE, offering exciting opportunities for both operators and players alike.