Meet the GCGRA Team: The Gaming Regulator in the UAE

What is The Mission of GCGRA?

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the dedicated regulatory body responsible for overseeing all aspects of commercial gaming in the UAE.

Their mission is to regulate, license, supervise, and investigate businesses and individuals engaged in commercial gaming activities, ensuring adherence to federal laws and promoting a secure and ethical gaming environment.

Key Objectives and Functions

1. Regulation: The regulatory framework is designed to prevent and mitigate risks while encouraging responsible behavior and innovation within the industry.
2. Licensing: As the sole authority for licensing commercial gaming in the UAE, the GCGRA issues licenses to businesses and individuals wishing to operate in the sector.
3. Supervision and Investigations: The GCGRA actively supervises and investigates compliance among licensees, ensuring that all regulations and technical standards are upheld.
4. Financial Crime Prevention (FCP): The GCGRA is a key player in preventing financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing within the commercial gaming industry.
5. Responsible Gaming: The GCGRA is dedicated to reducing harm by providing self-management resources and guiding at-risk players towards appropriate support systems.

Meet The Team

The GCGRA boasts a comprehensive team of experts comprising two main sections:

1. The Board of Directors
2. The Executive Management.

This full team consists of highly experienced professionals who play crucial roles in guiding and executing the organization’s mission.

Board of Directors

• Jim Murren – Chairman of the Board: Former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, pivotal in introducing professional sports to Las Vegas, and currently leading the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Cirque du Soleil.
• Chris O’Donnell – Vice Chairman: Over 30 years in real estate and investment, former CEO of Nakheel Properties and Emaar Developments, now Managing Director at CNN Advisory.
• Nicholas Casiello, Jr – Board Member: Retired gaming law attorney with 40 years of experience, co-founder of the International Masters of Gaming Law, served on numerous gaming industry boards.
• William W. Grounds – Board Member: Former President and COO of Infinity World Development Corp, with extensive experience in large-scale real estate projects including CityCenter Las Vegas.
• John Kelly – Board Member: Partner at Harbottle & Lewis, expert in reputation protection and sports law, representing high-profile clients globally.
• Giovanni Lega – Board Member: Business lawyer with over 30 years in M&A and international transactions, founder of LCA law firm, involved in various philanthropic and business boards.
• Mark A. Lipparelli – Board Member: CEO of Gioco Ventures, Chairman of Galaxy Gaming, and former Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman, with extensive gaming industry experience.

Executive Management

• Kevin P. Mullally – Chief Executive Officer: Oversees the overall strategic direction and operations of the GCGRA.
• Ahmed Barakat – Chief Operating Officer: Manages day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient execution of the GCGRA’s strategic plans.
• Manuela Croci – Chief of Supervision, Investigations, FCP: Leads the supervision and investigation functions, focusing on compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Ourouba El Arab – General Counsel & Board Secretary: Provides legal oversight and ensures the board’s adherence to governance practices.
• Leina ElBarasi – Chief Financial Officer: Manages the financial strategy and operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Carlos Gutierrez – Chief Information Officer: Oversees information technology strategies and systems, ensuring robust and secure IT infrastructure.
• Dina Helal – Chief Human Resources Officer: Leads HR initiatives, focusing on talent management and organizational development.

What They Did Until Now?

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has been active in establishing a regulatory framework for the gaming industry in the UAE:

1. One of their initial actions was to pause operations for weekly raffle draws like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, starting January 1, 2024.
2. On June 28, the GCGRA launched its official website, providing detailed information about the types of gaming they oversee, the licensing process, and the overall regulatory framework.
3. Additionally, the GCGRA has issued the first lottery license to The Game LLC, authorizing them to operate the UAE Lottery.

Also, the GCGRA has outlined a broader scope of regulation, including:

• Lotteries: Traditional lottery games where players purchase tickets for a chance to win prizes.
• Internet Gaming: Includes online games like bingo, casino games (such as slots and poker), eSports, fantasy sports, and other skill-based games.
• Sports Wagering: Legal betting on sports events, including football, basketball, and horse racing, conducted through licensed bookmakers.
• Land-Based Gaming Facilities: Physical casinos offering traditional gaming experiences.

What Are The GCGRA Next Steps?

As the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) continues to develop its regulatory framework, the focus will be on:

• Issuing licenses
• Overseeing the establishment and operation of various gaming and lottery ventures across the UAE

This regulatory advancement is expected to pave the way for a more structured and transparent gaming industry in the country.

A key aspect of the GCGRA’s future activities includes the potential opening of casinos, a topic that has been a subject of speculation for years.

This shift is further underscored by the announcement of the $3.9 billion Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, scheduled to open in 2027, the introduction of this integrated resort is a significant indicator of the UAE’s broader strategy to embrace gambling as part of its tourism and entertainment sectors.

The establishment of the GCGRA not only marks the UAE’s willingness to explore the regulated gambling sector but also aligns with the country’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for trade, tourism, and financial services.