Novomatic Secures Gambling License in the Emirates

Early entry into the high-growth gaming market

As Novomatic announced in a press release [Link to English], the Austrian gaming giant was one of the first companies in the world to receive a Gaming Related Vendor License - Tier 1 from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The license authorizes Novomatic to supply its land-based slot machines and gaming solutions to licensed operators in the country. So far, however, the market is very limited - apart from a newly introduced state lottery, there is currently only one planned casino resort: the Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, developed by Wynn Resorts, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

This is how the gambling licensing process works in the UAE

Entry into the gambling market of the United Arab Emirates is strictly regulated and exclusively through one Licensed by GCGRA [Link to English] possible. Like players themselves Check online casino license can, shows our guide. The process begins with filling out an intake form, providing basic information about the company structure, desired license types, and planned activity. After an initial review, suitable applicants receive access to the GCGRA digital license portal.

All necessary documents are submitted there - including financial data, compliance concepts, information on key persons and player protection strategies . After paying the fees due, the application goes through a comprehensive review. Among other things, the applicant's integrity, financial viability, industry experience and legal history are assessed. Only when all conditions are met will the GCGRA issue the license - either unconditionally or with conditions - and the operational start is possible.

Licensees then have ongoing obligations: they must pay annual maintenance fees, submit regular reports and cooperate with the authority. Violations can lead to sanctions and even license revocation.

The GCGRA distinguishes between corporate and individual licenses. The most important corporate licenses include those for casino operators (gaming facility operators), lottery providers, online gambling operators (not yet permitted), sports betting providers and gaming-related vendors such as Novomatic. These may supply technologies, machines or services to licensed operators.

Licenses are mandatory for individuals if they hold key positions within licensed companies - such as managing directors, shareholders, controllers or supervisors. In many cases, operational employees also need a license, graded according to area of responsibility (Level 1 for supervision, Level 2 for operational tasks).

Gambling activities without a valid license from the GCGRA are strictly prohibited and punishable in the UAE.

Novomatic wants to become a reliable partner for the UAE

According to Stefan Krenn, CEO of the Novomatic AG Group, the licensing represents a significant milestone for the company. It reflects the company's technological leadership role and its commitment to responsible gambling. The aim is to establish itself as a reliable partner for licensed operators in the region.

As a leading global player in the gaming industry, Novomatic is pleased to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this dynamic and rapidly growing market. Our latest gaming solutions are designed to deliver exceptional performance to land-based gaming establishments in the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their favorite games with the same high standards and quality they have come to expect from other jurisdictions worldwide.”–Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President of Global Sales and Product Management for Novomatic AG, Novomatic

Now Novomatic faces a demanding licensing process carried out by the gaming authority GCGRA. A proactive compliance strategy is therefore essential.

With the new license, Novomatic joins an exclusive circle of currently only three licensed gaming companies in the Emirates. Before Aristocrat was the first company to receive a comparable approval in November 2024, which also includes online offers - although these are not currently permitted by law. In addition to the two device manufacturers, payment service providers and geo-blocking specialists have so far been approved.

Novomatic is now officially part of this selective market and plans to build long-term partnerships with operators and authorities in the region.

Novomatic secures gambling license in the Emirates