In a landmark move that brings the United Arab Emirates one step closer to launching its national lottery, global gaming leader Scientific Games has been officially granted a vendor license by the country's new federal regulator. This approval is one of the most significant public steps taken since the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), signaling that the framework for a regulated, multi-billion-dollar gaming industry is actively being built.
The Arabic Casinos team envisions a bright future for gambling in the UAE and believes that one day, UAE online casinos will be regulated and fully operational.
A global leader enters the market
The entry of a titan like Scientific Games is a clear statement of intent, demonstrating the UAE's ambition to partner with world-class operators to build its gaming ecosystem from the ground up.
What Scientific Games can now do ?
Scientific Games has been officially licensed by the GCGRA as a "Gaming-Related Vendor." This crucial designation authorizes the company to supply the foundational technology and services essential for a modern lottery. In practice, this means Scientific Games can now provide the entire suite of its industry-leading products, from the physical point-of-sale terminals seen in retail stores to the complex back-end systems that ensure secure and fair draws. The scope of the license also covers the provision of digital lottery platforms and the creation of popular games like instant scratch-off tickets, effectively establishing the technological backbone for a future UAE national lottery.
A commitment to the UAE
The significance of the move was highlighted by Michael Conforti, President of International Business at Scientific Games, who celebrated the approval as a key milestone.
“We are extremely pleased that Scientific Games has been authorized as a lottery supplier in the UAE with this license,” Conforti stated. His message emphasized a partnership model focused on long-term value: “We look forward to leveraging our 50-plus years of expertise to deliver high-performing lottery products that responsibly support local communities and national projects.” This commitment aligns directly with the UAE’s vision of a socially responsible gaming sector where revenues contribute to national development.
What this means for the UAE ?
This license is more than a standalone business deal; it is a clear indicator of the methodical and serious approach the UAE is taking to open and regulate its market.
The regulator : who is the GCGRA?
The license was issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the new federal body established in 2023 with a comprehensive mandate to oversee all commercial gaming in the country. This includes creating the rules for lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and the highly anticipated land-based casinos. The GCGRA's decision to license a globally respected company like Scientific Games is highly significant. It demonstrates that the authority is operational and implementing its new regulatory framework, building confidence and setting a high bar for quality and compliance for all future applicants.
The next step: when will the Lottery launch?
The licensing of Scientific Games is a major business-to-business (B2B) step, securing a critical piece of the supply chain. However, it is not the final piece of the puzzle. The most pressing unanswered question for the public and the industry is the timeline for the lottery's official launch. The next major milestone will be the selection and licensing of an official operator—the entity that will run the lottery and sell tickets to the public. Until that happens, the timeline for the first draw remains a subject of keen anticipation.
Sherif Saeed - Copywriter
Last modified on : June 12, 2025
سعيد هو كاتب مقالات مدونتنا. وبفضل خبرته في الكتابة ومعرفته العميقة بعالم الكازينو، فإننا نثق به لتقديم أفضل الأدلة والمعلومات المفيدة عن ألعاب الكازينو وآخر أخبار الصناعة والحيل والاستراتيجيات.
