The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is slowly embracing the iGaming sector and has ambitious plans to leverage technology to establish a thriving gaming industry.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is at the heart of the drive. This organisation has been tasked with implementing a formal regulatory framework.
Laying the Foundations with the GCGRA Licencing Framework
Regulation is one of the most critical aspects of building a sustainable ecosystem for physical and online casinos in the UAE over the next few years.
Countries with a thriving gaming culture have strict laws to ensure platforms and service providers align with the industry’s best practices.
Proactively defining regulatory boundaries helps to mitigate risks and ensures only credible entities enter the UAE market. The GCGRA has already approved licensing applications from Aristocrat, Xpoint and Smartplay.
Aristocrat is a leading slot machine and casino game manufacturer. They have operated in Australia since 1953 and a have a globally renowned reputation.
Xpoint is a behemoth in the global iGaming market. They will provide geolocation and fraud-prevention solutions in online gaming as the UAE bids to build a secure and fair ecosystem.
Smartplay is known for its trusted lottery and random number generator technologies. They have received authorisation as the GCGRA prioritises modern solutions for gaming operations.
The GCGRA has also designed a framework with strict guidelines for operators. They have performed extensive background checks on incoming players, set requirements for financial transparency and put in place other responsible gaming policies to ensure the UAE’s structure is ethical.
This well-defined system ensures new players have a clear roadmap to follow when entering the market.
Technology is the Backbone of iGaming in the UAE
A crucial aspect of the UAE’s decision to release the brakes on the gambling industry is their eagerness to integrate advanced technology to ensure top-notch, secure digital experiences.
Unsurprisingly, the GCGRA has only granted licences to companies with innovative technologies in key areas such as geolocation tracking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.
Xpoint’s geolocation tech will play a massive role in ensuring regulatory compliance. Operators must operate within well-defined legal jurisdictions in a highly regulated ecosystem such as the UAE’s.
The company provides solutions that allow operators to verify user locations in real time while preventing unauthorised access and ensuring the operators follow the laws.
Blockchain is becoming a mainstay in the global gaming industry, and the UAE has taken notice. Operators use blockchain-based systems to reduce disputes. These systems also execute smart contracts, proving that operators deliver fair gameplay.
They have decentralised ledgers that provide an unalterable record of transactions to ensure compliance with the GCGRA regulatory scheme while encouraging trust among players.
Blockchain can also help improve the efficiency of payments in gaming. Traditional banks can be slow and frustrating, hence the need for modern solutions.
With digital currencies and tokenised platforms becoming more popular, the UAE could become a centre for blockchain-integrated gaming solutions.
AI has also been another game-changer in the gaming space. The emergence of machine learning tech is revolutionary for analytics, helping to identify problematic gaming patterns and taking action to prevent player harm.
Operators can also install automated AI tech that flags unusual spending and offers intervention and real-time guidance, promoting responsible gaming and protecting players.
AI is being used to personalise the gaming experience. Machine learning algorithms take in info about players and use it to tailor the experience. This technology helps retain players while ensuring they are engaging responsibly.
The technology helps enhance customer satisfaction while aligning with the GCGRA’s goals of creating a balanced, sustainable and equitable gaming environment.
UAE set to be Become a Major Player in iGaming
The UAE is bidding to blaze the trail in digital innovation. The Emirate has already successfully regulated emerging industries such as fintech and AI, and iGaming is poised to be next.
Bringing all these big players into the UAE’s gaming sector will create numerous opportunities for economic growth while positioning the country at the vanguard of digital gaming innovation in the Middle East.
When gaming companies establish roots in the UAE, they will create opportunities for local and international businesses, spurring the economy. The emerging gaming industry is also expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster the economy.
If the UAE can balance regulation with technological innovation, the UAE might soon be ready to compete with other iGaming giants across the globe.
The UAE has allowed global giants to operate under local regulations. The Emirate will leverage the latest advancements in security, gaming technology and responsible gaming to set an example for other countries considering establishing a regulated commercial gaming market.
