Watch: Opportunities Dubai offers for iGaming industry

March 12, 2025

Watch: Opportunities Dubai offers for iGaming industry

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing in the global gaming industry and working toward becoming a regulated hub. In 2023, the UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), and by 2024, it introduced a licensing framework. These steps have paved the way for a structured gaming market, positioning the UAE as a regional player in gaming tourism.

With GCGRA, the country’s gaming industry has experienced notable changes over the past year, with the regulatory agency issuing six licenses and a 28 percent increase in casino-related searches, according to Dubai Casinos data. Among the newly licensed operators are The Game LLC, which runs the UAE Lottery, and Wynn Al Marjan, which is currently developing the country’s first integrated casino resort.

Despite these regulatory developments, online gambling remains unlicensed in the UAE. However, interest in online casinos continues to grow, with analysts predicting that 2025 could see regulatory changes that formally legalize online gaming and sports betting.

Partnerships and adaptability in Dubai

In an interview with SiGMA TV, Margo Koversun, Head of Business Development at Dream Play, highlighted the importance of partnerships and adaptability in Dubai’s fast-growing iGaming market. Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai.

Dream Play’s vision for gaming tech and business growth in Dubai. (Source: SiGMA World)

“Building partnerships is very important in our time, and we should understand what we can bring to the table with both parties,” she said. Koversun stressed that companies must remain flexible to thrive in Dubai’s evolving environment. “We should be open to new opportunities, and this is our main approach.”

“Understanding the local ecosystem is just as important as being adaptable. Success in Dubai’s iGaming market depends on building trust and aligning with regional business values,” Koversun added.

Innovation enhances player engagement

Stefan Milovanovic, Director of Sales at Dream Play, explained their approach to game development, which focuses on improving player engagement rather than reinventing established ideas. “What we are trying to focus on is not kind of reinvent the wheel but twist it a little bit and make some new interesting features,” he said. Milovanovic introduced Dream Play’s new feature, Coin Chase, a player-bound jackpot tool designed to reward individual users. “Every player who plays our games has its own jackpot pool, which he accumulates over time and can win by himself,” he explained.

Koversun also emphasised the importance of player engagement for player retention. “Innovation is not just about player engagement; it’s a strategic advantage. Features that offer personalised experiences can significantly increase player retention and lifetime value,” she said.

Navigating regulatory challenges

Milovanovic also addressed the regulatory landscape as a challenge in the industry. “The main challenges in today’s world and industry are all these regulations that are happening throughout the world,” he said. He noted that countries are increasingly developing unique regulations, posing challenges for iGaming operators aiming to expand.

“Dubai’s evolving regulatory landscape suggests that online gaming could soon become a formalised sector. Companies that establish their presence early will be in a strong position when the market fully opens,” Koversun concluded.

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