Novomatic enters UAE gaming market with vendor licence
Gaming technology supplier and operator Novomatic AG has been granted a Tier 1 gaming-related vendor licence by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This makes Novomatic one of the first gaming companies to receive such a licence in the newly regulated UAE market.
The GCGRA, the federal body overseeing commercial gaming activities in the UAE, was established in September 2023 and is chaired by Jim Murren, former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.
Issuing a statement, Novomatic said it “aims to establish itself as a reliable partner for licensed operators in the UAE.” The Tier 1 licence enables Novomatic to distribute its land-based gaming products within the country, including to the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort project in Ras Al Khaimah.
Speaking on the development, Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board of Novomatic AG, said, “Receiving this licence as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for Novomatic. This honour reflects our unwavering commitment to offer the most innovative products fulfilling the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we enter this exciting opportunity in the United Arab Emirates market, we successfully continue our international expansion strategy.”
Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President of Global Sales and Product Management at Novomatic, added, “As a leading global player in the gaming industry, Novomatic is excited 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 facilities across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their preferred games with the same high standards and quality they expect from other jurisdictions worldwide.”
At present, the UAE has issued only one casino operating licence, awarded to Wynn Resorts Ltd. The company is developing the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in partnership with local firms. The resort is expected to have a pre-opening in the first quarter of 2027.
In October 2023, Aristocrat became the first gaming vendor to receive a licence from the GCGRA. Novomatic now joins a small group of companies licensed to supply gaming equipment in the UAE’s emerging regulated gaming market.
