Random State gains UAE licence, first games to launch soon
Swedish gaming technology company Random State has been granted a Gaming-Related Vendor Licence by the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This licence allows the company to offer its portfolio of eInstant games and bespoke digital lottery products to licensed operators within the UAE. The newly granted Gaming-Related Vendor Licence permits Random State to provide its portfolio of interactive lottery products to licensed operators in the country, marking a major milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy.
Adam Fonsica, co-founder and chief operating officer at Random State, highlighted the company’s enthusiasm about entering the UAE market. He said, “The UAE has the potential to become one of the world’s most dynamic digital-lottery markets. Earning the GCGRA’s trust is a major milestone for us, and we’re eager to introduce our gamified eInstants and custom draw games to local players later this year.” Random State expects to launch its first titles in the UAE within the coming month.
UAE’s growing regulated gaming sector
The GCGRA, set up in September 2023, is the national body in charge of regulating all commercial gaming in the UAE. It aims to build a transparent and regulated framework to manage the industry responsibly. Random State is the latest in a growing list of international firms to receive regulatory approval, becoming the ninth supplier to be licensed by the GCGRA.
Earlier this week, Scientific Games was also granted a Gaming-Related Vendor Licence, joining Random State in expanding the list of approved lottery suppliers. Other licensed companies include global names such as IGT, Novomatic, Aristocrat, and EQL Games. Service providers like Smartplay International, Xpoint, and PayBy have also been licensed, showing the continued growth of the gaming-related support sector.
Current lottery market landscape in the UAE
At present, The Game LLC, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Momentum, is the only lottery operator licensed by the GCGRA in the UAE. The company began selling tickets in November 2024 and held its inaugural draw in mid-December. The GCGRA has confirmed that The Game is the sole legal lottery operating nationwide, although two duty-free lotteries — Big Ticket in Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai Duty Free — are permitted to conduct draws for travellers passing through these airports.
Random State’s global expansion
Earlier this month, Random State also received licence approval in Ontario, Canada, marking its first entry into the North American market. The company will offer iLottery games, multiplayer bingo, and platform services to licensed operators under the rules set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The company’s expansion into new markets shows its aim to become a major name in the global digital lottery industry.
Broader UAE gaming industry outlook
Beyond lotteries, the UAE’s regulated gaming sector also includes land-based casino developments. Wynn Resorts is currently the sole licensed casino operator and is developing the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The $5.1 billion resort is set to open in early 2027 and will include a gaming area, more than 1,000 hotel rooms, shopping outlets, restaurants, and convention spaces. It is expected to become a key entertainment destination in the region.
Random State’s recent licence and upcoming launch in the UAE reflect the country’s efforts to build a clear and regulated gaming market. As the digital lottery segment gains momentum with new licensed suppliers, the UAE is steadily positioning itself as a promising destination for both players and gaming technology providers.
