The United Arab Emirates Gaming Control Board (GCGRA) has announced the issuance of an official gaming supplier license to Novomatic, making it one of the first suppliers to enter the market.
With this development, Novomatic's newly acquired UAE Class A license will allow it to distribute its physical gaming solutions to operators within the UAE. Currently, the market is limited to state-regulated lotteries, but Novomatic will now be authorized to supply products to the rapidly developing Wynn Resorts Al Marjan Island casino project in the UAE.
In fact, the UAE has only recently started to regulate the gaming industry, with Wynn Resorts receiving the first UAE gaming license from the GCGRA in October for its upcoming island development project in Ras Al Khaimah.
Stefan Krenn, a member of the Executive Board of Novomatic AG Group, commented on this latest licensing development, saying: "As one of the first gaming technology groups globally to achieve this license, Novomatic has reached a milestone achievement. This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the most innovative products and meeting the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we seize this exciting opportunity in the UAE market, our international expansion strategy is also advancing smoothly."
Novomatic's announcement of this new license coincides with a similar announcement made by Aristocrat in October, when Aristocrat announced that it had received the first gaming-related supplier license issued by the GCGRA. Now, Novomatic joins an exclusive club of only three gaming institutions currently authorized to operate in the UAE gaming market.
It is worth noting that in November, the country also launched its first regulated lottery.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, "Gambling Insider" will delve into the current gaming landscape in the UAE, assessing the future potential of this burgeoning market. Additionally, "Gambling Insider" will revisit this topic in the upcoming "Asia Focus" magazine cover feature.
Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President of Global Sales and Product Management at Novomatic AG, also spoke about this news, stating: "As a global leader in the gaming industry, Novomatic is thrilled to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this vibrant and rapidly growing market. Our latest gaming solutions are designed to provide exceptional performance for physical gaming venues across the UAE, ensuring that international players can enjoy their favorite games with the same high standards and quality as in other jurisdictions around the world."
