The United Arab Emirates Gaming Control Board (GCGRA) announced the appointment of Jennifer Carlton as the head of licensing and regulation, who will be responsible for advancing the agency's regulatory mission centered on integrity, transparency, and global best practices. Carlton has over 30 years of experience in gaming law, regulation, and compliance, having served as the Chief Legal Officer and board member at Sightline Payments, and previously held legal positions at various law firms and tribal organizations in the United States. The GCGRA was established in September 2023 to create a national lottery and commercial gaming regulatory framework in the UAE, and this personnel change is one of the significant management team adjustments since the establishment of the agency.
New Director's Qualifications and Responsibilities
Jennifer Carlton has more than 30 years of experience in gaming law and compliance, recently serving as the Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments for over four years and also as a board member. She was a partner at Howard Law Firm and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and served as a senior lawyer for the Oneida Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. The GCGRA notes that Carlton, with her extensive industry experience and relationships with global regulatory bodies, will play a key role in promoting integrity, transparency, and international best practices.
Institutional Background and Management Team
The GCGRA was established in September 2023, with the primary task of establishing a national lottery and commercial gaming regulatory framework in the UAE. The CEO, Kevin Mullally, previously served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, and the Chairman of the Board, Jim Murren, is the former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. The management team has recently undergone some changes, with the former COO, Ahmed Barakat, having left the position, and his investigative functions have been integrated into Carlton's responsibilities. The positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer remain stable.
Strategic Significance and Development Direction
The appointment of Carlton marks the GCGRA's determination to continuously improve its regulatory system. She expressed her honor to return to the UAE to participate in the institution's construction, emphasizing the integration into the team to advance the regulatory mission. The board members, including industry veteran Chris O'Donnell, remain stable. This personnel adjustment aims to strengthen the capabilities of licensing review and compliance supervision, supporting the standardized development of the UAE's gaming market.
