Smartplay Secures Vendor Licence in UAE

Smartplay International, a New Jersey-based provider of lottery and gaming equipment, has secured a vendor licence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), making it the latest gaming services supplier to gain approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). With this licence, Smartplay can now offer its number drawing systems to licensed operators in the UAE, joining a growing market as it begins to expand regulated lottery and casino services.

Smartplay Secures Vendor Licence in UAE to Provide Lottery and Gaming Equipment

Smartplay International has become the latest gaming equipment provider to enter the UAE market with a new general-related gaming vendor licence. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) approved Smartplay’s licence, enabling the company to provide lottery and gaming equipment to licensed operators. With a portfolio that includes providing number drawing systems for Powerball in the US and the UK National Lottery, Smartplay brings a wealth of experience to this emerging market.

Key Points:

• Smartplay secures UAE vendor licence, enabling it to supply lottery and gaming equipment to licensed operators.
• The licence, awarded by GCGRA, makes Smartplay the second provider to enter the UAE market in recent days.
• The UAE recently licensed The Game LLC as its first national lottery operator and awarded Wynn Resorts a land-based casino licence.

Darrell Smith, Smartplay’s Vice President of Sales, expressed the company’s excitement about the new opportunities in the UAE: “We’re honoured GCGRA has awarded this vendor licence and allowed us to supply licensed gaming operators in the UAE. We see great opportunities in the country and look forward to working with new gaming operators as they secure approval from GCGRA.”

Expanding Landscape of Licensed Gaming in UAE

Smartplay’s announcement follows shortly after Aristocrat, another major gaming equipment supplier, received a vendor licence from GCGRA. The Australian-based Aristocrat was the first to gain approval, allowing it to provide land-based gaming machines, technology, and online casino content to UAE operators. These developments highlight the UAE’s focus on creating a robust and regulated gaming ecosystem, with the GCGRA at the forefront of overseeing vendor licensing and regulatory standards.

In addition to vendor licences, the UAE has taken significant steps in its national lottery and casino sectors. In July, the GCGRA selected The Game LLC as the first licensed lottery operator, marking a milestone in UAE’s gaming sector. A subsidiary of Momentum, The Game LLC is set to provide a range of lottery products, with Smartplay extending its congratulations as it prepares to support licensed gaming operations.

Earlier this month, Wynn Resorts was granted the UAE’s first commercial land-based casino licence for its upcoming resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Wynn’s presence signifies the UAE’s readiness to open its doors to global gaming operators. Following in Wynn’s footsteps, MGM Resorts has also applied for a UAE casino licence, though the application is still under review by GCGRA.

GCGRA’s Role in UAE’s Regulated Gaming Expansion

Since its formation in September 2022, the GCGRA has been pivotal in establishing a regulatory framework for the UAE’s gaming industry. The Authority’s approach includes licensing reputable operators and service providers to ensure a secure and compliant gaming environment. With companies like Smartplay, Aristocrat, and Wynn Resorts joining the market, the GCGRA is creating a competitive landscape that adheres to high standards of service and regulation.

Smartplay’s entry into the UAE market marks an important step toward expanding the available gaming options, reinforcing the country’s intent to provide regulated gaming experiences that attract both local and international players. As the GCGRA continues its efforts, the UAE’s regulated gaming sector is poised to grow, with more vendors and operators expected to enter the market.

With its new vendor licence in the UAE, Smartplay International stands ready to support the UAE’s emerging lottery and gaming industry. As the GCGRA continues to license reputable companies, Smartplay’s entry adds another layer of expertise and credibility to the growing regulated market. This latest move, alongside the UAE’s recent licensing of The Game LLC and Wynn Resorts, underscores the UAE’s vision of building a competitive, well-regulated gaming industry. As the UAE expands its regulatory framework, Smartplay’s presence signals further opportunities for licensed operators to deliver innovative, high-quality gaming solutions in this promising new market.