The United Arab Emirates has turned into an international business destination, and it is no exception for entrepreneurs belonging to any industry, be it video gaming, online gaming, or sports wagering. Obtaining a gaming license in the UAE involves understanding the essential laws and other gaming regulatory requirements. Farahat & Co. is here to help you get the gaming license most efficiently while making full compliance with UAE gaming regulations.
What is Commercial Licensing?
Commercial gaming means games of chance, or/and skill, where an amount of money is placed as a bet for the purpose of winning an amount of money. This includes:
- Any game conducted at a land-based gaming facility (e.g., slot machines, table games including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, etc.)
- Lottery – e.g., where a player pays an amount of money for a ticket or bets for a ticket, which provides the player with a chance or opportunity to win a prize(s)
- Internet gaming: Commercial gaming conducted via the internet, on a computer/mobile/other digital device, and within the UAE
- Sports wagering
Understanding the Regulatory Authority
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is responsible for issuing, maintaining, and renewing licenses in respect of commercial gaming within the UAE. The GCGRA ensures integrity within the gaming industry through the promotion of responsible gaming practices and protection for players.
Key Responsibilities of the GCGRA:
- Licensing and Renewals: GCGRA issues, renews, and maintains commercial gaming licenses for natural and legal persons who would like to conduct licensed activities within the UAE’s commercial gaming sector.
- Regulatory Framework: GCGRA adopts world-leading best practices in regulatory frameworks to provide a safe and responsible gaming environment.
- Prevention of Financial Crime: The UAE has stringent laws against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other corrupt practices. Compliance is furthered in the commercial gaming industry through promoting sound practices and compliance by the GCGRA with FATF-set local and international regulations.
Types of Gaming Licenses
The GCGRA issues several types of licenses to regulate the gaming industry:
| License Category | License Type | Description |
| Entity Licenses | 1. Gaming Operators | A license is required for any operator or manager whose activities fall under one or more of the following categories of licenses:
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| 2. Gaming-Related Vendors | Suppliers providing goods or services related to gaming equipment must obtain a license to provide these goods and services in the UAE. | |
| 3. Key Person Corporate | Entities qualifying as Key Persons related to Gaming Operators or Gaming-Related Vendors must apply for a license. Key Persons include:
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| Individual Licenses | Key Person Individual | Individuals who qualify as Key Persons related to Gaming Operators or Gaming-Related Vendors must apply for a license. Key Persons include: – Director – Executive Officer – Controller or Affiliate Director – Other Key Persons |
| Gaming Employee | Certain other key employees (other than those included as Key Persons) involved in the operation, supervision, or management of the gaming operation require a license. | |
| – Occupational License Level 1 | Required for Gaming Employees in a supervisory role. | |
| – Occupational License Level 2 | Required for Gaming Employees who are not in a supervisory role but are otherwise involved, directly or indirectly, with the conduct of commercial gaming. |
How to obtain a Gaming License in the UAE
The Gaming and Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the main body governing and regulating the gaming industry in the UAE. The License process of GCGRA carefully assesses businesses at the initial stage, apart from continuously monitoring activities to make sure compliance by licensees with the regulatory requirements and technical standards of GCGRA, best international practices, and other relevant local UAE Gaming regulations.
Below is the step-by-step overview of how to obtain a gaming license in the UAE under GCGRA as available on the official website of the GCGRA:
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Preliminary Steps and Screening
An applicant shall initially notify the GCGRA of his intention to apply for a license by submitting an Intake Form – accessible at the website – naming the requested type of license(s) and providing basic information to be used for initial screening and evaluation by the GCGRA.
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Preparation and Submission
Applicants who, once considered eligible to apply for a license, will be provided with access to the GCGRA licensing portal, where they can submit their full application and upload all necessary documentation. Comprehensive documentation, including business plans and compliance strategies, should be prepared thoroughly, in accordance with the guidelines.
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Assessment and Evaluation
Applications are subject to a stringent suitability investigation process whereby the Authority assesses the applicant’s eligibility, integrity, and operational capability against their regulatory requirements and standards.
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Compliance and Monitoring
Licensed operators will be required to fulfill their periodical regulatory reporting and other ongoing supervision activities, in order to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.
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Renewal and Amendments
Information on how to renew or amend existing licenses is provided, with a highlight on their commitment to adaptability and responsiveness to the industry’s needs.
Benefits of Obtaining a Gaming License
- Legitimacy and Trust: Obtaining a license from GCGRA ensures legality in operation, thus making your business a valid entity. This will gain the trust and confidence of customers and stakeholders alike.
- Market Access: A gaming license allows for exploring the emerging gaming market in the UAE and offers numerous diverse opportunities for revenue generation and further business expansion.
- Regulatory Support: GCGRA gives continuous support to licensees by means of advisory services on how to remain compliant with the regulatory requirements.
Cost of the Gaming License in the UAE
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Application Fees
Before being given access to the licensing portal, an Applicant must pay the relevant Application Fee. This Application Fee(s) is determined by a schedule of fees approved by the GCGRA. All such Application Fees are non-refundable.
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License Fees
A license fee is payable before granting a license. A licensee is also responsible for a yearly maintenance amount. The term of the license is dependent on the type of license.
The timing for the payments is as follows:
- In-Principle Approval: This is payable before the In-Principle Approval is granted and is equivalent to 10% of the overall License Fee
- License Fee: This is payable before the license is granted, and comprises the remainder of the fee payable
- Yearly License Maintenance Fee: This is payable yearly, the amount being dependent on the license type.
Why Choose Farahat & Co.?
Farahat & Co. has extensive experience in getting gaming licenses in the United Arab Emirates, including advising and supporting every stage of the license application process to guarantee complete compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements and increase your chances of success.
Our Gaming License Services
We also provide a range of services to support your gaming business, including but not limited to:
- Application Preparation: Assist in the preparation and submission of your gaming license application.
- Compliance Consultancy: Advising on responsible gaming practices; helping with implementation and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Ongoing Support: Providing regular updates on regulatory changes besides support in compliance audits.
Expertise and Experience
Years of experience in the UAE market have given Farahat & Co. the relevant knowledge and experience to take you through the intricacies involved in the gaming industry. The team works toward personalizing the service to realize your goals.
Conclusion
The GCGRA regulates and oversees every part of the UAE gaming industry with a careful licensing system. Such a license will enable each business and person to conduct their activity legally and responsibly within the frames of law, building up a safe and developing gaming environment. If you need help obtaining a gaming license in the UAE, Farahat & Co. is here to assist you. For a consultation about how our service offerings can benefit your gaming business, do not hesitate to contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What commercial gaming activities are regulated by GCGRA in the UAE?
Answer: Commercial gaming activities in the UAE include lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities. The GCGRA oversees all businesses and individuals involved in the industry.
Question: How long does it take to obtain a gaming license in the UAE?
Answer: To obtain a gaming license in the UAE, various factors such as the type of gaming license applied for, the complexity of the application, among others, must be taken into consideration. Usually, it takes a few months to get a gaming license in the UAE.
Question: What are the fees associated with taking a license?
Answer: The costs depend on the type of gaming license one seeks and the scope of gaming operations. It is advisable to contact Farahat & Co. for an actual cost estimation.
Question: What are the risks of engaging in illegal gaming activities in the UAE?
Answer: Engaging in, conducting, or facilitating commercial gaming activities in the UAE without a valid license is illegal and will result in legal action. It is crucial for all stakeholders and players to be aware of the risks they are taking and the potential damage they may cause.
Question: How does GCGRA ensure responsible gaming?
Answer: Gaming operators shall implement a “Socially Responsible Gaming Program” in accordance with the GCGRA’s Responsible Gaming Framework and have it audited at least every two years by a GCGRA-approved auditor. This includes player education, responsible marketing, employee training, and evaluation plans to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Read More: A Guide for Entrepreneurs in Getting a Trade License in UAE