Arena Racing Company has received regulatory approval to operate as a gaming-related vendor in the United Arab Emirates, marking another step in the gradual development of the country’s commercial gaming framework. The licence was granted by the General Commercial Gaming Authority, the federal body responsible for overseeing all regulated gaming activity in the UAE.

The authorisation takes effect immediately and allows Arena Racing Company to provide its products and services to licensed gaming operators in the region. Following the approval, the company has been formally added to the GCGRA’s public register of licensed vendors, confirming its eligibility to operate within the regulated market.

Vendor Licence Opens Regional Access

The licence gives Arena Racing Company the ability to supply its established racing-focused solutions to operators approved by the UAE regulator. Central to this offering is the Racing1 Markets service, which combines horse racing and greyhound racing products into a single platform designed for regulated environments.

Racing1 Markets is delivered through a collaboration involving several established media and technology partners. These include Racing1 alliance rights holders at 1/ST CONTENT, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and Tabcorp, alongside technical support from Pythia Sports. The licensing approval means this combined infrastructure can now be deployed within the UAE market, subject to local regulatory conditions.

Jack Whitaker, Commercial Manager at Arena Racing Company, commented on the approval in the company’s press release: “Obtaining this license is a great achievement for ARC and its Racing1 partners. The emerging regulated UAE market is incredibly exciting, and we look forward to showcasing our innovative products and services in the region.”

Commercial gambling has historically been prohibited in the UAE, and many restrictions remain in place. However, discussions around regulated gaming as a complement to the country’s tourism sector have gained traction in recent years. These developments led to the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Authority in 2023, establishing a single body with exclusive jurisdiction over licensing, regulation, and supervision.

While most commercial gaming activities remain tightly controlled, the UAE currently operates a state-run lottery. In addition, a land-based casino licence has been awarded to Wynn Resorts, which is developing an integrated resort in Ras al Khaimah. The project is scheduled to open in March 2027 and represents the most visible example of regulated casino development in the country to date.

Alongside this, the GCGRA has begun issuing licences to a range of companies connected to the gaming sector. Arena Racing Company joins a growing list of approved vendors and service providers that have received authorisation to support licensed operators. Other approvals in recent months have included companies operating in data, technology, and business-to-business gaming services.

Positioning Within an Emerging Market

Arena Racing Company has an established presence in the UK racing sector and has also built experience in international markets. The UAE approval places the company among the early entrants to a commercial gaming environment that remains in its formative stages.

The licence allows the company to engage with operators as the regulatory framework continues to evolve. With more suppliers receiving approval and the government gradually outlining compliance requirements, demand for licensed, regulator-approved content and services is expected to increase.

The Racing1 Markets platform brings together racing content and technology from multiple partners, offering a solution designed to meet regulatory expectations. The approval signals that the platform and its associated services align with the standards set by the UAE regulator for vendor participation.

Industry observers have pointed to 2026 as a potentially active period for gaming development in the UAE, as further regulatory clarity emerges and additional operators and suppliers receive approval. Arena Racing Company’s inclusion on the GCGRA vendor list positions it to participate from an early stage, providing racing products to licensed operators as and when they enter the market.

For Arena Racing Company, the licence represents both regulatory validation and an opportunity to expand its geographic footprint. The approval allows the business to engage directly with the UAE’s regulated gaming sector while operating under the oversight of a federal authority tasked with maintaining compliance and supervision across all licensed activities.