Pollard Banknote Limited has officially secured authorization to operate as a licensed gaming-related vendor in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This development marks the company’s first entry into the Emirati market, a jurisdiction rapidly positioning itself as a future hub for regulated gambling activity.

Expanding Global Reach with Local Opportunity

The GCGRA, established in 2023, serves as the federal body overseeing all commercial gaming and lottery regulation in the UAE. Its mission includes promoting integrity in the industry and advancing responsible gaming standards. By securing this vendor license, Pollard Banknote can now offer its lottery-related goods and services to support the growing base of regulated operators in the region.

“We are very excited for the wide variety of opportunities this new license will afford Pollard Banknote,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the company in a press release. “We are eager to foster a strong partnership in the UAE and introduce our portfolio of proven, innovative lottery and gaming products and services that will help boost revenue and support charitable causes.”

The licensing approval allows Pollard Banknote to bring its full suite of lottery solutions—already utilized by clients across North America and Europe—to a market that is laying the foundation for long-term success. These offerings range from its signature instant ticket products and digital games to specialized merchandising and non-traditional retail lottery tools via subsidiaries like Schafer Retail Solutions + and American Games/International Gamco.

The UAE’s regulated lottery system, which officially launched in 2024, has already begun to attract global attention. A growing number of international vendors have gained licensure in recent months, with Pollard Banknote now joining a list that includes Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Novomatic, and Brightstar. The addition of Light & Wonder and Konami Gaming to the GCGRA’s approved roster was also announced just last week.

In addition to vendor activity, the UAE lottery recently reached a notable milestone by joining the World Lottery Association (WLA), reinforcing its aim to align with global integrity standards. With veteran regulator Kevin Mullally at the helm of the GCGRA—bringing more than four decades of regulatory experience—the UAE’s lottery sector is being closely guided toward a robust, transparent future.

Vendor Growth Amid UAE’s Larger Gaming Vision

Pollard Banknote’s license comes at a time when the UAE is seeing a flurry of development in its gaming and hospitality sectors. The market is expected to evolve into a major international destination, sometimes dubbed the “Middle Eastern Las Vegas.” This ambition is exemplified by recent news of Hard Rock International’s planned hotel and residence project in Ras Al Khaimah, located just 30 minutes from Wynn’s upcoming Al Marjan Island casino resort, slated to open in 2027.

Pollard’s expansion into the UAE follows its recent partnership with Premier Lotteries Ireland, announced at the end of 2024, underscoring the company’s broader momentum in establishing a global presence. According to the GCGRA’s official records, Pollard Banknote is now one of 14 gaming-related vendors officially listed.