Kevin Mullally, who served as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), has officially stepped down from his role. The regulator confirmed his departure in a statement issued Thursday, naming GCGRA Chairman Jim Murren as interim CEO effective immediately.

Mullally was appointed in 2023 to lead the GCGRA during its critical establishment phase. Over his tenure, he oversaw the creation of the UAE’s regulatory framework for commercial gaming, introduced the nation’s first licensed lottery, and guided the authority toward international standards of integrity and oversight.

Murren praised Mullally’s leadership, stating, “Kevin has played a significant role in the Authority’s early development, helping to establish its core governance and regulatory structure. We thank him for his contribution and wish him continued success in his future endeavors. The GCGRA remains focused on the next stage of its growth, ensuring regulatory excellence, responsible gaming, and continued confidence in the UAE’s approach.”

According to a press release from the regulator, operations, licensing programs, and stakeholder engagement will continue seamlessly under the guidance of the executive leadership team.

Mullally Reflects on His Tenure and the GCGRA’s Accomplishments

In a farewell message shared on LinkedIn, Mullally described his time leading the GCGRA as “one of the greatest professional honors of [his] career.” He expressed deep appreciation for his team’s dedication and expertise, noting that their “commitment to public service has been essential to everything we have achieved.”

During his leadership, the GCGRA launched the UAE Lottery — the country’s first legal gaming product — and built what Mullally called “an efficient, modern regulatory framework” to support a predictable and responsible gaming environment.

However, Mullally said his decision to step down was a personal one, citing family as the reason behind his departure. “I look forward to returning to Kansas City with my incredible wife and best friend, Jerri, to be with our five children, their spouses, and our eight grandchildren. While this decision has not been easy, it is the right one for us and our family,” he said.

Expanding UAE’s Gaming Sector Under New Leadership

Mullally’s exit comes at a time of growing momentum in the UAE’s gaming and entertainment sector. When the GCGRA was formed, Wynn Al-Marjan Island — a $5 billion integrated resort project in Ras Al-Khaimah — was already underway. Under Mullally’s regulatory oversight, Wynn Resorts secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming license for the development, which is scheduled to open in March 2027.

The regulatory framework allows each emirate to host one licensed casino, opening the door for additional large-scale developments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. MGM Resorts, which already operates a non-gaming project in Dubai, has expressed interest in obtaining a gaming license and previously hinted at potential plans in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, the UAE Lottery, operated by Momentum LLC, held its first draw earlier this year and awarded a Dh100 million jackpot in October. The introduction of the lottery marked a major step for the Emirates’ newly regulated gaming market, though previous operators such as Mahzooz and Emirates Draw paused operations after losing the national license bid.

While the lottery is now active, other online or land-based gaming operators have not yet been licensed. Current regulations permit one operator per emirate, potentially allowing up to seven licensees in the future. Both online casino and sports betting activities are legally permissible under the GCGRA’s framework, but so far, no online operator has been approved.

Several technology suppliers have, however, been granted certification to operate within the UAE’s regulated market, including Sportradar, Xpoint, and crypto-focused Hub88 and Live88.

Jim Murren to Guide the Next Stage of GCGRA’s Development

With Jim Murren assuming interim CEO duties, the GCGRA enters its next operational phase. Murren, who also chairs Resorts World Las Vegas and serves as interim CEO of Ritz Carlton Yachts, has worked alongside Mullally since the regulator’s inception.

The authority confirmed that licensing programs, compliance oversight, and stakeholder coordination will remain uninterrupted under the new leadership. In his parting statement, Mullally expressed confidence in the organization’s future, saying, “I am confident in the strength of the GCGRA, grateful for the dedication of its people, and proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Established under federal decree and based in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA holds exclusive jurisdiction over all commercial gaming activity across the Emirates. The regulator continues to pursue its mission to foster a transparent, responsible, and globally competitive gaming sector in the UAE.