Novomatic AG has become one of the first gaming suppliers to receive a Gaming Related Vendor License – Tier 1 from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the United Arab Emirates. This license grants the Austrian-based gaming giant entry into a newly emerging regulatory market, allowing the company to distribute its land-based gaming products in the region.

Strengthening ties in a developing region:

The license positions Novomatic as one of only a few global gaming firms authorized to operate in the UAE, joining a select group that includes Aristocrat and Wynn Resorts. As the country slowly begins to permit regulated gambling operations, Novomatic’s approval signals a major strategic advancement in its global market reach.

The GCGRA, the UAE’s federal agency in charge of regulating commercial gaming, was founded in September 2023. Since then, it has created a comprehensive regulatory structure intended to uphold integrity, responsible business practices, and transparency across the industry. Novomatic’s Tier 1 license reflects not only its compliance readiness but also the company’s intent to become a long-term partner for operators in the Emirates.

In a public statement, Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member of Novomatic AG, emphasized the importance of the approval: “Receiving this license as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for NOVOMATIC. This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to offer the most innovative products fulfilling the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we enter this exciting opportunity in the United Arab Emirates market, we successfully continue our international expansion strategy.”

The company has long pursued strategic growth in international regulated markets. The addition of the UAE, particularly as the country lays the groundwork for future gaming developments, adds to Novomatic’s already extensive presence.

Focus on high-tech and compliance:

Thomas Schmalzer, Novomatic’s Vice President of Global Sales and Product Management, echoed the group’s enthusiasm for entering the region. “As a leading global player in the gaming industry, NOVOMATIC is excited to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this dynamic and rapidly growing market. Our latest gaming solutions are designed to deliver exceptional performance to land-based gaming facilities across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their preferred games with the same high standards and quality they expect from other jurisdictions worldwide,” he said in the company’s press release.

The GCGRA’s approval adds Novomatic to a shortlist of companies now operating under formal regulation in the UAE. Prior to Novomatic’s license, Aristocrat had announced in October 2024 that it was the first global gaming supplier to be granted vendor approval under the new framework.

Growing Investment in the UAE Gaming Scene

Novomatic’s authorization comes as larger infrastructure developments unfold. Wynn Resorts, the first casino operator licensed by the GCGRA, is working with local partners to develop Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort casino. This project, currently under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, is set to open in 2027. The total estimated development cost of $5.1 billion is backed by a $2.4 billion construction financing deal, placing it among the largest gaming investments in the region.

The government’s cautious approach to regulated gambling has led to a tightly controlled licensing environment. So far, the market remains limited primarily to the Wynn Resorts initiative and the launch of the country’s first official lottery in November. However, recent activity signals a long-term vision for regulated gaming in the UAE, with Novomatic’s entry adding credibility to this evolving landscape.