Aristocrat Technologies celebrates a landmark development by becoming the first international slot and online technology company to receive a Gaming Related Vendor license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This milestone allows the Australia-based global gaming titan to provide brick-and-mortar electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online gaming solutions in the region. This is the latest development in the UAE’s efforts to invest in a regulated commercial gaming sector to diversify its economy. It also solidifies Aristocrat’s place as a leader in the global gaming market.
Aristocrat Technologies Secures First-Ever Gaming Vendor License in UAE

Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC by-SA 3.0
Key Takeaways
- The Gaming Related Vendor license is the first of its kind to be issued in the UAE
- The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) issued the permit
- It allows Aristocrat to offer land-based EGMs and online gaming solutions
A New Gaming Era in the Middle East
Aristocrat Technologies received the coveted license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the official gaming license body in the UAE. The commission has been overseeing the commercial gaming sector in the region since September 2023. It recently issued the first national lottery license in the UAE in July, initiating the pursuit of gaming entertainment for economic diversification.
Speaking on the Aristocrat permit, the authority highlighted the importance of tapping into the gaming market while adhering to responsible regulation: “The license represents a pivotal step in the GCGRA’s efforts to develop a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the UAE.”
A Benchmark for International Companies
Aristocrat’s entry into the UAE is predicted to kick-start a transformation in the UAE’s local gaming industry. Expectations are high for the company to deliver premium gaming hardware, content, and services that drive innovation and set a benchmark for future international companies that break into the market. Responsible gambling is also one of the company’s biggest priorities, and it states that it will align its interests with those of UAE players.
CEO of Gaming for Aristocrat, Hector Fernandez, expressed his enthusiasm for the newly acquired license, stating, “We are honored to be the first large, international technology provider to be awarded a gaming-related vendor license to serve the UAE market.” He added, “At Aristocrat, our vision is to deliver the best seat in the house whenever, and whenever the world plays.”
Other Promising Developments
The UAE gaming sector continues to take shape beyond Aristocrat’s venture into the market. The GCGRA recently awarded the first-ever commercial gaming license to Wynn Resorts Ltd. to open the first integrated resorts (IR) in the region. Wynn Al Marjan Island, located in Ras Al Khaimah, is scheduled to open in 2027 with a vast range of gaming and non-gaming amenities that will redefine luxury tourism globally.
Lucas is a New Jersey-born and raised copywriter. His content encompasses casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. Lucas’ professional writing experience spans more than six years. He works globally with clients from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Before he started writing gambling content, Lucas went to Rutgers University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Just to shake things up, he became a painter, following in his father’s footsteps. He now writes full-time and doubles in painting now and then.
Related News

Beach Point Capital Backs Cipriani Global Growth with $190M Funding
Beach Point and Sparta Capital will fund $190 million of Cipriani’s $500 million Oceanfront resort, residences, and casino in Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Subic Sun Picks IvedaAI for Smart Surveillance Ahead of December Debut
The Subic Sun Resort plans to open in December 2025 with amenities like a luxury casino, large convention center, and AI-driven security.

SGA Enforces Ban Against Simba NV for Sweden License Violations
An SGA investigation revealed Simba NV operated sites like Betlast.com and Slotmonster.com, illegally accessible and marketed to Swedish players.

Melco to Shut Down Macau Satellite Casino and Mocha Venues by Year End
The move aligns with Macau’s satellite casino restructuring, which will allow only concessionaires to own such establishments from January 1, 2026.

Star Entertainment Faces Risk of Collapse Over AUSTRAC’s $400M AML Fine
AUSTRAC alleges Star enabled 117 high-risk clients to funnel billions in suspect funds through its casinos between 2016 and 2020.

ACMA Penalizes Four Betting Operators for Self-Exclusion Rule Breaches
ACMA uncovered the breaches through investigations enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act and national online wagering consumer protection rules.

Brazil Gambling Trade Associations Unite Against Rising Industry Taxes
Brazil’s largest gambling associations, including IBKR, ANJL, and IJL, jointly oppose plans to hike taxes on licensed betting operators.

NoLimit City Extends Popular Franchise with Fire in the Hole 3
Fire in the Hole 3 is decked with the software developer's signature xFeatures, including xBomb wild multipliers, xHole, and xSplit.

Macau Government Lowers Gaming Revenue Forecast to MOP228B Amid Caution
The forecast revision stems from underwhelming GGR results from January to May, totaling MOP97.7 billion and averaging at MOP19.5 billion monthly.

Fanatics Betting & Gaming Launches in the Philippines with Claymore Collab
This partnership marks Fanatics’ expansion beyond the US, tapping into the Philippines’ renowned business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

PAGCOR Board Tenders Courtesy Resignations Amid Marcos Government Overhaul
The announcement follows a presidential directive for 168 government officials to resign after poor May 2025 midterm election results.

Sega Sammy Completes $96 Million Acquisition of Tech Firm GAN Limited
The finalized GAN Limited purchase price slightly exceeds the projected $95.8 million, at $1.97 per share, 121% over its November 2023 closing price.

Playtech Transfers German Asset Happybet to Pferdewetten Subsidiary
The agreement’s completion accelerates Playtech’s exit from regulated EU betting markets following its €2.3 billion Snaitech sale in 2024.

Wyke Gaming Faces UKGC License Suspension for Self-Exclusion Non-Compliance
Wyke’s Hanover Square venue in Bradford was ordered to close and is prohibited from reopening until it demonstrates full licensing compliance.

Hacksaw Gaming Unveils Pray for Three, a Sinister Underworld-Themed Slot
Pray for Three pairs Hacksaw Gaming’s signature dark humor led by a cast of fallen sisters with cascading wins and multipliers of up to 333x.

Regulator KSA Ramps Up Enforcement of Dutch Gambling Advertising Ban
New rules prohibit all sports gambling sponsorships, including promotional deals with athletes, teams, leagues, club shirts, and branded accessories.

MGM Pursues $5 Billion Bangkok Casino, Urges Tax Reforms and Local Access
MGM urges Thailand to emulate Singapore’s 17% casino tax model, contrasting Macau’s 40%, to boost investor appeal and sustainability.

IGT-Led Consortium Wins €2.23 Billion Italian Lotto License Rights Until 2034
IGT further cements its 30-year Italian lottery dominance for nine more years with the license, extending operational control established in 1993.

Macau’s Flat Gaming Tax Income Through First Four Months Strains Public Revenue
The region’s financial income (investments, dividends, interests) from the Monetary Authority crashed to MOP6,000 from MOP1 billion in 2024.

Japan Targets Illegal Online Casinos as Gambling Concerns Mount
A Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion report found Japanese bettors wagered JPY6.45 trillion on overseas gambling sites despite being illegal.

Tan Hee Teck to Exit from Genting Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa Leadership
Genting Singapore confirmed Tan Hee Teck’s retirement from all executive and board roles, but he will retain an advisory role until November 30.

Brazil Sports Ministry and Sportradar Seal Deal to Promote Sports Integrity
Sportradar will assist Brazil’s Sports Ministry by providing suspicious betting alerts using advanced UFDS technology as part of the agreement.

The Philippines National Treasury Receives PHP12.67 Billion from PAGCOR
PAGCOR turned over 75% of 2024 net income, surpassing the 50% remittance mandated under the Philippine Republic Act No. 7656 Dividends Law by 25%.

Dutch Government Keeps Lottery State-Run, Prioritizes Gambling Reforms
The Dutch government’s decision is driven by policy priorities, including public safety, addiction prevention, and combating illegal gambling.

Hacksaw Gaming Packs a 12,500x Payout Potential in New Slot, Danny Dollar
Danny Dollar, the sequel to Donny Dough, maintains a similar theatrical theme to its predecessor but with a 25% greater maximum win.

Melco Macau Resorts Drive Q1 Growth Amid Varid International Performance
The casino operator, with properties in Macau, Philippines, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka, reported a net income surge to $32.5 million YoY.

Japan Reopens IR Licensing Bid; Targets Two New Casino Hubs by 2027
Japan will open public consultations from August to December 2025 on a cabinet order defining integrated resort application procedures.

Thai PM Defends Integrated Resorts Plan with Strict Visitor Screening
PM Paetongtarn clarified in her “Empowering Thais” address that casino resorts aim to strengthen Thailand’s global tourism standing.

Hacksaw Gaming's Rad Maxx Slot Redefines Win Potential with Dynamic Paylines
Rad Maxx Slot replaces the expanding wilds in its predecessor, RIP City, with multiplier wilds that upgrade symbol payouts by up to 20x.

Sega Sammy Completes Stakelogic Purchase After Court Mandate
Sega Sammy finalized the acquisition despite concerns that Stakelogic had breached compliance rules in the Japanese and Turkish markets.

Industry Warns UK Gambling Tax Overhaul Risks Racing Industry Collapse
The government proposes a unified Remote Betting and Gaming Duty to replace the current tax structure (RGD 21%, GBD 15%, and PBD 15%).

Hacksaw Gaming Battles with Rome’s Military Might in New Slot Release
Reign of Rome symbol wins for five of a kind go up to 10x the bet, and they get upgraded up to 15,000x by three free spin bonuses.

Sands China Unveils Major Londoner Grand Renovation Ahead of Golden Week
The Londoner changes slashed the room count from over 4,000 to 2,405 premium units (1,500 suites and 905 rooms) targeting upscale tourists.