The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority i.e. GCGRA was created to regulate and oversee commercial gaming in the United Arab Emirates. It is an executive authority that regulate, licence and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities. The GCGRA is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The GCGRA plays a vital role in monitoring gaming activities, making sure they align with UAE regulations on anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Now, there are few Federal laws that are applicable to this industry either directly or indirectly such as :
1. Cabinet Resolution No. (24) of 2022
Which amends certain provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. (10) of 2019, concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations.
2. Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2021
Amending certain provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations.
3. Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2020
Focuses on the Terrorism Lists Regulation and the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions on the Suppression and Combating of Terrorism, Terrorist Financing, Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and its Financing and Relevant Resolutions.
4. Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019
Focuses on the Implementation Regulation of Decree-Law No. (20) of (2018) on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing Terrorism and illegal Organisations.
5. Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018
Focuses on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations.
6. Federal Decree Law No. (7) of 2014 which focuses on combatting Terrorism Offences.
The GCGRA ensures the safe and orderly operation of commercial gaming in the UAE by establishing regulations, setting compliance standards, and imposing penalties for any violations or non-compliance. Hence, Gaming operators in the UAE must adhere to strict regulatory standards set by the GCGRA, which are designed to prevent illegal financial activities and ensure transparency. These standards align with international best practices, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to building a secure and well-regulated gaming industry.