Novomatic Secures UAE Tier 1 Gaming Licence

Key Takeaways
Novomatic has become one of the first companies to receive a Tier 1 licence for gaming suppliers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The licence was granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the newly established regulatory body for commercial gaming in the UAE. This officially authorizes Novomatic to operate as a provider of gaming technology in a strictly regulated market. The UAE is still in the early stages of developing its gaming industry.
Novomatic Receives Tier 1 Licence in the UAE
On April 11, 2025, Austrian company Novomatic AG announced that it had received a Tier 1 licence from the GCGRA. This licence allows the company to operate as an approved provider of gaming technology in the United Arab Emirates. The GCGRA was established in September 2023 and is responsible for regulating and overseeing all commercial gaming activities in the country. The authority is chaired by Jim Murren, former CEO of MGM Resorts International.
A New Market with Potential
The gaming sector in the UAE is still in its infancy. So far, Wynn Resorts is the only operator with an official casino licence. The company is currently developing the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027. The approval of Novomatic as a technology provider signals that the UAE is gradually opening and regulating the market.
Novomatic’s Strategy for the Region
According to Stefan Krenn, a board member at Novomatic, the licence represents a significant step for the company. It reflects a clear commitment to offering innovative and responsible gaming products. Thomas Schmalzer, who oversees global sales, emphasized that Novomatic is ready to serve the UAE market with its proven quality. The goal is to collaborate with licensed operators on the ground and position itself as a reliable partner.
What Does This Mean for Players?
For you as a player, this means that in the future, you’ll be able to access Novomatic games in the UAE—provided you are in a licensed local casino. According to the company, the quality and game mechanics will meet international standards. This will become especially relevant once Wynn Resorts’ first casino project launches and additional operators enter the market.
Our Assessment
The awarding of the Tier 1 licence to Novomatic is a clear indication that the UAE intends to open its gaming market in a structured and controlled manner. For Novomatic, this represents an important entry into a new market with long-term potential. For players and operators, it creates a new regulated environment with well-known providers and high quality. It will be exciting to see how the market evolves leading up to the opening of the first casino. Novomatic is well-positioned to benefit early from this growth.
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