Skift Take
Testing the waters with the announcement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE government has gone to the deep end, announcing a federal level gaming authority. Chaired by the former CEO of MGM, this new authority sets the stage for a full-blown gambling industry.
The United Arab Emirates has established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, known as the GCGRA, a federal-level entity to regulate and establish “strict guidelines” for the country’s commercial gaming industry. The GCGRA sets the scene for future casinos where Ras Al Khaimah already has the confirmed Wynn resort; a potential "Arabian Strip;" and gaming in other emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Authority will be led by Kevin Mullally as CEO, with a board of directors being chaired by Jim Murren. Both Mullally and Murren come with a top pedigree in the casino industry.
Mullally was previously with New Jersey’s Gaming Laboratories International, a company that specializes in testing and certifying gaming equipment. Mullally was its VP of government relations and general counsel for a decade. He has also spent 12 years with the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Murren is the former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, a role he held from 2008 to 2020. He was also chairman of the American Gaming Association from 2014 to 2017.
UAE state publication WAM said the GCGRA would “create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment" and "facilitate unlocking the economic potential of commercial gaming responsibly.”
According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the UAE could make $6.6 billion in revenue annually from gaming.
Taking A Gamble With The Costly WynnRumors of g