The United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kevin Mullally, has stepped down from his position for personal reasons. The Authority’s Chairman, Jim Murren, has been appointed Interim CEO with immediate effect. The leadership transition comes as the UAE continues to develop its federal framework for the commercial gaming sector, which is seen as a key pillar in the country’s economic diversification and tourism strategy.
In October, the gambling regulator named former Sightline Payments executive Jennifer Carleton as Chief of Licensing and Investigations.
Regulatory foundation
Kevin Mullally, who took charge as the GCGRA’s inaugural CEO when it was established in September 2023, played a major role in shaping the Authority’s early direction. During his tenure, he focused on creating a robust and transparent regulatory framework designed to align with global best practices in gaming governance.
Industry observers have credited Mullally with helping to establish the groundwork necessary for the UAE’s entry into the regulated gaming market, ensuring that the system is built on compliance and accountability.
Murren takes charge as interim CEO
The GCGRA confirmed that Jim Murren, who serves as Chairman of the Authority, will assume the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer. Murren is a veteran of the global gaming and hospitality industry, best known for his previous roles as Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International and as Chairman of Resorts World Las Vegas.
As Interim CEO, Murren will oversee the Authority’s day-to-day operations and continue to guide its strategic direction. He reaffirmed that the UAE remains committed to maintaining high standards of regulatory excellence and promoting responsible gaming practices across the sector.
Operations continue without disruption
The GCGRA emphasised that all operations, licensing activities, and stakeholder engagements will continue as planned under the supervision of its Executive Leadership Team. The Authority remains focused on advancing its mission to create a transparent, predictable, and globally respected regulatory environment for commercial gaming.
Since its establishment, the GCGRA has worked to design a licensing system that balances economic growth with consumer protection. It aims to ensure that gaming in the UAE operates under clear rules that support both investor confidence and public trust.
Currently, Wynn Resorts is the first and only company to receive a land-based casino licence from the GCGRA. Its integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah is set to open in 2027 and is expected to become a major tourism and entertainment destination in the Gulf region. MGM Resorts has also applied for a casino licence, which remains under review by the Authority.
Plan to offer one online gambling licence per emirate
In recent news, GCGRA announced plans to introduce a licensing model that would allow one online gaming operator per emirate, mirroring its single-license approach for land-based casinos.
Under the new framework, the GCGRA may grant a single business-to-consumer (B2C) online gaming licence per emirate, subject to local approval. This initiative demonstrates the UAE’s major step towards adopting a structured approach in establishing a regulated iGaming market.
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