Aristocrat has become the second gaming supplier to secure license approval in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) enables Aristocrat to provide its land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online games and technology solutions to commercial gaming operators in the jurisdiction.
The Gaming Related Vendor License is the second to be awarded by the GCGRA, as the regulator looks to establish a regulated commercial gaming sector in the Emirates, following recent approval for New Jersey-based Smartplay International.
“We are honored to be the first large, international technology provider to be awarded a gaming-related vendor license to serve the UAE market,” said Aristocrat Gaming CEO Hector Fernandez. “At Aristocrat, our vision it to deliver the best seat in the house wherever, and whenever the world plays.
“We look forward to doing so by providing premium content for players in the UAE while simultaneously encouraging responsible gameplay.”
Last week Smartplay confirmed that it has been approved to provide lottery and gaming equipment to licensed companies within the UAE.
“We’re honored that the GCGRA has awarded this vendor license and allowed us to supply licensed gaming operators in the UAE,” said Darrell Smith, vice president of sales at Smartplay International. “We see great opportunities in the country and look forward to working with new gaming operators as they are approved by GCGRA.”
Smartplay is a leading supplier of number drawing systems to lottery and gaming operators in 127 countries, including Powerball, Mega Millions, the UK National Lottery, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Earlier this month, Wynn Resorts was awarded a Commercial Gaming Facility Operator license by the GCGRA for its Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
The GCGRA also approved The Game as the nation’s first authorised lottery operation in July.
Shares in Aristocrat Gaming parent company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX:ALL) gained 1.77 per cent to close at AUD$60.84 per share in Sydney earlier Tuesday.
UPDATED 29.10.24:
This article was updated after incorrectly stating that Aristocrat’s license was the first gaming supplier license to be awarded by the GCGRA. Information on Smartplay’s license approval has been added.