License Name
UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority Casino Licence (Ras Al Khaimah)
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Issuing Country/Region
United Arab Emirates (Ras Al Khaimah)
Regulatory Body
General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA)
Types of Regulated Games
Casino games (slots, table games including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, poker), lotteries, sports wagering, internet gaming
Market Coverage
Local (Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah)
Regulator's Reputation
Excellent
Legal Entity Requirements
Company registration in the UAE, with permission from the relevant emirate
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements
Strict AML and counter-terrorism financing compliance enforced by GCGRA
Audit Requirements
Regular audits and site inspections by GCGRA
Software Certification Requirements
Gaming software must be certified for fairness and security
RNG Certification
Required for casino gaming equipment
Payment System Requirements
Secure, compliant payment providers (e.g., PayBy)
License Scope Restrictions
Only permitted in designated integrated resort locations; single license per emirate policy
Jurisdictional Tax Compliance
License holders must comply with federal and local tax laws
Player Data Storage Requirements
Compliance with UAE data storage and protection regulations
Cross-Border Operations
Only within authorized boundaries, primarily for land-based operations in RAK
License Application Transparency
Transparent application process published by GCGRA
Regulatory Contact Point
General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority
Compliance Officer Requirement
Mandatory designated compliance officer
Legal Dispute Resolution
Legal recourse and dispute resolution under UAE law
License Transferability
Non-transferable without prior GCGRA approval
License Cost
Initial license and company incorporation fees; USD 5,000–20,000 application fee range
Annual Fees
USD 3,000–10,000 annual renewal fees
Financial Guarantees
May require a bank guarantee or escrow deposit
Financial Reporting Requirements
Regular financial solvency and internal controls reporting to GCGRA
Application Processing Time
Typically 6 weeks to 6 months
Required Documents
Company incorporation certificate, directors’ and owners’ background checks, compliance policies, business plan, financial records
Business Plan Requirements
Submission of a detailed business plan mandatory
Internal Policy Requirements
AML, KYC, and responsible gaming policies required
Testing Requirements
Technical platform and infrastructure audits for security, fairness, and anti-fraud
Certification Requirements
Gambling software/equipment certification and fairness audits
Staff Qualifications
Key personnel must pass background and compliance checks
Local Representative Requirements
Appointment of authorized local representative required
Marketing Restrictions
Advertising must comply with GCGRA and local laws
Responsible Gaming Measures
Social responsibility programs enforced
Self-Exclusion System
Required by GCGRA as responsible gaming measure
Age Verification Procedures
Player age verification required
KYC Procedures
Strict customer identification and verification (KYC) for all players
Player Funds Protection
Funds segregation and player deposit protection required
Bonus and Promotion Regulations
Responsible marketing and advertising standards, especially towards vulnerable groups
Permitted Games List
Slots, live dealer, table games, poker; subject to GCGRA approval
Betting Limits
Responsible gambling limits set by regulation
RTP Requirements
Must comply with minimum GCGRA-mandated RTP percentages
Live Game Requirements
Live casino offerings permitted if compliant with regulations
Security Standards
Information security and fairness as defined by GCGRA, generally in alignment with international iGaming standards
Encryption Requirements
Secure SSL/TLS data protection required
Backup Requirements
Data backup procedures enforced by regulator
Monitoring Systems
Ongoing operational monitoring and reporting to GCGRA
Operation Logging
Transaction and gaming operations logged as part of audit trail
Anti-Fraud Systems
Effective anti-fraud and player protection measures required
Hosting Requirements
Servers and data hosting within UAE-compliant facilities
Uptime Requirements
High service availability and reliability mandated
Technical Support Availability
24/7 technical support required for regulated platforms
License Duration
15 years (exclusive for Wynn Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah), renewable
Renewal Procedure
Formal renewal required, subject to continued regulatory compliance
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines, license suspension, or revocation
Ownership Change Rules
Prior notification and approval by GCGRA required for ownership changes
Dispute Arbitration
Dispute resolution under UAE law and GCGRA oversight
Official Address
General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Departments
Licensing, Compliance & Enforcement, Responsible Gaming, Audits & Inspections, Legal Affairs
FAQ Question 1
What is UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority Casino Licence (Ras Al Khaimah)?
FAQ Answer 1
It is the UAE's first regulated land-based casino gaming license, issued by the federal gaming authority for Wynn Al Marjan Island resort.
FAQ Question 2
Which jurisdiction issues UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority Casino Licence (Ras Al Khaimah)?
FAQ Answer 2
The United Arab Emirates issues it via the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), for projects in Ras Al Khaimah.
FAQ Question 3
What is the cost of obtaining UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority Casino Licence (Ras Al Khaimah)?
FAQ Answer 3
Initial license application fees typically range from USD 5,000 to 20,000, with annual renewal costs between USD 3,000 and 10,000, plus incorporation expenses.
FAQ Question 4
What are the main requirements for UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority Casino Licence (Ras Al Khaimah)?
FAQ Answer 4
Key requirements include UAE company registration, compliance with AML and responsible gaming rules, background checks on directors, certified gaming software, ongoing audits, and local tax compliance.