The UAE's federal gaming regulator GCGRA and the financial supervisor of the Abu Dhabi Global Market free zone signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday. The agreement creates a formal framework for information sharing, supervisory coordination and joint investigations.
The deal is designed to simplify operations for licensees doing business in both ADGM and the broader UAE market. For affiliates and arbitrage operators, it means more transparency around the licensing of payment intermediaries and financial services tied to gambling.
GCGRA chief Ciarán Carruthers, appointed in June, called the memorandum a foundation for trust in the new industry. 'Commercial gaming is one of the youngest regulated sectors in the UAE, and its reputation is built through exactly this kind of cooperation,' he said. A direct line between regulators is critical as the market grows and the pool of participants becomes more complex.
GCGRA has granted licences to Endorphina and Yolo Group over the past twelve months. ADGM, as an international financial centre, hosts intermediaries such as payment gateways, processors and banks whose services intersect with gaming. FSRA head Emmanuel Givanakis said the memorandum helps maintain market integrity and respond to emerging risks.
The agreement comes as Wynn Al Marjan Resort prepares to open in September 2027. Wynn Resorts, which received the country's only land-based licence in 2024, is building the property.
