Watan – The United States news agency, “Associated Press,” revealed that the United Arab Emirates has established its first federal authority to manage the national lottery and what it describes as “commercial games.” This move is likely an indication that the country is on the verge of allowing gambling, as major casino operators flock to the Arabian Gulf state.
“Associated Press” cited the UAE’s official “WAM” agency, which announced the establishment of the General Authority for Regulating Commercial Games late on Sunday. The announcement provided limited details about its structure or operations. The UAE appointed Kevin Mollali as its CEO, who previously served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, overseeing riverboat casinos in that US state.
UAE’s Ambition to Become a Global Casino Destination
Mollali expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying, “I am delighted to be appointed as the first CEO of GCGRA. Along with my experienced colleagues, I look forward to establishing a robust regulatory body and a framework for the lottery and gaming industry in the UAE.”
Jim Murren has been appointed as the chairman of the authority’s board. Media outlets in Nevada, home to the gambling city of Las Vegas, have noted that Murren is the former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, which also operates casinos. Murren has previously collaborated closely with UAE officials. The largest individual development project in Las Vegas, the CityCenter partnership worth $9.2 billion between MGM Resorts International under Murren’s leadership and Dubai World, opened in 2009. However, its Harmon Tower was never inaugurated due to construction defects and was subsequently dismantled.
A Responsible Gaming Environment
Describing the new authority, “WAM” stated that it would “create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, ensuring all participants adhere to strict guidelines and comply with the highest standards.” The agency added that the authority would “coordinate regulatory activities and manage licensing at the national level and facilitate the economic potential of commercial games responsibly.”
Rumors have long circulated that casinos are a means to boost revenue in the UAE and enhance its tourism industry, especially in Dubai, home to the long-haul Emirates airline. A 2004 US diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks speculated that casino plans in Dubai had been “put on ice out of respect” for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s first president after unification in 1971.
In recent years, rumors about casinos have intensified. The famous British ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, was opened as a hotel in Dubai in 2018 after renovations exceeding $100 million. Disabled gambling machines still remain on board.