Licensing and regulation: Can we get a licence?

## Licence Triggers No Person may operate or manage any activity in UAE related to Commercial Gaming, or establish or participate in the establishment of any Gaming Facility without first obtaining the required Licenses, approvals, and permits from the GCGRA and Local Entities. ## Type of licence needed See GCGRA guidance for more information: guide-to-licenses-in-the-uae_brochure_111223-w-cover.pdf GCGRA grants five categories of licenses: Entity Licenses: Gaming Operators: Entities operating online and land-based platforms, sports wagering, and the lottery (incl. retailers). Gaming-Related Vendors: Suppliers of gaming equipment or services (including technology, payments, and geolocation). Key Persons – Corporates: Corporate bodies with significant roles in licensee operations, such as a Controller (15% + ultimate controlling rights / equity in licensee), an Affiliate, Management Services Provider (i.e. service provider accounting, general admin, maintenance, recruitment, and other operational services) Individual Licenses: Key Persons – Individuals: Directors, executives, controllers in licensees. Gaming Employee: Employees directly involved in licensed gaming activity. Licenses span lottery, casino, sports betting (when regulated), as well as technology and services. Licensing is open to major international operators/providers, subject to due diligence and regulatory approval. ## Period of licence & renewal process The term of the license is dependent on the type of license. Licenses are renewable upon expiry unless there is substantial evidence of gross non-compliance by the Licensee. ## Application timeframe and phrases Phase 1: Initial Screening: Applicant provides high level information such as the company name, key people, organisation structure, licenses required, where they want to operate, etc. ; see: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.gcgra.gov.ae/media/m4hl4tzv/gcgra-intake-form-0225.pdf GCGRA conducts initial screening and if successful provides Applicant with an Invitation to Licensing Portal ## Phase 2: In Principal Approval Application Fee paid by Applicant and then GCGRA provides Applicant access to the Licensing Portal and uploads detailed documentation as set out above GCGRA conducts initial investigation and confirms to Applicant they are eligible for In-Principal Approval In-Principle Approval Fee paid by Applicant In-Principle Approval granted by GCGRA ## Phase 3: Full Approval Once Phases 1 and 2 are complete Applicant cam incorporate corporate an entity, obtain relevant permits/visas/licenses, open bank accounts, etc. GCGRA conducts full review of the applicant if required, can establish a presence in the UAE GCGRA confirms Applicant suitability and Intent to Issue license License Fee paid by Applicant License granted to Applicant (with or without conditions) License term commences, when Licensee is ready for operations to commence, Licensee must demonstrate that all conditions have been satisfied List of documents & type of information needed to support application Applicants must provide full corporate and ownership due diligence, technical and operational documentation, and demonstrate fit-and-proper status. Some items are specific to the license but typically the Applicant will need to provide the GCGRA with the following: Business Information: Corporate documentation Organisation chart showing all related business entities Description of business activities Directors and Officers information Financial information, including financial accounts Qualifying Domestic Entity (QDE) details ## Details of Key Persons Third-party details, including legal advisors, auditors and accountants Information on the Applicant’s legal history (statutory, regulatory, financial, criminal, political) Overview of the responsible gaming plan to be put in place Security and data protocols are particularly emphasized, given the high priority on excluding unlicensed play and sensitive locations. The licencees are listed on the GCGRA website ## Geographical cover Licences are limited to operation and supply in the UAE. ## Bad Actor / Cooling off periods Unknown at this stage. ## Applicant considerations The Applicant must have an identifiable ownership and control structure There should be feasible financing plan which must include an evaluation of the financial conditions and the source of financing Applicant’s honesty and trustworthiness should be beyond reproach including that of key persons The Applicant / key persons should have gaming industry experience and necessary qualifications to operate the business The Applicant / key persons should have no criminal record or be involved in activity that poses a threat to the security, trade relations, or diplomatic reputation of the UAE. Any involvement in litigation or other legal disputes or involvement in proceedings in any jurisdiction in which regulation of gaming or gaming activities was an issue will be taken into consideration. This includes failure to satisfy any judgments, orders or decrees of any court in any jurisdiction Quality of the operation(s) that is the subject of the license will be considered, including technology solutions and infrastructure improvements, redevelopment of blighted areas, or clean-up of environmentally damaged areas. Number and quality of jobs being proposed and any guarantees for minimum levels of employment