Published on: October 29, 2024, 02:02h.
Last updated on: October 29, 2024, 02:02h.
Aristocrat Gaming, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of slot machines, recently announced that it has been granted the first international vender license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This license, awarded by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the UAE, allows Aristocrat to sell gaming devices at commercial casinos within the emirates.
Being a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of regulated land-based slot games, Aristocrat will operate under the ‘Gaming Related Vendor License’ category. This license enables the company to provide high-quality gaming content, hardware, and services to cater to the preferences of players,” according to a statement issued by Aristocrat.
While financial terms of the UAE license were not disclosed, Aristocrat is known as a top supplier of slot content worldwide, with a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific and North American markets.
Aristocrat’s Entry into the UAE Market
The announcement of Aristocrat securing the gaming vendor license in the UAE follows the recent news of Wynn Resorts being granted the first casino license in the Arab world by the GCGRA.
Wynn is partnering with RAK Hospitality to build Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah, a $4 billion integrated resort expected to open in early 2027. Reports suggest that the casino hotel might open in the first quarter of that year, ahead of schedule.
Aristocrat’s involvement in the UAE market is significant, as the company has partnerships with Wynn and MGM Resorts International, the latter of which has expressed interest in obtaining a UAE casino permit as well.
Potential Growth in the UAE Market
With limited growth opportunities in the global gaming industry, the UAE presents a lucrative market for operators and device manufacturers like Aristocrat. Analysts predict that the UAE could reach $5 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) if additional casinos are approved by the GCGRA.
At $5 billion in annual GGR, the UAE would not surpass Las Vegas or Macau, but it could compete with Singapore, making it an attractive destination for content providers and device manufacturers like Aristocrat.