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The United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has announced that Kevin Mullally has resigned from his position as CEO.
Joining the GCGRA during its early development, Mullally played a key role in laying the groundwork for the Authority’s regulatory framework, ensuring it met global standards for integrity, oversight, and responsible gaming.
Under his leadership, the GCGRA established a structured yet flexible regulatory system designed to foster innovation while prioritizing consumer protection and transparency. In a personal statement on LinkedIn, Mullally shared his thoughts about his departure, stating:
“Serving in this position has been one of the greatest professional honours of my career, and I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional team with whom I have had the privilege to work. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to public service have been essential to everything we have achieved.”
The brains behind a modern regulatory framework
Throughout his tenure, Mullaly operated at the crossroads of policy, regulation, and innovation within the gaming industry.
With over 40 years of experience in gaming oversight, his career has encompassed law enforcement, policy development, and consulting for governments around the globe.
Before taking on his role with the UAE regulator, he led the Missouri Gaming Commission and held an executive position at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), solidifying his reputation as a principled and effective regulator.
In his years at Abu Dhabi, Mullaly was the architect behind an authority that now oversees a wide range of activities across five licensing categories: lottery, land-based gaming facilities, gaming-related vendors, internet gaming, and sports wagering.
His contributions have set a strong foundation for the future of gaming regulation in the UAE. “The GCGRA remains focused on the next stage of its growth,” he said, “ensuring regulatory excellence, responsible gaming, and continued confidence in the UAE’s approach.”
Murren takes charge
Jim Murren, the chairman of the Authority, has stepped in as interim CEO, taking on the role immediately.
In his statement, Murren recognized the significant impact Mullally had on the organization, noting his vital role in developing the Authority’s governance and regulatory framework.
As Murren takes the helm, he emphasized that the GCGRA will continue to focus on its next phase of growth. He reiterated the agency’s dedication to regulatory excellence, promoting responsible gaming, and ensuring public trust in the UAE’s approach to overseeing commercial gaming.
Major changes for the UAE gambling industry
The leadership transition at the GCGRA comes alongside the appointment of Jennifer Carleton as the new chief of licensing and investigations. This change is part of the regulator’s broader strategy to enhance its licensing framework for both land-based and online gaming operations.
The GCGRA aims to implement a licensing model that allocates one online B2C gambling license per emirate, mirroring the existing “one license per emirate” approach used for land-based casinos.
Currently, Wynn Resorts Limited holds the only land-based license in the UAE, located in Ras Al Khaimah.
Industry reports indicate that Abu Dhabi may soon receive approval for its own land-based casino license, while only two or three emirates are expected to initially advance with online operator licenses. Additionally, the regulator has already issued vendor licenses for B2B suppliers as part of its phased rollout of regulations.
Source: NEXT.io
