International Game Technology (IGT) has secured its place in the rapidly evolving UAE gaming landscape, becoming the seventh company to receive a coveted vendor license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This development marks another significant step in the Emirates’ ambitious journey to establish itself as a new hub for regulated gaming activities in the Middle East.
IGT Secures Prized UAE Vendor License
In a move that flew somewhat under the radar, IGT Global Services Limited has been added to the GCGRA’s official list of licensed gaming-related vendors. Unlike previous licensing announcements that came with considerable fanfare, IGT’s approval appeared on the regulatory authority’s website without an accompanying press release, joining an increasingly impressive roster of international gaming technology providers now authorized to operate in the UAE market.
The licensing grants IGT the ability to supply its extensive portfolio of gaming solutions to GCGRA-approved operators in the Emirates. As a Tier 1 Gaming Related Vendor, IGT can now establish itself as a key supplier in what many industry insiders consider to be one of the most promising new gaming jurisdictions globally.
This development comes at a particularly interesting time for IGT, as the company is in the midst of significant corporate restructuring that will see its gaming and digital businesses merge with Everi Holdings, while its lottery division becomes a standalone entity.
UAE’s Gaming Market: From Zero to Sixty
The UAE’s gaming industry has experienced remarkably rapid development since its effective inception in 2022 with Wynn Resorts’ announcement of a $2 billion integrated resort project on Al Marjan Island. What makes this market evolution particularly noteworthy is the speed with which the Emirates has moved from essentially no regulated gaming presence to establishing a comprehensive framework for commercial gaming activities.
The country reached a significant milestone in December 2023 with the launch of The Game LLC, the UAE’s first regulated lottery operation. This was followed by a steady stream of licensing announcements for both operators and vendors throughout 2024 and into 2025.
Further cementing its commitment to building a world-class gaming regulatory framework, the GCGRA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement – widely considered one of the most sophisticated gaming regulatory bodies in the United States. This cross-border collaboration sets a new standard for international regulatory cooperation and provides the UAE with access to decades of regulatory expertise.
Inside the GCGRA’s Growing Vendor Ecosystem
IGT joins an increasingly competitive field of licensed gaming technology providers in the UAE. Among the most notable is Aristocrat Technologies Europe, which made headlines as the first international slot and online technology firm to secure a vendor license in the Emirates. Aristocrat’s license permits the company to offer its land-based electronic gaming machines, online games, and various technology solutions to licensed commercial gaming operators in the country.
Hector Fernandez, CEO of Gaming for Aristocrat, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating:
We look forward to providing premium content for players in the UAE while simultaneously encouraging responsible gameplay
Another significant player in the UAE’s licensed vendor landscape is Smartplay International Inc., which specializes in lottery and gaming draw machines. Smartplay’s technology is renowned for its reliability and security, serving numerous lottery operators worldwide. Their presence in the UAE market suggests the GCGRA is planning for robust lottery operations beyond the initial offering from The Game LLC.
The vendor licensing approach reflects the GCGRA’s methodical strategy of building a complete gaming ecosystem, starting with the regulatory framework, then licensing key technology providers before moving toward full-scale operator licensing and market launch.
IGT’s Evolution: From Lottery Giant to Gaming Powerhouse
International Game Technology’s journey to its current position reads like a history of the modern gaming industry itself. The company, now headquartered in London with key offices in Rome, Providence (Rhode Island), and Las Vegas, has undergone multiple transformations since its origins.
Initially known as Lottomatica, the company rebranded as Gtech in 2013 following its 2006 acquisition of Gtech Corporation. In 2015, a pivotal moment occurred when the company purchased US-based International Game Technology and subsequently adopted the IGT name, solidifying its position as one of the global leaders in gaming technology.
IGT’s portfolio now spans the entire gaming spectrum, from traditional lottery systems to cutting-edge electronic gaming machines, sports betting platforms, and digital gaming solutions. The company is particularly well-known for its popular Wheel of Fortune slot machines, which have become iconic fixtures in casinos worldwide.
The $6.3 Billion Deal: IGT, Everi, and Apollo Global Management
The UAE licensing arrives during a period of monumental change for IGT. In February 2024, IGT and Everi Holdings announced plans to combine IGT’s gaming and digital businesses with Everi in a deal that valued the combined entity at approximately $6.2 billion.
This arrangement evolved further in July 2024, when Apollo Global Management entered the picture with a modified transaction. Under the new agreement, Apollo will acquire both businesses in an all-cash deal valuing the combined enterprise at $6.3 billion – slightly higher than the original valuation.
The transaction structure is complex: IGT will separate its gaming business through a taxable spin-off to IGT shareholders and immediately combine it with Everi. Both entities will then be acquired by a new holding company owned by funds managed by Apollo Global Management. This will create a privately owned combined enterprise bringing together IGT’s electronic table games and popular Wheel of Fortune brand with Everi’s bingo and casino offerings.
For Everi stockholders, the deal means receiving $14.25 per share in cash – a 56% premium over Everi’s closing price on July 25, 2024. Meanwhile, IGT will receive $4.05 billion in gross cash proceeds, which it plans to use significantly for debt repayment and shareholder returns.
Once the transaction concludes, IGT will transform into a pure-play lottery business with a new name and stock ticker symbol, while the combined IGT Gaming and Everi operation will move forward under Apollo’s ownership. Italian holding company De Agostini S.p.A., IGT’s majority shareholder, has committed to making a minority equity investment in the combined enterprise.
Next-Generation Gaming Technology Reshaping the Industry
The UAE’s emerging gaming market comes at a time of unprecedented technological innovation in the industry. The integration of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and virtual reality is fundamentally transforming how players interact with gaming content.
AI-powered personalization represents one of the most significant frontiers in slot gaming, including crypto slots. These advanced systems can evaluate player behavior in real-time and modify gaming features to match individual preferences. This level of customization creates a more engaging experience while potentially increasing player retention and revenue.
Modern technological developments have enabled providers like IGT and Aristocrat to build slots that not only personalize gameplay based on player profiles but also maintain higher security standards and transparency. The combination of AI-powered gaming services that support cryptocurrency exchanges while enabling metaverse connectivity represents a new digital slot experience that was barely imaginable just a few years ago.
For UAE operators, access to these cutting-edge technologies through newly licensed vendors will be crucial to attracting and retaining players in a market where consumer expectations are likely to be particularly high given the Emirates’ reputation for luxury and innovation.
UAE’s Strategic Position in the Regional Gaming Landscape
The UAE’s entry into regulated gaming comes as part of a broader regional shift. While neighboring Saudi Arabia has also shown interest in developing entertainment destinations that may eventually include gaming elements, the UAE has moved decisively to establish first-mover advantage in the region.
The licensing of major international vendors like IGT, Aristocrat, and Smartplay signals the Emirates’ serious commitment to building a world-class gaming industry. The GCGRA’s methodical approach to market development, emphasizing strong regulation and responsible gaming from the outset, appears designed to create a sustainable industry that aligns with the UAE’s broader economic diversification goals.
For technology providers like IGT, the UAE represents not just a new market, but potentially a gateway to a region with significant untapped potential. As the first major Middle Eastern jurisdiction to embrace regulated commercial gaming at this scale, the UAE could become a hub for gaming technology and expertise throughout the region.
The strategic importance of securing an early position in this market explains why companies like IGT are pursuing licensing despite being in the midst of major corporate restructuring. The potential long-term benefits of establishing a foothold in the UAE market evidently outweigh any short-term operational complexities.
Wynn Al Marjan and the Integrated Resort Model
Central to the UAE’s gaming vision is the development of integrated resorts that combine gaming with luxury accommodations, dining, retail, and entertainment. The most prominent example is Wynn Al Marjan Island, operated by Island 3 AMI FZ-LLC, which holds one of the GCGRA’s land-based gaming facilities licenses.
This $2 billion project represents Wynn Resorts’ first foray into the Middle East and signals the high level of confidence major international operators have in the UAE market’s potential. The integrated resort model has proven highly successful in jurisdictions like Singapore and Macau, generating significant tourism and economic benefits beyond gaming revenue alone.
For technology suppliers like IGT, these destination resorts create opportunities to showcase their latest products in high-visibility environments. The combination of IGT’s gaming technology with Everi’s fintech solutions could prove particularly attractive to operators of these complex integrated resorts, which require seamless payment systems across multiple revenue centers.
As the UAE market continues to develop, the relationships between licensed vendors, operators, and regulators will be crucial in determining which companies ultimately establish dominant positions in this promising new jurisdiction.
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(via @elementarycounselor/TT)
