UAE Regulator Names Interim CEO Amid Lottery Launch Success
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The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the United Arab Emirates has appointed Chairman Jim Murren as interim CEO following the abrupt departure of founding chief Kevin Mullally. Mullally, who steered the regulator since its inception in 2023, oversaw the successful rollout of the UAE's first national lottery and the issuance of the country's inaugural commercial gaming license. This leadership transition arrives at a pivotal moment for the nascent UAE gaming sector, signaling continuity in regulatory oversight as the market eyes expansion into online platforms and additional casino developments.
Mullally's exit, announced on November 6, 2025, stems from personal priorities, with the executive citing a desire to relocate to Kansas City to be closer to family. Under his guidance, the GCGRA established a robust framework that facilitated the UAE Lottery's launch in early 2025, operated by licensee Momentum LLC, which quickly produced its first Dh100 million jackpot winner in October. The regulator also greenlit Wynn Resorts' Al-Marjan Island project in Ras Al-Khaimah, slated for a 2027 opening, marking the UAE's entry into integrated resort gaming limited to expatriates.
- Mullally's tenure solidified an "agile, predictable" regulatory environment, enabling swift market entry for lottery and casino operators while emphasizing responsible gaming.
- Murren's interim role ensures uninterrupted progress, with the GCGRA poised to license up to seven online gaming operators and explore opportunities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- The change underscores the UAE's maturing gaming ecosystem, projected to generate up to $5 billion annually at full scale, bolstering economic diversification.
Mullally's contributions extended beyond the lottery debut. He navigated the complexities of a conservative market, restricting participation to the UAE's 88% expatriate population and capping developments at one casino per emirate to align with cultural sensitivities. His frameworks certified vendors like Sportradar and Yolo Group, laying groundwork for online sports betting and casino services—yet to launch but permitted under GCGRA rules. Competitors such as Mahzooz and Emirates Draw have adapted, pivoting to non-gambling verticals amid the lottery monopoly.
Murren, a veteran of the industry with stints at MGM Resorts and Resorts World Las Vegas, brings deep expertise in large-scale operations. In a statement, he affirmed the regulator's commitment to "regulatory excellence and responsible gaming," vowing to build on Mullally's legacy without disruption. The appointment coincides with Jennifer Carleton's elevation to chief of licensing and investigations, further stabilizing the team.
For the global lottery industry, this shift highlights the UAE's rapid ascent as a regulated hub. Traditional operators eye partnerships, while the lottery's early success—drawing millions in participation—demonstrates demand in a high-income market. As Murren steers the GCGRA, stakeholders anticipate accelerated licensing, potentially unlocking digital lottery extensions and fostering international collaborations. The transition reinforces investor confidence, positioning the UAE as a model for balanced liberalization in the Middle East.
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