Konami Among the First in the Industry
- The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority awards an official license.
- Industry-leader Konami will bring award-winning products and services to the UAE market.
- Regulated commercial gaming in the UAE takes its first steps.
UAE Gaming-Related Vendor License
Konami Gaming, Inc. had some exciting news to announce when it successfully secured its Gaming-Related Vendor Licensing in the UAE. The gaming company received the license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). It’s an entity that’s independent of the UAE Federal Government.
The federal executive agency is responsible for regulating commercial gaming in the UAE, which was established in 2023. The announcement came at the end of July 2025, and it’s one of the first in the industry to be awarded by this regulatory body. The move comes as the United Arab Emirates focuses on economic expansion, particularly with regard to commercial gaming.
Konami to Serve Emerging Market
According to data from Statista, the number of casino users is projected to grow to 721 million users by 2029. Countries, operators and software providers all want to be part of that growth. It’s likely that emerging markets will play a key role in that increase in users over the next few years. By securing its vendor licence, Konami is guaranteeing its role in the potential growth that we’ll soon see in the UAE market.
Konami is a company that’s well-versed in global growth and also understands the importance of compliance. Not only has it spent 25 years entertaining players with its slot machines, but it has also been delivering its casino management system for over 20 years. This extensive experience puts it in the ideal position to take this exciting new step.
The president and chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc., Tom Jingoli, said, “As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same integrity, innovation, and excellence we bring to all 431 gaming jurisdictions we serve worldwide.”
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority and a Developing Gaming Market
While the successful completion of the licensing is excellent news for Konami, it also carries extra meaning for Emirati players. For many, it’s a sign that the commercial gaming space in the UAE is moving in the right direction.
Although gambling is still illegal in the United Arab Emirates, things are changing. The UAE legal framework in terms of regulation and supervision is now influenced by the GCGRA. The fact that a licence has been issued signifies that a regulated gaming industry will emerge, at least in some jurisdictions in the UAE.
There’s plenty of room for the gaming market to develop. Emirati players should expect growth in terms of regulation and oversight, as well as economically.
The Future’s Bright
The fact that the GCGRA has published commercial gaming regulations is a positive step. It signals a brighter future for commercial gaming in the UAE. The licence awarded to Konami Gaming, Inc. shows that accountability, high standards and integrity will be part of that future.
The vendor licence allows the software provider Konami to supply gaming equipment and related goods and services. It’s sure to be one of the many important building blocks. It’ll encourage the developing commercial gaming sector to progress in the right direction.