GCGRA CEO Pushes Closer Operator Cooperation in UAE Gaming Market
Ciarán Carruthers, CEO of the UAE’s General Commercial Gambling Regulatory Authority, says closer cooperation between regulators and operators will be a key part of the country’s developing gaming framework.
Speaking during an International Association of Gaming Advisors panel at G2E in Las Vegas, Carruthers said his previous experience at Crown Resorts shaped his approach to regulation.
Ciarán Carruthers, CEO of the GCGRA, explained:
Having good cooperation between ourselves and the operators is vital to ensure that what we want to do, whatever intentions there might be, they can actually be implemented and can actually achieve what it is we’ve set out to achieve.
Carruthers said the regulator wants responsible gaming and anti-money laundering policies to be practical, regularly tested and adjusted where necessary.
He also warned against rules that create too much friction for players, arguing that overly restrictive systems can push customers toward unregulated operators.
The GCGRA oversees licensing, supervision and enforcement across the national lottery, iGaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated resorts.
Carruthers added that the authority is strengthening its intelligence capabilities and partnerships with law enforcement and other regulators as it develops the UAE’s gaming framework.
