New Jersey and UAE Forge Groundbreaking Gaming Regulation Partnership

The United Arab Emirates and New Jersey have embarked on a landmark partnership seeking to enhance collaboration on cybersecurity, consumer protection, and innovation in digital gaming. This milestone collaboration aligns with the UAE’s ongoing ambitions to gradually expand its gaming offerings, including the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island resort.

New Jersey Has Substantial Regulatory Experience

The new memorandum of understanding signed by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) establishes a benchmark for cross-border regulatory collaboration in one of the most rapidly evolving sectors of the global economy and has significant implications for the Arab nation’s gambling industry.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy noted that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial, bolstering the state’s position as a leading gaming jurisdiction while sharing its storied experience. DGE interim director MaryJo Flaherty likewise noted that New Jersey was an internationally respected responsible gaming leader, remaining optimistic that the memorandum would help both regulators stay ahead of industry developments.

The DGE looks forward to its cooperative relationship with GCGRA as it continues to proceed with its gaming regulation implementation in a number of important areas.

MaryJo Flaherty, DGE interim director

New Jersey, one of the first US states to embrace regulated internet gaming, has decades of enforcement and regulatory experience. The DGE has pioneered protocols that ensure fairness, anti-fraud measures, and secure financial transactions. These are especially valuable in today’s digital age, as the authority must regularly update its approach, especially regarding cybersecurity practices and protections.

The Middle East Is Becoming Increasingly Attractive for Operators

The UAE’s GCGRA, established in 2023 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, was created to regulate all commercial gaming activities nationwide. While the UAE maintains strict limitations on gambling, recent developments point to a gradual market opening under strict supervision. Under the new agreement, the two regulators will share data, create joint working groups, and develop common digital security and compliance standards.

The collaboration between the DGE and GCGRA will strengthen our international economy while prioritizing responsible gaming.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

This development aligns with rising interest in the Middle East from international operators. As the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort remains poised to debut the Arab world’s first legal casino in 2027, other high-profile operators have eyed potential expansion in the region. While online gambling remains prohibited in the UAE, this collaboration could lay the groundwork for a more expansive gaming ecosystem.

Responsible gaming is a priority for the UAE and lies at the core of the memorandum. The agreement outlines a mutual commitment to shielding players from addiction, ensuring transparency in digital games, and monitoring suspicious activity. If successful, the partnership could set a benchmark for future agreements between regulators in emerging and established markets.