New Gambling Authority Takes Charge as Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino Nears Launch
A new regulatory body for gambling has been set up in the region, marking a shift in how the sector is managed. The authority will oversee both online and land-based gambling, including the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island casino and platforms like Play 971.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority was established in September 2023 to bring structure to the gambling industry. Its role includes licensing and ensuring compliance across different types of betting.
Online gambling became available in late 2025, with Play 971 launching sports betting and casino games. However, access to such platforms varies by emirate, as each has its own rules. The Wynn Al Marjan Island casino is also set to open next year, adding to the region’s expanding gambling sector. This follows Germany’s earlier move in 2021, when the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) was introduced under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV) to regulate online gambling licensing and enforcement.
The new authority will now take charge of licensing and monitoring gambling activities. With Play 971 already operating and Wynn Al Marjan Island on the way, the sector is expected to grow under stricter oversight. Each emirate’s individual regulations will still determine how residents access these services.
