Aristocrat Gaming, a leading global producer of slot machines, announced that it has received the inaugural international vendor license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) — the UAE’s inaugural gaming regulatory body — granted the permit to the Australian gaming device manufacturer, paving the way for Aristocrat to market gaming devices at commercial casinos in the emirates.

"As a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of regulated land-based slot games, Aristocrat will operate under the ‘Gaming Related Vendor License’ category. As the GCGRA’s first supplier to obtain the license, the company will offer world-class gaming content, hardware and services to cater to player interests and financial preferences,” according to a statement issued by Aristocrat.

The manufacturer of the slot machine did not disclose information regarding the financial agreements linked to the UAE license. The firm ranks among the leading providers of slot games, with its titles having a devoted fan base in both the North American and Asia-Pacific regions. 

Aristocrat UAE News Covers Wynn Licensing 

The announcement of Aristocrat obtaining the UAE’s gaming vendor license came mere weeks after the GCGRA granted Wynn Resorts the inaugural casino license in the Arab world's history. 

Together with local partner RAK Hospitality, Wynn is developing Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah — a $4 billion all-in-one resort anticipated to launch in early 2027. Recent reports suggest that the casino hotel may open in the first quarter of that year, putting it slightly ahead of its timeline. 

In the announcement regarding the vendor permit, Aristocrat failed to mention Wynn. Nonetheless, Wynn Al Marjan Island is anticipated to hold a temporary monopoly in the UAE prior to the launch of other gaming establishments in the region. The casino at that location will probably occupy under 5% of the total square footage. 

Concerning Aristocrat's possible UAE client list, the slot manufacturer has built connections with Wynn and MGM Resorts International, which has also announced plans to apply for a UAE casino license. 

UAE Might Be a Profitable Market for Aristocrat 

As new avenues for growth are scarce in the global gaming industry, the UAE distinguishes itself for both operators and manufacturers like Aristocrat. For both groups of businesses, the UAE might serve as an appealing long-term market. 

According to some analysts' forecasts, the UAE could evolve into a $5 billion gross gaming revenue (GGR) market, depending on how many casinos the GCGRA endorses. That figure is derived from market development and presumes the sanctioning of an additional three or four casino hotels besides the Wynn establishment. 

With an annual GGR of $5 billion, the UAE wouldn’t pose a threat to Las Vegas or Macau based on that measure, yet it would rival Singapore, indicating it could serve as an attractive location for content providers and equipment manufacturers such as Aristocrat.