Compliance Updates
UAE May Grant One Casino License to Each of its Seven Emirates, New Report Says
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering granting one casino license to each of its seven emirates in an effort to tap the lucrative gaming tourism market while keeping the industry’s growth under control, according to a new report.
But there is no guarantee each emirate would make use of its license, with Dubai said to be putting any immediate thoughts of introducing casinos on hold for now.
The report comes after the UAE revealed in early September the establishment of an official gambling regulator – the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) – to be led by former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren and tasked with introducing a regulatory framework for commercial gaming as well as a national lottery.
Leading US casino operator Wynn Resorts is already developing what looks certain to become the UAE’s first integrated resort with gaming on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The $3.9 billion resort, due to open in 2027, will feature a luxury hotel with more than 1000 rooms, a high-end shopping mall, state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, an array of entertainment choices and other amenities.
Also looking at introducing casino gaming is Abu Dhabi, the report says, with Yas Island – home to the Yas Marina Formula One Circuit among other attractions – among the main sites being considered.
As for Dubai, any alleged reluctance hasn’t deterred MGM Resorts, which is developing a 1500-hotel near the emirates’ famous Burj Al Arab building and has made no secret of its desire to add gaming.
Speaking at a conference session during G2E in Las Vegas last month, MGM CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said: “We’re very progressive and excited by what could happen there. We think there’ll be three or four (casinos) in the emirates. It’s up to each ruler to decide what they want to do and where they want to do it. We’re positive. I’d love to be in Dubai with an operating company that has a casino in it, but one step and one day at a time.”
AI
Isle of Man secures Royal Assent for Data Asset Foundations law
The Isle of Man’s Data Asset Foundations legislation has received Royal Assent, bringing into law what the government and partners describe as the world’s first statutory framework for recognising and managing governed data assets.
With Royal Assent granted, the programme moves into implementation. Digital Isle of Man said the next phase includes developing a Data Asset Register, drafting supporting regulations, and building the operational systems needed to run the framework.
A central element is a statutory Data Asset Register intended to record, classify and oversee recognised data assets. Digital Isle of Man said consultation on the register and registrar model has already taken place and industry feedback is being used to shape regulations and operational guidance.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said:
‘Receiving Royal Assent marks a proud and historic moment for the Isle of Man and reflects years of dedicated work to develop a concept that did not previously exist anywhere in the world and bring it fully into law.
‘As the first jurisdiction in the world to fully establish a framework of this kind, the Isle of Man is demonstrating what becomes possible when innovation, collaboration and regulatory agility come together with clear long-term ambition.’
Aga Strandskov, Head of Data Strategy at Digital Isle of Man, said:
‘Many organisations already recognise data as a major business asset but have lacked the legal certainty needed to use it with confidence. That’s exactly what this new legislation enables.
‘The focus now turns to building the wider ecosystem, operational capability and practical implementation needed to support the next phase of the programme. The Register, supporting regulations and operational infrastructure are all active workstreams already progressing at pace.
‘For businesses, this creates real commercial opportunities that have previously been difficult to support within existing legal and operational models, from governed AI training datasets and trusted cross-organisational collaboration through to new approaches around data-sharing, financing and value creation.’
John Bottega, President at EDM Association, said:
‘Globally, organisations are increasingly looking for clearer structures around how valuable data can be governed, shared and used responsibly.
‘The Isle of Man taking this step reflects a growing shift towards more mature and scalable approaches to trusted data governance that support both innovation and accountability.’
The post Isle of Man secures Royal Assent for Data Asset Foundations law appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance
The Mill Adventure wins GLI-19 certification ahead of Ontario market entry
The Mill Adventure has obtained GLI-19 certification as it prepares to enter regulated online gaming in Ontario, a key step in the platform provider’s North American expansion plans.
The company said the certification supports technical compliance requirements common across regulated North American markets, including platform functionality, reporting processes, KYC measures and geolocation. GLI-19 is a technical standard used for interactive gaming systems.
The milestone comes ahead of The Mill Adventure’s planned launch with its first client in Ontario. The company said it will build on experience in multiple European regulated jurisdictions as it targets further growth in North America.
The Mill Adventure also pointed to recent developments including the launch of Dutch operator Winz.nl and a wider integration with Optimove’s CRM suite.
Bjørnar Heggernes, Chief Commercial Officer at The Mill Adventure, said: “Achieving GLI-19 certification reinforces that our platform and compliance framework are built to support the complexity regulated operators face in markets like Ontario, without compromising performance or scalability.
“Our focus is not simply on entering North America, but on becoming a long-term technical partner for operators looking to scale efficiently across regulated jurisdictions.”
The post The Mill Adventure wins GLI-19 certification ahead of Ontario market entry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alberta
EveryMatrix gets conditional AGLC approval ahead of Alberta iGaming launch
EveryMatrix has received conditional licensing approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to offer its iGaming technology in Alberta.
The approval allows the supplier to provide casino and sports platform technologies to licensed operators in the province, which is expected to launch a regulated iGaming market in July. Alberta would become Canada’s second regulated iGaming territory after Ontario.
At launch, EveryMatrix said it will offer titles from its in-house studio Fantasma Games and aggregated content, with plans to expand its portfolio over time.
The company said the Alberta approval adds to its North American licensing footprint, which includes Ontario (since 2022) and US states New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. EveryMatrix also said it has signed agreements to deliver platform and in-house gaming content in Alberta.
Rani Axon, Market Manager, North America, EveryMatrix, said: “Entering Alberta marks an exciting step for the Group as we expand further into one of North America’s most attractive regulated markets. This approval shows the strength of our compliance team and our readiness to meet regulatory requirements in any market.”
The post EveryMatrix gets conditional AGLC approval ahead of Alberta iGaming launch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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