Compliance Updates
The UAE Gambling License May Become the Most Valuable to Get in 2026
The current decade is proving truly transformative for the whole global gaming industry, given the rollout of new licensing regimes and major upgrades to already established frameworks. Many of the latest frameworks have emerged offshore, with jurisdictions such as Nevis and Tobique using low taxes, a remote application process, lower licensing fees, and light-touch oversight to secure additional budget inflows.
On the other side, “onshore” hubs, especially in Europe, are doubling down on ever-stricter oversight, making it more complex and expensive to run a gambling business from there. Quite unexpectedly, therefore, a jurisdiction where gambling has historically been prohibited by religion and criminal law moved to introduce a comprehensive licensing regime. This was literally a shock for many; only one in a million industry enthusiasts would have predicted that this country would be the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Two years ago, the UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the first-in-history federal regulator in the Gulf to oversee gambling across all emirates. Since then, the GCGRA is rolling out gradually, brick by brick, issuing the first few B2B vendor licenses to a select few of internationally recognized suppliers while setting B2C licensing aside and approaching it with caution.
Today, the UAE gambling regulator is authorized to grant licenses for gaming operators (a B2C gambling license issued for a casino, sports wagering, land-based gaming facilities, lottery, and lottery retailers), gaming-related vendors (B2B gambling license), and key persons (affiliates, stakeholders, and employees). Even though the GCGRA has laid down an essential foundation ahead of B2C license issuance, however, the actual B2C regulations are still developing and unavailable to the public, apart from certain provisions on responsible gaming and anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.
As of this second, just a single B2C online gaming license has been issued. Detailed rulebooks on license conditions and the scope of onsite and online gaming activities, however, are still under development and remain subject to ongoing discussion. In essence, while the sector is gradually progressing toward a formal B2C licensing regime, the key details and timing are largely unclear.
In contrast, the B2B regime is already in full swing, with over fifteen UAE gaming licenses already granted to date. The regulator made it clear to everyone that its first priority is to establish a robust B2B ecosystem of technology, payment, content, and other aggregators before opening the door for B2C companies. Considering this, early GCGRA-licensed gambling aggregators get a rare first-mover advantage: legal setup in a business hub like the UAE with privileged access to serve the first wave of B2C UAE gaming license holders (B2C) and secure an unmatched level of trust among banks, investors, and other stakeholders for meeting rigorous regulatory expectations.
With the largely untapped market potential, many industry analysts argue that the UAE gambling license could become the single most valuable license to get in the next year.
The assumption is based on the fact that the UAE always plays the long game. The country’s goal is not merely closing fiscal gaps, as is often the case with offshore jurisdictions, but to drive meaningful economic diversification, expand tourism, and compete with other global entertainment hubs – all reinforcing confidence for entering the market. What’s more, even though the framework is relatively new, the country has an impeccable track record in building high-end regimes, namely in crypto, setting a benchmark for operators and aggregators.
Yet, what truly stands out is the license scarcity: the current GCGRA framework foresees only a limited number of approvals per emirate granted to B2B operators that meet stringent regulatory, operational, and integrity thresholds. The combination of high demand and limited supply significantly amplifies the license’s commercial value, given that the future B2C operator market – projected to generate billions in annual revenue – will be exclusively served by a select pool of qualified B2B vendors.
Beyond this, the UAE’s combination of robust economy, attractive taxation, political stability, and high consumer trust sets it apart from offshore jurisdictions launching gambling licensing regimes.
Taking all factors into account, the UAE gaming license could become the new “golden standard” as one of the most respected regulatory regimes worldwide, turning into the license every operator wants to add to their portfolio. Unsurprisingly, therefore, aggregators are already preparing to move ahead with licensing, bracing for what may become one of the most scrutinized application and approval processes of all time.
With this in mind, joining the ranks of the select few UAE gambling license holders (B2B) will hinge on early, meticulous preparation of necessary documentation and specialized region-specific professional advice. Among these are qualified consultants at Inteliumlaw, a UAE local law firm with on-the-ground representatives in the country and extensive experience in supporting gambling businesses. Having spent years navigating gambling frameworks and establishing relations with regulators, Inteliumlaw is emerging as a top legal partner for operators looking to capitalize on what is set to become the most valuable licensing opportunity of 2026: the UAE gaming license.
Allwyn
UK High Court Rejects Legal Challenges Relating to the National Lottery Licence
On 17 April 2026, the UK High Court rejected in full the claims brought by The New Lottery Company Limited (TNLC) and Northern & Shell PLC (N&S) against the Gambling Commission in relation to the award of the Fourth National Lottery Licence.
In summary, the claims alleged that the Gambling Commission had wrongly awarded the Fourth National Lottery Licence to Allwyn, and that instead, TNLC should have won the competition. The claims also alleged that the Gambling Commission and Allwyn had entered into impermissible modifications to the Licence arrangements following the competition.
The lengthy trial of the claims took place in the High Court before Mrs Justice Joanna Smith between 9 October and 2 December 2025, with an additional day on 13 January 2026.
The High Court has now ruled in favour of the Gambling Commission on all of the claims, rejecting the allegations which had been made.
This is an important judgment for the future of The National Lottery. This judgment makes clear that the Gambling Commission ran a fair and robust competition to award the Fourth National Lottery Licence, and that none of the contested changes to the Licence, in the course of its implementation, were substantial or contrary to the relevant procurement regulations.
The judgment gives resounding support to Good Causes by enabling Allwyn, with oversight from the Commission, to continue with their plans of investment in The National Lottery without further distraction.
The National Lottery is one of the world’s largest lotteries and since launching in 1994, National Lottery players have collectively raised more than £52 billion for more than 670,000 Good Causes across the UK, transforming lives and contributing to the arts, sport, heritage and communities.
The post UK High Court Rejects Legal Challenges Relating to the National Lottery Licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
GLI Welcomes Around 300 Regulators to its 26th Annual Regulators Roundtable
Approximately 300 regulators from 16 countries attended the 26th annual Regulators Roundtable presented by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). The event was hosted April 15-16 at the Palms Las Vegas.
The topics covered were as diverse as the attendees and included artificial intelligence, asset protection, cashless gaming, cyber resilience, digital responsible gaming interventions, geolocation, lottery modernization, patron protection, prediction markets, risk analysis, and sports betting.
Sports performance psychologist and author of Life as Sport Dr. Jonathan Fader delivered the keynote address. He spoke about how proven sport-performance psychology applies to the realities of today’s workplace, including high expectations, constant change, and pressure to perform.
In addition to the presentations and breakout sessions, GLI hosted an Innovation Tech Hub, which featured live demonstrations from Bulletproof, EPIC Global Solutions, Evive, GLI University, Kobetron, KOIN, and Marker Trax.
“We are grateful to the approximately 300 regulators from across North America and around the world who came to Las Vegas to learn more about what’s next and what’s on the horizon in gaming technology. It is important for regulators to stay as far ahead of technologies and issues as possible, and that is the purpose of the Regulators Roundtable, and we are honored to present the conference,” said GLI President & CEO, James Maida.
GLI announced the next Regulators Roundtable will take place April 7-8, 2027, at the Palms Las Vegas.
The post GLI Welcomes Around 300 Regulators to its 26th Annual Regulators Roundtable appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Aviator LLC
Aviator Studio Brazil wins two consecutive instances in São Paulo appeal court against SPRIBE injunction
- Another attempt by SPRIBE to mislead the industry fails as two consecutive instances reject requested injunction
- Decision allows Aviator Brasil to continue operating while the court examines the broader AVIATOR trademark dispute
Aviator Studio Brazil has secured two consecutive court decisions in São Paulo, Brazil, rejecting attempts by SPRIBE to impose an injunction on its operations.
The rulings, delivered by the São Paulo Court of Appeals (2nd Reserved Chamber of Business Law) on 16 April, were in favour of the defendants overall. The court rejected the injunction request against the group, allowing Aviator Studio Brazil to continue operating in the market with partners such as Foggo Entertainment (Blaze) while the broader trademark dispute is examined through the normal judicial process.
Contextualising Separate Proceedings
This victory in the group proceedings follows an announcement by SPRIBE on 15 April regarding a separate matter involving NSX Betnacional. Aviator LLC clarified that neither the company nor the operator were aware of those specific proceedings initially. As soon as that separate matter became known, Aviator Studio Brazil immediately took action to assume responsibility for defending the legitimate use of the brand, providing NSX Betnacional with all legal support required.
Key Court Findings
The Court of Appeals based its decision on the following key findings:
- Lack of likelihood of success on the merits: While SPRIBE claims exclusive ownership of the “AVIATOR” trademark, the court found substantial controversy regarding the validity of those rights both domestically and internationally.
- Absence of irreparable harm: The court determined there is no imminent or irreparable harm that would justify immediate intervention.
- Valid licensing: The court emphasised that Aviator Studio Brazil has been commercially operating under the “AVIATOR” mark based on a licence from Aviator LLC, the regularity and effects of which shall be examined during the proceedings.
Protecting the AVIATOR Ecosystem
Aviator Studio Brazil joined the proceedings and supported its operator partners, including Foggo Entertainment (Blaze) by fulfilling all indemnity and defence obligations under its Software Licence Agreement.
The company has affirmed that it stands fully behind its partners, taking responsibility to defend, indemnify, and hold them harmless in relation to the use of the AVIATOR brand and product. This reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to protecting its partners and the integrity of the AVIATOR ecosystem.
In relation to the NSX Betnacional matter, Aviator LLC confirmed that neither it nor Betnacional were aware of the proceedings initially.
As soon as the matter became known, Aviator Studio Brazil immediately took action to support its partner Betnacional and assume responsibility for defending the legitimate use of the AVIATOR brand.
International Context
Aviator LLC stated that these outcomes reinforce its long-standing position that attempts to secure early-stage injunctions are not reflective of the merits of the case. This follows earlier proceedings in the United Kingdom High Court, where an interim injunction obtained by SPRIBE was clarified as a narrow procedural step with no bearing on ownership or the final outcome of the dispute.
With no findings made against Aviator LLC’s underlying rights in Brazil and courts declining to grant urgent relief, the company continues its operations while remaining confident in its legal position as proceedings progress across multiple jurisdictions.
Commenting on the decision, George Pruidze, CEO at Aviator Studio, said: “Following two consecutive victories in both the trial court and appeal courts in São Paulo, it is clear there is no basis for the urgent measures sought by SPRIBE. Aviator Studio Brazil continues to operate lawfully under licence, and we remain fully committed to supporting our partners and defending the AVIATOR brand wherever necessary.
“As similar actions by SPRIBE continue to trigger proceedings in Brazil, including the ongoing matter involving Betnacional, we will continue to stand behind our partners and ensure the legitimate use of the AVIATOR brand is protected. We are confident that the same facts and legal position will continue to prevail as these cases progress.”
The post Aviator Studio Brazil wins two consecutive instances in São Paulo appeal court against SPRIBE injunction appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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