Compliance Updates

The UAE Gambling License May Become the Most Valuable to Get in 2026

Published

3 months ago

December 2, 2025

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.

Compliance Updates

MGA Publishes Results of Thematic Review on Self-exclusion Practices in Online Gaming Sector

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

mga-publishes-results-of-thematic-review-on-self-exclusion-practices-in-online-gaming-sector

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published the results of a Thematic Review on how online B2C licensees implement self‑exclusion and other responsible gambling safeguards. The Review sought to identify any systemic weaknesses and clarify regulatory expectations relating to player protection, highlighting areas performing well as well as opportunities for licensees to strengthen their practices.

The Review was carried out in 2025 following reports that some players were able to access multiple brands despite being self‑excluded due to problem gambling. It examined the real‑world performance of player protection tools across 20 licensees and 58 active URLs. A mystery shopping exercise assessed the effectiveness of self‑exclusion processes, cross‑brand account controls, and the presentation of responsible gambling protections at key points of play.

The findings presented in this document reaffirm the Authority’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding players and upholding the integrity of the online gaming sector. Overall, the Thematic Review indicates a positive level of compliance, with the majority of licensees assessed demonstrating practices that are broadly in line with regulatory expectations. At the same time, the Review highlights opportunities for further strengthening player protection measures across the sector.

The assessment outlines the specific areas where enhancements would be beneficial. These include delays in activating self‑exclusion, instances where exclusions were lifted without applying a mandatory cooling‑off period, challenges in detecting duplicate or closely matching player identity details across brands, the absence of limit‑setting prompts during registration, and incomplete information displayed within Reality Check pop‑ups. Together, these findings provide guidance where systems and processes can be enhanced to ensure player protection measures operate as intended.

The Authority has communicated the findings to the relevant licensees, each of whom has been asked to address the points raised and submit rectification plans. Follow‑up supervisory engagement will continue where necessary, including monitoring the implementation of corrective actions. This work forms part of the Authority’s broader risk‑based oversight approach, aimed at promoting higher and more consistent standards of player protection across the sector.

Through this Guidance Document, the Authority encourages all licensees to use the insights from this Review to reinforce their internal frameworks, enhance their responsible gambling controls, and continue contributing to a safer and more sustainable gaming environment.

The post MGA Publishes Results of Thematic Review on Self-exclusion Practices in Online Gaming Sector appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Adventure One QSS

Dutch Gambling Authority Imposes Penalty on Adventure One QSS for Illegal Gambling

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

dutch-gambling-authority-imposes-penalty-on-adventure-one-qss-for-illegal-gambling

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has imposed a penalty on Adventure One QSS Inc. for illegal gambling. Adventure One offers games of chance on the Dutch market under the Polymarket brand name, without a license. The KSA has called on Polymarket to cease its activities immediately. If it fails to do so, the company will be fined €420,000 per week, with a maximum of €840,000.

Polymarket has been frequently in the news in recent months, particularly regarding betting on the Dutch elections. Although Polymarket itself states that prediction markets do not fall under the category of gambling, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has taken a different stance. After contacting the company about its illegal activities on the Dutch market, there has been no visible change, and the offering remains available. The Netherlands Gambling Authority therefore imposed this order, subject to a penalty. A turnover-related fine may also be imposed at a later date.

Ella Seijsener, director of licensing and supervision at the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), said: “Prediction markets are on the rise, including in the Netherlands. These types of companies offer bets that are not permitted in our market under any circumstances, not even by license holders. Besides the social risks of these kinds of predictions (for example, the potential influence on elections), we conclude that this constitutes illegal gambling. Anyone without a KSA license has no business in our market. This also applies to these new gambling platforms.”

The post Dutch Gambling Authority Imposes Penalty on Adventure One QSS for Illegal Gambling appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brais Pena Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo

Stake Goes Live in Denmark Following Five-Year Licence Approval

Published

3 days ago

February 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

stake-goes-live-in-denmark-following-five-year-licence-approval

Stake, the largest online casino and sportsbook globally, today proclaims its official entry into Denmark after obtaining a five-year online casino and sports betting license. The shift reinforces Stake’s enduring dedication to enhancing its global growth strategy.

Denmark is often seen as a regulatory success within the European online gambling scene, and Stake has now introduced its flagship, internationally recognized product to the Danish market. Players will unlock access to Stake’s top-tier casino and sportsbook, showcasing exceptional games, cutting-edge technology, and an exceptional user experience, all provided with a strong local emphasis.

Starting 1 March 2026, Stake Denmark will set up its new headquarters at Parken Stadium, the national football stadium of Denmark and the home ground for FC Copenhagen.

Peter Eugen Clausen, Managing Director at Stake Denmark, said: “Denmark has one of the most well-regulated and competitive gaming markets in Europe, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. With Stake’s arrival, Danish players can expect a fresh, world-class experience backed by global scale and strong local focus. We’re raising the bar in terms of product, transparency, and entertainment, and I believe increased competition from brands like Stake will only drive the market forward in a positive way.”

Brais Pena, Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo, the technology company behind Stake, said: “Denmark marks our entry into the Nordics and represents a clear win in one of Europe’s most mature and high-value markets. With each new market, our momentum continues to build as we deliver on our global expansion strategy.”

Since its inception in 2017, Stake has positioned itself as the top betting and gaming brand globally by continually presenting advanced technology and novel gaming experiences for players around the globe. Upon entering Denmark, Stake maintains its dedication to player safety and responsible gaming, guaranteeing that gambling stays enjoyable, secure, and entertaining by providing extensive tools and resources that assist customers in comprehending and monitoring their gambling behavior.

The post Stake Goes Live in Denmark Following Five-Year Licence Approval appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.