UAE announced the establishment of a of a new federal authority for national lottery and commercial gaming in the country. Revealed on Sunday, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is set to introduce a regulatory framework for these activities but who are the appointed leaders for the authority?
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) leaders
Kevin Mullally – CEO
Former Vice President of Government Relations & General Counsel at the US-based Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) brings over 30 years of experience in national and international gaming regulations.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the inaugural CEO of the GCGRA. With my experienced colleagues, I look forward to establishing a robust regulatory body and framework for the UAE’s lottery and gaming industry,” Mullally said at the time of the announcement of his new position.
Mullally’s experience encompasses more than 39 years of leadership roles in law, management, public policy, public relations, economic analysis, and organisational administration.
Before joining GLI, Mullally held the position of Executive Director at the Missouri Gaming Commission. Prior to that, he served as General Counsel and Chief of Staff to Missouri State Senator Harry Wiggins. He also holds a seat on the Board of Trustees for the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
With the distinction of being the pioneer behind Missouri’s first self-exclusion program during his regulatory tenure, he boasts an extensive track record of involvement in the development, research, and implementation of responsible gaming policies.
Mullally is also the author of the chapter on Public Policy Implementation & Regulatory Practice for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Law School’s textbook on Land-Based Casino Regulation.
Jim Murren – Chairman
Former MGM Resorts International CEO began began his career as a securities analyst at the Wall Street firm, Cyrus J. Lawrence.
In 1991, he achieved the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst certification. Murren then earned a place on the company’s Board of Directors, making history as the youngest ever member to serve on the board.
During his tenure on Wall Street, he played a role in orchestrating a significant recapitalisation of MGM Grand, Inc. in 1996. Later, he assumed the roles of Managing Director and Director of U.S. equity research at Deutsche Bank.
In 1998, he transitioned to the corporate sector, taking on the role of CFO and becoming a member of MGM’s board of directors.
In 1999, he assumed the position of president, and went on to become the chief operating officer in 2007. In December 2008, marking his tenth year with the company, he assumed the dual roles of chairman and CEO.
Murren has now been appointed as the Chairman of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) where he is set to be a part of introducing the regulatory framework.
“I am delighted at the appointment of Kevin Mullally. He brings unparalleled category experience and will be invaluable in creating a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for the UAE,” he said at the time of the announcement.
UAE’s lottery and commercial gaming authority
The leadership team of the GCGRA comprises globally accredited individuals, each boasting a proven track record and an extensive knowledge of international best practices for overseeing and sustaining a robust, secure, and ethical gaming sector.
The GCGRA is dedicated to establishing an environment for gaming that is socially responsible and thoroughly regulated. This commitment entails enforcing stringent guidelines and upholding the most rigorous standards among all stakeholders.
The organisation will streamline regulatory efforts, oversee national licensing, and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of the commercial gaming sector, unlocking its full economic potential.
Wynn Al Marjan
Craig Billings, Wynn Resorts’ chief executive officer said “We have everything we need to operate gaming in Al Marjan. I expect that we will have our license for Ras Al Khaimah actually imminently,” he said.
“I think there’s confusion here because there’s a lack of understanding regarding individual Emirates versus the UAE as a whole. It’s clearly a 10, as I think I’ve talked about before to a state and federal system. But there should be no concern that there is a legalisation process that needs to occur in order for gaming to occur in that property,” Billings added whilst addressing UAE laws that prohibit gambling.
Valued at a $3.9 billion, the resort is set to house the UAE’s inaugural confirmed casino upon its grand opening in 2027.
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