UAE Awards Licence to Fennica Gaming, Signaling Growth in Local iGaming Sector
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a rapid expansion of its gaming market, fueled by a blend of favorable regulatory support, high-spending gamers, and substantial investments in gaming expertise, esports, and region-specific content. As of 2024, the UAE's gaming market was valued at around $460 million, with plans to surge beyond $630 million by 2028, mainly due to the mobile gaming boom [1].
Fennica Gaming Steps into the UAE Market 🌐
In this dynamic gaming landscape, Fennica Gaming has secured a Gaming Related Vendor License from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), signaling a significant leap for the company as it expands globally [3]. This new license will empower Fennica Gaming to legally offer its services to licensed gaming operators in the UAE. This opportunity is more than just a foothold in a new market; it's a chance to be among the top contenders shaping the UAE's promising gaming ecosystem. Fennica Gaming's commitment to compliance, integrity, and delivering top-notch gaming solutions has caught the attention of emerging and forward-thinking jurisdictions [4].
Fennica Gaming's managing director, Timo Kiiskinen, expressed enthusiasm about venturing into the UAE and the prospect of entering a new continent and markets. He sees this as a remarkable opportunity for his team to contribute to the development of the regulated gaming sector with their trusted and innovative solutions [4]. Fennica Gaming currently partners with operators in 15 countries, and its expansion into the UAE will strengthen its geographical presence, setting the stage for future success.
Scientific Games Joins the Party 🎲
Prior to Fennica Gaming's announcement, Scientific Games also made headlines by expressing interest in the UAE's burgeoning gaming market [6]. Known for its supply of iLottery products, Scientific Games is hopeful about its future in this region, backed by its international reach spanning five continents [6]. Although there is no recent news on Scientific Games receiving a formal license, the supportive regulatory environment in the UAE encourages growth for gaming companies, with the GCGRA bestowing licenses under stringent compliance standards [1].
The UAE's Gaming Market: A Growing Trend 📈
The UAE began warming up to the notion of regulated gaming only recently, culminating in the formation of the GCGRA in 2023. The gaming industry is rapidly evolving, and while it is yet to be seen how far the UAE will go with its gaming initiatives, major casino companies remain optimistic and are closely keeping tabs on the latest developments [6].
Max Tappeiner, president of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, has high hopes for the property, which is expected to establish a new standard in hospitality across the UAE [5]. The UAE is also at the forefront of blockchain gaming, with a market projected to increase at a CAGR of 66.5% from 2025 to 2030, reaching $7.752 billion by 2030. Role-playing games are currently leading the pack, but collectible games are growing at the fastest pace [2].
The UAE's gaming market is gearing up for a thrilling ride, with the potential for esports tournaments, increased investment, and the integration of virtual and augmented reality technology on the horizon. This exhilarating mix of innovation and entertainment is poised to generate unparalleled growth opportunities in the gaming sphere. 🚀
- Fennica Gaming, with its commitment to delivering top-notch gaming solutions, will utilize its new license in the UAE to offer services to licensed gaming operators, positioning itself to be a key player in shaping the promising gaming ecosystem's growth.
- In the UAE's burgeoning gaming market, Scientific Games, known for its iLottery products, has expressed interest and optimism, eyeing potential growth in this region supported by its international reach and the region's favorable regulatory environment.
