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GCGRA Gaming License UAE | SecureVisa Group
UAE Gaming Regulation Experts

GCGRA Gaming License UAE

End-to-end licensing and compliance support for businesses pursuing licensing under the UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.

UAE Gaming License
100%
Success Rate
50+
Licenses Secured
24/7
Support

Important: Engaging in commercial gaming activities in the UAE without a valid GCGRA license is illegal and may lead to severe penalties, including criminal charges.

What is GCGRA?

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority is the UAE's federal executive agency responsible for regulating, licensing, and overseeing all commercial gaming activities.

🎰

Lottery Operations

Licensed operation of national and regional lottery systems with full regulatory compliance.

🌐

Internet Gaming

Online gaming platforms offering regulated digital gaming experiences.

Sports Wagering

Licensed sports betting operations with proper consumer protections.

🏢

Land-Based Gaming

Physical gaming establishments operating under GCGRA oversight.

Who Needs a GCGRA License?

The GCGRA licensing framework applies to a broad ecosystem of stakeholders — not just operators.

Commercial Gaming Operators

Online or land-based operators running gaming establishments

Sports Wagering Platforms

Sports betting and wagering service providers

Lottery Operators

Lottery issuers and operators across the UAE

Gaming Vendors

Suppliers of gaming systems, platforms, or components

Service Providers

Companies supporting gaming operations depending on scope

Key Personnel

Individuals responsible for gaming operations and compliance

GCGRA Licensing Process

A structured execution roadmap to bring your business from concept to license-ready.

01

Preliminary Eligibility Assessment

We evaluate your activity classification, licensing category exposure, corporate structure, and compliance maturity to deliver a feasibility report with go/no-go recommendations.

Activity Classification Risk Assessment Gap Analysis
02

Corporate Structuring & Positioning

We align your entity setup approach, UBO/shareholding structure, and governance framework to meet regulatory requirements.

Entity Setup UBO Structure Governance
03

Compliance Architecture Build

We build and document your AML/CFT framework, responsible gaming program, customer protection controls, and incident response plan.

AML/CFT Responsible Gaming SOPs
04

Application Pack Preparation

We compile your business plan, financial forecasts, risk assessment, and all required declarations for a complete application pack.

Business Plan Financials Documentation
05

Submission & Regulator Engagement

We support submission sequencing, clarifications, follow-ups, and response drafting throughout the regulatory review process.

Submission Follow-ups Response
06

Post-License Compliance

We implement monitoring cycles, compliance training, audit preparation, and renewal support for ongoing regulatory adherence.

Monitoring Training Renewals

Documents Required

Typical documentation checklist for GCGRA license applications.

🏢 Corporate / Ownership

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles
  • Register of shareholders and directors
  • Ownership structure chart
  • UBO declarations

👥 People / Key Management

  • Passport copies
  • CVs and background profiles
  • Proof of address
  • Professional references

⚙️ Operations

  • Business plan and operating model
  • Product/service description
  • Customer journey and controls
  • Third-party vendor inventory

🛡️ Compliance & Risk

  • AML/CFT policy and program
  • Sanctions screening approach
  • Responsible gaming policy
  • Risk assessment documents

💻 Technology & Security

  • Platform architecture overview
  • Cybersecurity controls summary
  • Data privacy approach
  • Business continuity plan

Core Compliance Requirements

Essential compliance frameworks aligned with international best practices.

🔒 AML/CFT Compliance

Your anti-money laundering framework must include:

AML risk assessment
Customer due diligence (CDD/KYC/KYB)
Enhanced due diligence (EDD)
Sanctions and PEP screening
Transaction monitoring
Suspicious activity escalation
Staff training programs
Audit and testing schedule

🎮 Responsible Gaming

Your responsible gaming framework must address:

Harm prevention measures
Vulnerable player protection
Customer protection controls
Risk behavior intervention
Self-exclusion programs
Deposit and loss limits
Age verification systems
Audit readiness

Why SecureVisa Group

Our approach to gaming licensing is designed for credibility and long-term compliance.

01

Compliance-First Methodology

Licensing designed to survive scrutiny, audit, and operational monitoring.

02

Regulator-Ready Documentation

Structured, consistent, and defensible documentation built to regulatory standards.

03

End-to-End Support

From feasibility assessment to post-license ongoing compliance.

04

Operational & Governance Focus

Not just submissions — complete execution and implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

GCGRA is the UAE's federal regulator for commercial gaming, responsible for licensing and oversight across all emirates. It ensures integrity, consumer protection, and responsible practices in all commercial gaming activities.

Commercial gaming includes lottery operations, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities. All these activities fall under unified federal oversight through the GCGRA.

Yes. Conducting or facilitating commercial gaming without a valid license is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including criminal charges.

Yes. GCGRA notes that certain entities may require multiple license categories depending on their activities and stakeholder roles within the gaming ecosystem.

Yes. GCGRA explicitly states it continuously monitors licensees to ensure ongoing adherence to requirements and technical standards.

SVG supports eligibility assessment, application preparation, AML/responsible gaming frameworks, audit readiness, and ongoing regulatory management — structured for credibility and long-term compliance.

Ready to Move Forward?

If your business is planning to operate in the UAE commercial gaming market, licensing strategy must be built before you deploy capital.

GCGRA Compliance & Gaming Licensing Dubai

General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority Gaming License Compliance

Your Partner for Commercial Gaming Compliance in Dubai. SecureVisa Group is an independent compliance advisor supporting businesses seeking to operate legally in the UAE’s commercial gaming sector. We guide and support your GCGRA license application and post-licensing compliance, helping you understand and meet the regulatory requirements set by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

What is GCGRA?

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the official body responsible for licensing, supervising, and enforcing all forms of commercial gaming in the UAE. Engaging in gaming activities without a valid GCGRA license is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.
SecureVisa Group

End-to-End Licensing Support

SecureVisa Group delivers end-to-end support for Dubai commercial gaming businesses seeking guidance through the GCGRA licensing process. Our services cover initial eligibility assessments, license application preparation, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, audit readiness, and ongoing regulatory management to help you meet GCGRA standards. SecureVisa Group is an independent advisory firm and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA); only GCGRA can issue commercial gaming licenses in the UAE.
Initial eligibility screening and business structure review
Preparation of intake forms, business plans, compliance documentation, and supporting materials
Submission through the GCGRA Licensing Portal and direct coordination with the authority
Ongoing risk management, AML, and responsible gaming frameworks tailored to GCGRA requirements.
Representation during GCGRA audits and investigations
Support with annual reporting, license renewals, and amendments
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Why SecureVisa Group?

SecureVisa Group supports innovators across the spectrum—from payments and digital banking to tokenization and embedded finance. Each business model faces unique regulatory and compliance challenges, and our team helps you navigate these with efficiency and confidence.
Our team has successfully guided numerous businesses through UAE licensing and compliance processes, drawing on years of hands-on experience with regulatory approvals in Dubai’s commercial gaming and tech sectors.
Our team possesses extensive expertise in UAE gaming, technology, and entertainment law, including practical experience navigating federal regulations, licensing frameworks, and compliance standards for commercial gaming operations
With a dedicated local presence in Dubai and a commitment to international best practices, SecureVisa Group combines in-depth market expertise with global standards to deliver effective solutions for business setup and regulatory compliance.
Private, impartial experts—never affiliated with the government and always focused on advancing your best interests.

We're here to Help You!

SecureVisa Group ensures it is licensed, compliant, and investor-ready—giving you the foundation to grow with confidence in the UAE.
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Compliance & Responsible Gaming Solutions

SecureVisa Group provides robust policies and operational guidance to meet GCGRA’s standards for financial crime prevention, AML (anti-money laundering), responsible gaming, and consumer protection. Our expertise helps commercial gaming operators maintain good standing and avoid costly regulatory penalties.