Light & Wonder has officially been authorized to operate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after receiving a gaming-related vendor license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the country’s newly established federal regulator. This approval permits the company to offer land-based electronic gaming machines, table game utilities, and online iGaming content to licensed operators in the region.
Company President and CEO Matt Wilson celebrated the milestone, stating, “Securing a license from the GCGRA is an important milestone for Light & Wonder as we enter one of the most anticipated new regulated markets in the world. We’re honored to be among the first approved suppliers and are committed to bringing our trusted, responsible, and player-first approach to the UAE.”
The license signifies Light & Wonder’s continued focus on responsible gaming and its collaboration with global regulators to ensure compliance and player safety.
UAE Gaming Regulation Gains Structure with GCGRA Leadership
The license comes amid sweeping regulatory changes in the UAE as it seeks to formalize its gaming industry. The formation of the GCGRA marks the nation’s initial steps toward creating a transparent and well-regulated commercial gaming and lottery sector.
These developments coincide with preparations for the anticipated launch of the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, a $3.9 billion project expected to debut in 2027. The resort is set to become the cornerstone of the country’s gaming and tourism expansion.
Q1 Financials Reinforce Light & Wonder’s Global Strategy
Light & Wonder’s entrance into the UAE follows a strong first quarter of 2025, during which the company reported $774 million in total revenue—an increase from $756 million the previous year. Its gaming division led the performance with $495 million in revenue, bolstered by a 9% uptick in table products and 5% growth in both gaming operations and systems. Gaming segment AEBITDA climbed to $254 million, improving segment margins by 200 basis points.
Other segments presented mixed results. iGaming revenue rose 4% to $77 million, with AEBITDA up 8%. SciPlay, its digital gaming division, saw a slight revenue dip to $202 million but still managed a 3% AEBITDA increase due to a 5% boost in average daily user revenue.
Net income remained steady at $82 million, while diluted EPS climbed to $0.94. Total consolidated AEBITDA hit $311 million, an 11% increase year-over-year. The company ended the quarter with $3.9 billion in debt and $1.08 billion in liquidity, keeping leverage within its target range.
Strategic Moves and Expansion Continue
Light & Wonder is on track to finalize its $850 million acquisition of Grover Gaming’s charitable gaming operations in five U.S. states. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 and will be funded by a newly secured $800 million Term Loan A facility.
The company is also responding to recent U.S. tariffs on gaming components by adjusting supplier strategies and renegotiating costs. These efforts, combined with strong performance, are projected to keep Light & Wonder on pace to reach its 2025 AEBITDA goal of $1.4 billion, excluding Grover’s contribution.
Source:
“Light & Wonder Granted Gaming-Related Vendor License in the United Arab Emirates”, explore.lnw.com, Jul 18, 2025
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