United Arab Emirates and New Jersey Forge Pact to Boost Cybersecurity and Promote Responsible Gambling Practices
Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, has inked a deal with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formed during Murphy's economic mission to the Gulf States, facilitated by Choose New Jersey, is all about fostering innovation and cooperation in both land-based and online gaming.
Murphy states, "New Jersey as a gaming powerhouse, both nationally and internationally, benefits from global partnerships that drive innovation in an industry that caters to thrill-seeking consumers." This union between the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) of New Jersey and the GCGRA of the UAE focuses on joint initiatives in areas like cybersecurity, responsible gaming technologies, and broader consumer protection.
MaryJo Flaherty, acting as the interim director of the DGE, is thrilled about this collaboration. She points out the DGE's willingness to work closely with the GCGRA, employing their experience in regulating the gaming industry in New Jersey – one of the most advanced gaming authorities globally. Flaherty believes that the foundation for this new agreement was laid when key members of the GCGRA worked alongside New Jersey in the local gaming sector.
The UAE regards the gaming sector as a crucial part of its broader strategy to diversify the economy and attract foreign investments. This burgeoning industry contributes significantly to driving tourism and attracting foreign investments. The UAE's gaming sector has experienced significant growth in the past year, with six licenses granted by the GCGRA and a 28% increase in casino-related searches, according to Dubai Casinos. Newcomers like The Game LLC, operating the UAE Lottery, and Wynn Al Marjan, the developer of the country's first integrated casino resort, have also jumped into the scene. Although online gambling remains unlicensed, anticipation continues to grow, with 2025 expected to bring regulatory changes that will legalize online gaming and sports betting.
This collaboration between New Jersey and the UAE is poised to bolster New Jersey's gaming technology infrastructure and ecosystem, ensuring the state's international competitiveness. It's clear that this partnership will leverage New Jersey's expertise in gaming regulation to help the UAE develop its own robust and innovative gaming sector. A win-win situation for both, indeed!
- The regulatory partnership between New Jersey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), drawn up in this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), focuses on joint initiatives in areas such as cybersecurity for responsible gaming technologies.
- In 2025, with regulatory changes expected to legalize online gaming and sports betting, the UAE's burgeoning gaming sector anticipates growth, following the footsteps of new entrants like The Game LLC and Wynn Al Marjan.
- The collaborative effort between the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) of New Jersey and the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the UAE aims to innovate in the casino-games, lotteries, and iGaming (online gaming) industries.
- Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, marks the UAE as a likely source of foreign investments, adding that this deal will boost New Jersey's business and technology in casino-and-gambling, particularly in online gaming platforms.
- MaryJo Flaherty, the interim director of the DGE, expresses enthusiasm about this collaboration, emphasizing the DGE's ambition to work alongside the GCGRA to solidify its position as one of the most advanced gaming authorities globally.
- The UAE intends to leverage this strategic partnership to foster innovation in its gaming sector, which it views as a key player in its economic diversification strategy, attracting tourists and investments alike.
- New Jersey, as both a national and international gaming powerhouse, will provide valuable cybersecurity knowledge and expertise to the UAE, elevating the UAE's gaming sector and solidifying its position in the global gambling industry.
