GCGRA and ADGM regulator to share information and coordinate oversight as the gaming sector expands.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s commercial gaming regulator has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi’s financial services regulator to enhance regulatory cooperation, strengthen oversight, and facilitate information sharing.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE’s federal regulator overseeing commercial gaming, said on Friday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
The agreement sets out a formal framework for cooperation between the two regulators on matters within their respective jurisdictions, including information sharing, supervisory coordination and assistance with investigations.
Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA of ADGM, said the MoU marks a significant step towards strengthening regulatory cooperation and reflects both authorities’ commitment to maintaining high regulatory standards.
He said closer coordination between regulators would help safeguard market integrity, address emerging risks and ensure regulatory frameworks keep pace with innovation.
Why the agreement matters
Commercial gaming is among the UAE’s newest regulated sectors, making coordination between regulators increasingly important. The agreement aims to provide greater regulatory clarity for businesses operating within ADGM and the UAE’s broader financial ecosystem.
The two authorities said the partnership will help foster a transparent regulatory environment aligned with international standards, while supporting responsible innovation and the sustainable growth of the sector.
Ciarán Carruthers, CEO of the GCGRA, said that as one of the UAE’s newest regulated industries, the credibility of commercial gaming would depend on close cooperation between regulators.
He said the agreement provides the two regulators with “a clear channel to share information and coordinate supervision” in areas where their respective mandates overlap.
Carruthers said the UAE’s standing as a well-regulated jurisdiction depends on effective coordination among regulators, adding that the agreement provides a formal framework for closer collaboration.
The MoU is expected to enhance cooperation between the authorities while supporting the UAE’s broader commitment to strong regulatory standards and alignment with international best practices.
