Veikkaus subsidiary Fennica Gaming has become the latest gambling supplier to secure a licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates.
The company is one of three online suppliers licensed by the GCGRA, as well as Aristocrat and EQL Games.
The Gaming Related Vendor Licence permits Fennica, a B2B iGaming solutions provider, to offer its “games as a service” (GaaS). Fennica will be permitted to work and partner with licensed operators within the UAE’s regulated gaming framework.
Fennica’s GaaS offering comprises games, game system and an enabling platform, powered by the Google Cloud Platform. The company offers a range of online casino content such as slots, video poker and speciality games, as well as instant-win titles.
Fennica said the licence supports its ongoing international expansion efforts. Last month, it also secured approval in both Sweden and Ontario. These approvals extended its reach to 15 countries across three continents, with Fennica also active in the UK, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain.
“Receiving the Gaming Related Vendor License from the GCGRA is a significant step for Fennica Gaming as we continue to grow our global presence,” Fennica Managing Director Timo Kiiskinen said.
“The UAE represents a new dynamic market and a possibility to enter to a new continent and new markets. We are excited to contribute to the development of its regulated gaming sector with our trusted and innovative solutions.”
UAE licences continue to mount up
GCGRA has issued a series of licences in recent weeks as the UAE market continues to grow.
Last week, GCGRA approved Scientific Games and Random State. This permits them both to offer their services to the Middle East state’s nascent lottery market.
Other approved vendors include slot machine manufacturers and payment providers, such as IGT Global Services, Novomatic and Aristocrat Technologies Europe. Fennica’s approval takes the total number of suppliers licensed by the authority to 10.
GCGRA was formed in 2023 to establish the market’s regulatory framework across gambling, national lottery and commercial gaming.
In June 2024, the organisation awarded the nation’s only lottery licence to The Game LLC. The new UAE Lottery offers a range of lottery games and other products. Tickets went on sale in November 2024, ahead of its inaugural draw on 14 December.
GCGRA last year also awarded Wynn Resorts the UAE’s first commercial land-based casino gaming licence. Already under construction, Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is a joint venture between affiliates of Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding.
Wynn expects to open its multi-billion-dollar project in Q1 2027.
Alongside the UAE, Fennica Gaming is also approved in key markets such as the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands.