Veikkaus subsidiary expands global footprint into the Middle East’s emerging gaming hub
Fennica Gaming, the B2B arm of Finnish gambling monopoly Veikkaus, has secured a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy by obtaining a gaming vendor licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the United Arab Emirates.
The licence enables Fennica to offer its games-as-a-service solutions to licensed operators across the UAE—a nation poised to become one of the world’s most lucrative regulated gaming markets. With this approval, Fennica extends its operational reach to a new continent, adding the UAE to a portfolio that now includes 15 countries across three continents.
Strategic Expansion Across Regulated Markets
Fennica Gaming, known for providing secure, modular game engines and a library of regulated gaming content, continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for government-regulated operators. The company most recently earned a B2B licence in Greece from the Hellenic Gaming Commission, signalling its focus on expanding through compliant, transparent operations.
“Receiving the gaming-related vendor licence from the GCGRA is a significant step for Fennica Gaming as we continue to grow our global presence,” said Timo Kiiskinen, Managing Director at Fennica Gaming.
“The UAE represents a new dynamic market… We are excited to contribute to the development of its regulated gaming sector with our trusted and innovative solutions.”
UAE’s Market Grows as New Suppliers Join
The UAE’s gaming regulatory framework began formalising in 2024, with the first vendor licence issued to The Game LLC, followed by a notable land-based development from Wynn Resorts. Other international gaming giants, including Aristocrat, Novomatic, Scientific Games, and IGT, have also entered the market, suggesting strong confidence in the region’s regulatory clarity and commercial potential.
With forecasts suggesting the UAE could rival even Macau as a premier destination for regulated gaming, early market entrants like Fennica Gaming are well-positioned to capitalise on long-term growth opportunities.
A Promising Future in the Middle East
Fennica’s UAE entry underlines a broader shift in global gambling trends, where emerging regulated markets in the Middle East and Asia are becoming the next frontier for innovative, compliance-focused suppliers. As the GCGRA continues to build out the regulatory environment, companies like Fennica are expected to play a key role in shaping a responsible and modern gaming ecosystem in the region.
