Japanese gaming tech giant joins top-tier suppliers preparing for region’s first land-based casino
Konami Enters the UAE with Strategic Vendor Licence
Konami Gaming has officially received a gaming-related vendor licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This authorisation positions Konami to supply its full suite of casino games and management systems to licensed operators within the country—most notably to Wynn Resorts, which is slated to open the UAE’s first legal casino in early 2027 on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
This approval affirms Konami’s ongoing commitment to international regulatory compliance and positions the firm to play a major role in shaping the UAE’s emerging, tightly regulated gaming industry.
Konami Joins Growing List of Global Suppliers in the UAE
With this licence, Konami joins a list of established international gaming suppliers now cleared to operate in the UAE. These include Light & Wonder, Aristocrat, IGT, and Novomatic, all of which have also been recently granted vendor status by the GCGRA. This signals increasing momentum behind the UAE’s gaming infrastructure as the regulatory body works to ensure a robust and transparent supplier ecosystem ahead of the launch of commercial casino operations.
Konami Gaming’s President & CEO Tom Jingoli welcomed the licence, highlighting the company’s long-standing commitment to integrity and compliance across more than 430 gaming jurisdictions globally. “As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same innovation and excellence we bring to all jurisdictions we serve worldwide,” he stated.
Products Tailored for Regulated Markets
Konami will be introducing its Class III random number generator (RNG) slot machines, including some of its most popular land-based titles, as well as online casino games and the Synkros casino management system. Synkros, already in use by The Star Entertainment Group in Australia and Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, is known for its advanced data integration, player loyalty, and operational analytics capabilities.
This technology is expected to be a strong fit for the UAE’s tech-forward vision for its gaming sector, offering operators precise tools for monitoring, regulation, and player engagement—critical in a region debuting commercial gaming for the first time under a closely watched regulatory spotlight.
A Broader Global Footprint
Konami’s entry into the UAE represents just one element of its broader international growth. In the past year, Konami has launched real-money online slots in Portugal and Paraguay, and expanded its footprint in Latin America through PlayCity Casino in Mexico. With Asia, Europe, and the Americas already covered, the UAE provides an entry point into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, further reinforcing Konami’s positioning as a global gaming technology leader.
Outlook: UAE’s Gaming Sector Takes Shape
As the UAE prepares to become the first Gulf nation to permit regulated casino operations, international vendors like Konami are racing to establish early partnerships. The development of Wynn’s $3.9 billion integrated resort on Al Marjan Island is expected to reshape tourism and entertainment in the region, and the vendors involved will be critical to its technological backbone.
Konami’s early approval ensures it is well-placed to capture a significant share of the Gulf’s burgeoning market, leveraging its global credibility and gaming innovation to meet the needs of a highly controlled, premium-focused environment.
Conclusion:
Konami’s entry into the UAE gaming sector not only marks a key milestone for the company but also reflects the growing sophistication and maturity of the Gulf’s regulatory and commercial gaming ambitions. As the region gears up for its first legal casino operations, Konami’s expertise will be instrumental in setting industry standards from the ground up.
