The United Arab Emirates and the state of New Jersey have created a partnership and Memorandum of Understanding that will enable them to work together to strengthen the gaming industry as a whole. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement along with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the UAE will collaborate on responsible gambling initiatives, technology, innovation, and cybersecurity. This will help New Jersey maintain its gaming ecosystem while helping the UAE at the same time in terms of strengthening its expertise and learning from a pioneer.

In a move that is set to reshape the international commercial gaming landscape, regulators from New Jersey and the United Arab Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on regulatory and technological advancements in the gaming sector. The agreement, signed during Governor Phil Murphy's recent economic mission to the Persian Gulf, brings together the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority of the UAE.

The partnership is designed to foster mutual cooperation in key areas such as responsible gambling, cybersecurity, and gaming technology. It also aims to boost New Jersey's global competitiveness by integrating innovative solutions and regulatory best practices from a burgeoning international market.

Murphy: "Global partnerships drive innovation"

Governor Murphy emphasized the significance of the agreement as a strategic step toward reinforcing New Jersey's position as a global gaming leader. "New Jersey's role as a national leader and international destination for gaming is strengthened by global partnerships that drive innovation in an industry where consumers seek exciting experiences," Murphy said. "The collaboration between the DGE and GCGRA will strengthen our international economy while prioritizing responsible gaming."

The interim director of the DGE, Mary Jo Flaherty, welcomed the formal partnership and noted that her team has previously collaborated with members of the GCGRA leadership. She highlighted New Jersey's proactive stance in promoting responsible gaming, noting that the state has led many key initiatives in the US aimed at consumer protection and ethical standards in gambling.

The DGE looks forward to sharing its expertise and learning from the emerging framework being developed in the UAE, noted Flaherty. Responsible gaming and innovation are cornerstones of our regulatory philosophy, she continued.

The UAE taps US expertise as market emerges

The GCGRA, established in 2023, represents a significant shift in the UAE's approach to commercial gambling. While gambling remains broadly illegal in the country, the regulatory body has also been laying the groundwork for a legalized and tightly controlled gaming sector. Its leadership team includes prominent figures from the US gaming industry, such as Kevin Mullally, former executive at Gaming Laboratories International, and Jim Mullen, former CEO of MGM Resorts International.

Last year, the UAE took its first steps toward legalizing land-based gambling and has since started issuing licenses for casino operators and suppliers. However, online gaming and sports betting licenses remain unavailable for now.

Economic vision and responsible growth

Mullally, now CEO of the GCGRA and also a trustee with the International Association of Gaming Regulators, sees the agreement with New Jersey as a crucial part of the UAE's long-term economic strategy.

"Commercial gaming is a key pillar of the UAE's strategy for diversified economic growth, playing a significant role in driving tourism and attracting foreign investment," Mullally said. "This moment represents a unique opportunity to align innovative technology with modern, collaborative regulation to unlock substantial economic potential while ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection."

New Jersey, which launched regulated online casino gaming back in 2013, brings over a decade of regulatory experience to the partnership. The state has continually evolved its gaming laws to stay competitive in the global market, embracing emerging technologies and tightening its focus on responsible gambling measures.

As the UAE cautiously builds out its own legal gaming industry, the MOU positions both jurisdictions to benefit from shared knowledge and joint innovation. The collaboration sets a precedent for how established markets can support and shape the emergence of new, ethically managed gaming environments across the globe.