In a significant development for the region’s digital economy, the United Arab Emirates’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has granted gaming-related vendor licenses to subsidiaries of the Yolo Group. The move marks the official launch of the UAE’s regulated gaming market and positions the country as a pioneer within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
A New Era for GCC Gaming
The licenses, awarded to Hub88 Holdings Ltd and Live Online Gaming Services LLC, permit Yolo Group to supply its business-to-business iGaming content within the newly regulated UAE market. This development is a milestone for the GCC, as the UAE becomes the first jurisdiction in the region to establish a formal regulatory framework for commercial gaming, a move seen as a key part of the nation’s future economic strategy. The GCGRA, an independent federal entity, now has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities in the country.
Pioneering Live Casino Operations
A standout element of the announcement is that Live88, a Yolo Group subsidiary, is set to become the first-ever licensed Online Live Casino Studio to operate in the UAE. This signals a strong start for the market, introducing advanced and interactive gaming formats from day one. The establishment of such operations locally is expected to create new jobs and attract specialized talent to the Emirates.
Yolo Group’s Strategic Entry
For Yolo Group, securing these licenses aligns perfectly with its strategic shift towards operating exclusively in licensed and regulated environments. The company views the UAE and the broader GCC as crucial for its future expansion and is committed to a long-term presence. Tim Heath, Founder of Yolo Group, commented, “Obtaining these licenses in the UAE is more than a regulatory achievement, it is a statement of intent. The UAE is setting the stage for what modern, regulated gaming should look like, and we are proud to be part of that journey.” While product development and testing will continue in Estonia, the group plans to scale its operations across the GCC from its new foothold in the UAE.
About Yolo Group
Yolo Group is a global company operating at the intersection of gaming, fintech, and blockchain. Through subsidiaries like Hub88.io, Live88.io, and Onetouch.io, it provides innovative iGaming content and technology solutions to the international gaming industry. The group is focused on building the future of gaming through technology, including developing seamless one-wallet experiences and integrating MiCA-compliant crypto payments.
Source: European Gaming
