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UAE Gaming Regulator Chairman Jim Murren steps in as interim CEO
The U.A.E.’s federal gaming regulator announced the immediate replacement of its chief executive, with the authority’s chairman assuming the top executive role. The regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), confirmed that Kevin P. Mullally has stepped down as CEO. Chairman Jim Murren has taken over as interim CEO, signalling a rapid transition as the regulator moves from establishment into operational delivery.
Mullally, a veteran regulator with more than four decades of experience in gaming oversight and policy development, had been appointed the inaugural CEO of the GCGRA in September 2023. He previously led the Missouri Gaming Commission and was a senior executive at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
In a statement, the authority praised Mullally’s role in laying the foundations of the regulatory framework, and underscored its commitment to continuity, governance, licensing and responsible‐gaming standards. The authority did not disclose Mullally’s reasons for leaving. Industry reports indicate the shift arises as the GCGRA enters its next phase of growth.
Regulator’s mandate and context
The GCGRA was established by the UAE to oversee “commercial gaming” and national lotteries, a major step for a country in a region where gambling has been largely prohibited. With Mullally in place, the regulator developed a governance structure, drafted licensing frameworks covering land-based resorts, internet gaming, sports wagering and lottery, and sought to position the U.A.E. as a destination for regulated casino development.
Meanwhile, Murren, former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, has played a high-profile role as GCGRA chairman. His interim takeover reflects an intent to maintain a steady hand during a sensitive moment in the regulator’s evolution.
Implications and outlook
The leadership change comes at a time when the U.A.E. is stepping up efforts to attract major casino-resort investment. Operators such as Wynn Resorts Limited are advancing plans for integrated resorts in the U.A.E., anticipating licensing approvals. A seamless transition matters: any disruption could raise questions among investors about regulatory stability.
With Murren at the helm, the GCGRA must now move from blueprint to execution, issuing gaming licences, enforcing frameworks, and embedding responsible-gambling safeguards on a frontier market. Mullally’s departure suggests that the authority now views its foundational stage as complete and is turning toward operational delivery.
The interim appointment is likely to be temporary. The GCGRA will almost certainly begin a search for a new permanent CEO in the coming months even as Murren retains the chair role.
Meanwhile, industry watchers will monitor how the shift affects licence timelines, regulatory scrutiny, and investor confidence in the U.A.E. gaming sector.
Stay informed – the UAE’s gaming regulation is at a critical juncture. Dive into the full story at Game Lounge: How far can the UAE push modernisation without losing itself and gain a clear view of what the emerging framework means for the industry.
