UAE Gaming Regulator Appoints Jennifer Carleton to Lead Licensing and Investigations
Jennifer Carleton Joins UAE Gaming Regulator with Extensive Legal Expertise
The United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed Jennifer Carleton as its new Chief of Licensing and Investigations. This strategic hire supports the nation’s efforts to establish a robust framework for regulating commercial gaming activities.
Bringing Three Decades of Experience in Gaming Law and Compliance
Jennifer Carleton offers over 30 years of experience in gaming law, regulatory compliance, and governance. Before joining the GCGRA, she served as Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments, where she oversaw compliance with various US financial regulations, including anti-money laundering laws and currency control measures.
Her career also includes more than ten years as Senior Staff Attorney for the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, along with partnerships at prominent US law firms where she advised leading casino and entertainment companies on licensing and regulatory challenges.
The GCGRA highlighted Carleton’s role in advancing the authority’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and adoption of global best practices. Her extensive network and reputation in the regulatory and gaming industries worldwide make her a valuable asset to the authority’s mission.
In addition to her industry work, Carleton contributes academically as a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Boyd School of Law. She helps develop courses that examine Indian law, gaming regulation, and the evolving legal environment surrounding digital wagering.
Positioning the GCGRA for the Digital Gaming Future
Since launching in September 2023, the GCGRA has been tasked with crafting a comprehensive regulatory structure for both the national lottery and commercial gaming across the UAE. The authority is led by Chair Jim Murren, former CEO of MGM Resorts, and CEO Kevin Mullally, who previously directed the Missouri Gaming Commission and worked with the Gaming Laboratories International as legal counsel.
Jennifer Carleton’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the GCGRA explores a new licensing framework to accommodate the burgeoning digital and online gaming market. The proposed model would enable each of the seven emirates to issue one online gaming license under local jurisdiction approval. This approach is viewed by industry experts as a critical step toward establishing a coordinated and regulated iGaming environment within the UAE.
Presently, Wynn Resorts holds the only license for a physical casino in the region. The company is investing $5 billion in an integrated resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. With Carleton’s addition to the GCGRA leadership team, regulatory oversight is expected to strengthen as the UAE prepares to advance the next phase of its gaming industry regulations.
