Table of Contents
Overview of the UAE Gambling Regulator (GCGRA)
GCGRA Board Members
Executive Team at GCGRA
The Role of GCGRA in UAE’s Gambling Industry
GCGRA’s Mission and Future
Overview of the UAE Gambling Regulator (GCGRA)
In September 2023, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established to regulate all forms of gaming and gambling activities across the United Arab Emirates. Initially, only Jim Murren (Chairman) and Kevin Mullally (CEO) were publicly named. However, with the launch of the GCGRA’s official website, the full board of directors and C-level executives were revealed.
This regulatory body has made its first major move by selecting The Game LLC as the official operator of the UAE Lottery. Here, we provide a comprehensive look at the key individuals steering the course of gaming regulation in the Emirates.
GCGRA Board Members
The board of GCGRA is composed of industry veterans with deep expertise in gaming, law, and business management. Here are the notable members:
Jim Murren (Chairman)
Former CEO of MGM Resorts, Jim Murren leads the GCGRA board. With his extensive background in managing one of the largest global gaming companies, Murren brings significant expertise to the UAE’s burgeoning gaming sector.
Nick Casiello
A co-founder of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), Nick Casiello previously headed the gaming practice at Fox Rothschild. He is also a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), offering legal insights into the gaming world.
William Grounds
William Grounds is the former president and COO of Dubai-owned Infinity World Development Corp, known for its involvement in CityCenter Las Vegas. He also served on the board of MGM Resorts and currently holds a directorship at PointsBet.
Mark Lipparelli
A veteran of the Nevada gaming scene, Mark Lipparelli was previously the chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He now serves as chairman of Galaxy Gaming and Golden Entertainment, bringing a wealth of regulatory knowledge to GCGRA.
Giovanni Lega
Giovanni Lega is the founder and managing partner of the law firm LCA, specializing in M&A, real estate, and gaming transactions. His experience in business law adds valuable expertise to the regulatory board.
John Kelly
A partner at London law firm Harbottle & Lewis, John Kelly is an expert in reputation management, data protection, privacy, and defamation law. His work with high-profile clients adds a unique layer of governance to the GCGRA board.
Chris O'Donnell
Chris O'Donnell is a real estate and investment specialist currently serving as managing director at CNN Advisory. He also served as a director for CityCenter Holdings in Las Vegas, with extensive experience in international real estate development.
Executive Team at GCGRA
Alongside the board of directors, the GCGRA has a strong executive team, led by seasoned professionals with backgrounds in finance, technology, and compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the top executives:
Kevin Mullally (CEO)
Formerly of Gaming Laboratories International, Kevin Mullally took on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCGRA in September 2023. His leadership is pivotal in shaping the gaming regulation framework in the UAE.
Ahmed Barakat (Chief Operating Officer)
Ahmed Barakat brings extensive banking experience to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO). He has previously held positions at Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, positioning him to oversee operational efficiency within the GCGRA.
Manuela Croci (Chief of Supervision, Investigations, FCP)
Manuela Croci is responsible for overseeing supervision, investigations, and Financial Crime Prevention (FCP). She previously served as the head of internal audit and compliance at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Ourouba El Arab (General Counsel & Board Secretary)
Ourouba El Arab acts as General Counsel and Board Secretary, ensuring legal compliance across the organization. Her previous experience includes roles at First Abu Dhabi Bank and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Leina ElBarasi (Chief Financial Officer)
As Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Leina ElBarasi manages financial planning and budgeting for the GCGRA. She previously worked for Abu Dhabi Media Company in a senior financial role.
Carlos Gutierrez (Chief Information Officer)
Carlos Gutierrez serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO), focusing on technology solutions. He brings a wealth of experience from his time as general manager for TEC Evolution Technology Services, where he provided tech solutions to industries like banking and aerospace.
Dina Helal (Chief Human Resources Officer)
As Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Dina Helal oversees HR policies and employee relations. She previously worked at First Abu Dhabi Bank as Senior Vice President and head of employee relations and policies.
The Role of GCGRA in UAE’s Gambling Industry
The GCGRA is tasked with regulating all forms of gaming and gambling in the UAE, from land-based to online platforms. Its primary objective is to establish a safe, transparent, and regulated gaming environment. The selection of The Game LLC as the UAE’s official lottery operator marks a significant first step towards building the country’s legal gambling framework.
GCGRA’s Mission and Future
The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is poised to play a critical role in the development of the country's gaming industry. With a board of directors and executive team composed of industry veterans and seasoned professionals, the GCGRA is well-equipped to ensure regulatory compliance while fostering innovation in the gaming sector.
