The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed Jennifer Carleton as its new Chief of Licensing and Investigations, marking a key leadership addition as the UAE continues to shape its commercial gaming framework.
Carleton has more than three decades of experience in gaming law and compliance, advising leading international operators across the land-based and digital sectors.
She previously served as Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments, where she oversaw Anti-Money Laundering, Title 31 and Bank Secrecy Act compliance at both federal and state levels.
Before joining Sightline, Carleton spent ten years as Senior Staff Attorney for the Oneida Tribe, providing legal and regulatory counsel on gaming matters.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin - she is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, Illinois and Nevada.
The GCGRA has said that Carleton will play a central role in advancing its mission to regulate with integrity, transparency and international best practice.
A GCGRA spokesperson said: "We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Carleton to our leadership team. Her extensive experience in compliance and licensing will support our goal of establishing a robust and trusted regulatory framework for the UAE's commercial gaming sector."
Jennifer Carleton said: "It's an honour to join the GCGRA at such a pivotal stage. I look forward to contributing to the Authority's commitment to responsible, transparent and globally recognised regulation."
The appointment follows the GCGRA's continued expansion of its regulatory framework. In July 2025, Light & Wonder became one of the first suppliers to receive a UAE vendor licence from the Authority, allowing it to supply gaming machines and iGaming content to licensed operators.
The development signalled growing international interest in the UAE's gaming sector, which continues to attract major suppliers and operators preparing for a regulated market launch.
The GCGRA was established in 2023 as the UAE's first federal regulator overseeing commercial gaming and lottery operations
