The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has announced that Kevin Mullally has stepped down from his role as CEO, prompting a leadership transition at the UAE's federal gaming regulator.
The GCGRA Board has appointed Jim Murren, the Authority's Chairman and former MGM Resorts International CEO, as Interim CEO with immediate effect.
Mullally joined the Authority during its establishment stage, helping design the regulator's early governance structure and its federal approach to commercial gaming oversight.
Jim Murren, Chairman and Interim CEO of the GCGRA, said: "Kevin has played a significant role in the Authority's early development, helping to establish its core governance and regulatory structure. We thank him for his contribution and wish him continued success in his future endeavours."
The Authority highlighted that all licensing, regulatory development, and stakeholder engagement activities are continuing as planned under the Executive Leadership Team, which remains in place as the UAE continues shaping its commercial gaming framework.
Earlier this week, the GCGRA appointed Jennifer Carleton as Chief of Licensing and Investigations, adding a senior compliance expert with more than three decades of gaming law experience.
The regulator said the appointment strengthens its licensing, investigations, and enforcement capabilities as it builds a federal model aligned with international regulatory standards.
Carleton's addition follows several milestones in the GCGRA's development throughout 2025, including licensing activities for major suppliers.
In July 2025, Light & Wonder became one of the first companies to receive a UAE vendor license, enabling it to supply gaming technology and iGaming content to approved operators once market conditions allow.
The Authority has emphasised that its long-term priorities remain regulatory integrity, responsible gaming safeguards, and the implementation of operational standards ahead of any future commercial gaming openings in the UAE.
Mullally was present at a panel in SBC Lisbon 2025 in September, where he expressed both his excitement and commitment to the UAE market
