New jersey signs gambling pact with middle east country

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Governor Phil Murphy signed a memorandum of understanding this week between New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement and the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, launching an international regulatory partnership focused on strengthening the gaming industry.

The agreement, signed during New Jersey’s economic mission to the Gulf Arab States and facilitated by Choose New Jersey, sets the stage for regulatory collaboration in areas including cybersecurity, responsible gaming, consumer protection, and technology innovation.

The partnership aims to advance both land-based and online gaming operations through cooperative frameworks and knowledge sharing.

Key Points

New Jersey and the UAE signed an MOU to collaborate on gaming regulation, with a focus on cybersecurity and responsible gaming.
Governor Phil Murphy says the partnership enhances the state’s global leadership in the gaming industry.
The deal supports tourism, investment, and the development of cutting-edge gaming infrastructure.

“New Jersey’s role as a national leader and international destination for gaming is strengthened by global partnerships that drive innovation in an industry where consumers seek exciting experiences,” said Governor Murphy. Under his administration, New Jersey’s gaming revenue has more than doubled, with internet gaming playing a significant role in the sector’s expansion.

The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), one of the oldest regulatory authorities in the U.S., will support the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) as it implements regulatory frameworks across various gaming sectors. “DGE has previously worked with several key GCGRA principals in the New Jersey regulated gaming industry and looks forward to ongoing collaboration under the MOU,” said MaryJo Flaherty, Interim Director of the DGE.

Gaming growth and international alignment

The agreement reinforces New Jersey’s commitment to advancing global best practices in gaming oversight and consumer safety, while enhancing its technological ecosystem. Kevin P. Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, said the pact represents a “unique opportunity to align innovative technology with modern, collaborative regulation.”

Choose New Jersey President Wesley Mathews called the partnership “a move to secure the state’s international competitiveness in this key sector,” pointing to the gaming industry’s expanding role in tourism and economic development across both regions.

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