The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the national gambling regulator of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed a new Chief of Licensing and Investigations. Jennifer Carleton, who previously served as the Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments, will assume the new role in shaping the country’s gaming laws as the UAE transitions to an open gaming market.
GCGRA Appoints New Chief of Licensing and Investigations: Key Insights
- The GCGRA confirmed the appointment on LinkedIn, highlighting Carleton’s legal background and accomplishments in gaming compliance and regulation during her stint at Sightline Payments.
- Carleton brings over 30 years of experience in gaming law, regulation, and compliance. Her valuable expertise will benefit the newly founded GCGRA in establishing itself as a reputable global gaming authority.
- Carleton’s skills and experience align with the gambling watchdog’s mission to regulate the UAE’s commercial gambling market with integrity, transparency, and accountability, as it continues to develop a world-class regulatory framework.
Jennifer Carleton Brings 3 Decades of Experience to the UAE’s Gambling Regulator
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed Jennifer Carleton as its Chief of Licensing and Investigations. The UAE’s gaming regulator announced the appointment on Wednesday, October 29, on LinkedIn. Carleton’s appointment comes at a time when the UAE is transitioning into an open gaming market.
The UAE is among the first Arab nations to legalise gambling. The GCGRA, which was established in 2023, oversees all types of gambling and sports betting activities in the country. Carleton’s experience and skill will enable the regulator to position itself as a transparent and responsible gaming authority.
Carleton’s experience in gaming regulation and compliance played a primary role in her appointment. Before assuming her current position, Carleton served as the Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments for nearly half a decade. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Sightline and Vegas Strong Fund.
Jennifer Carleton has helped some of the world’s top gaming companies navigate the legal ecosystem. Her extensive background in gaming law has enabled her to establish strong relationships with licensing professionals and regulators globally. Thus, reinforcing her authority as a trusted leader in gaming governance and compliance.
The GCGRA’s official statement reads:
Jennifer brings 30 years of experience in gaming law, regulation, and compliance, having advised some of the world’s most prominent public and private land-based gaming facilities and entertainment companies. Her extensive background has fostered strong relationships with global regulators and licensing professionals, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted leader in gaming compliance and governance.
Carleton’s Experience Aligns with the GCGRA’s Mission to Develop a Robust Regulatory Framework
Carleton’s role at Sightline Payments as Chief Legal Officer saw her leading policies on Anti-Money Laundering, U.S.C. Title 31 – Money and Finance, the Bank Secrecy Act and currency regulation at the federal and state levels. Her experience aligns with the gaming watchdog’s mission to develop a robust legal framework, following established AML/CFT best practices.
Carleton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University and a Juris Doctorate cum laude from the University of Wisconsin. She is licensed to practise law in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Nevada. She spent a decade as a Senior Staff Attorney for the Oneida Tribe and three years as a Visiting Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
As the GCGRA prepares to introduce a uniform “One Licence per Emirate” model for both land-based and online casinos, Carleton’s legal expertise will allow the gaming watchdog to navigate regulatory challenges related to compliance and enforcement more efficiently. While the Wynn Al Marjan Island is projected to begin operating in 2027, Abu Dhabi will likely issue the UAE’s first online gaming permit soon.
The GCGCRA is confident that Carleton’s experience will enable it to regulate the UAE’s commercial gaming sector with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The regulator is looking forward to developing a world-class regulatory framework for the domestic market.
The GCGRA’s press release noted:
Jennifer will play a key role in advancing GCGRA’s mission to regulate with integrity, transparency, and global best practice. We are delighted to have her on board as we continue to build a world-class regulatory framework for the UAE’s commercial gaming sector.