This marks a significant step in the country’s gradual move toward establishing a regulated commercial gaming market.
The licence, effective immediately, authorises Sportradar to supply its sports data, technology, and integrity services to licensed operators within the UAE.
The GCGRA, formed in 2023 as a federal authority under the UAE government, has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all forms of commercial gaming and national lotteries.
The approval of Sportradar’s licence signals the regulatory framework’s continuing transition from formation to implementation, as a growing number of international service providers enter the market.
For Sportradar, the UAE licence adds to a growing list of global jurisdictions in which it is authorised to operate.
The Switzerland-based company has been expanding rapidly, reporting strong earnings throughout 2025. It posted a 17% increase in first-quarter revenue and continued to see double-digit growth in its second-quarter results.
Sportradar has recently secured long-term partnerships with major sports organisations, including UEFA and the NBA, to provide advanced data analytics, real-time integrity monitoring, and betting technology solutions.
Focus on regulated gaming increases
The company’s expansion into the UAE reflects the ongoing increased emphasis being placed on regulated global markets with clear oversight and integrity standards.
Sportradar’s CEO, Carsten Koerl, has emphasised that the firm’s focus is on aligning its products with compliance requirements in each region while promoting transparency and responsible gaming practices.
The UAE licence enables Sportradar to collaborate with operators to deploy its proprietary technology, including AI-driven data analytics and integrity systems designed to detect and prevent match-fixing.
The GCGRA’s move to issue licences follows the UAE’s approval of its first major gaming resort project, Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is expected to open in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027.
This project, alongside vendor approvals like Sportradar’s, reflects a the UAE government’s approach to balancing economic diversification goals with tight regulatory control.
Sportradar’s entry into the market comes at a fortuitous time for both parties, as the company gains a foothold in one of the most closely watched new jurisdictions in global gaming, while the UAE benefits from internationally recognised expertise in data integrity and technology infrastructure.
Dingnews.com 22/10/2025