Canadian lottery and gaming supplier Pollard Banknote Limited has been approved as a licensed gaming-related vendor in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The licence was granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal body that regulates commercial gaming and lottery activities in the country.
The new licence enables Pollard Banknote to provide its range of products to licensed lottery operators in the UAE. These products include instant tickets, retail merchandising solutions, and digital gaming offerings. The approval gives Pollard Banknote entry into one of the world’s newest regulated gaming markets.
“We are very excited for the wide variety of opportunities this new licence will afford Pollard Banknote,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer. “We are eager to foster a strong partnership in the UAE and introduce our portfolio of proven, innovative lottery and gaming products and services that will help boost revenue and support charitable causes.”
Pollard Banknote serves more than 60 lotteries worldwide, with operations in North America and Europe. Through its family of companies, the firm provides a wide range of solutions, including instant ticket manufacturing, pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, ticket vending machines, and a full suite of digital and iLottery services. Subsidiaries include Schafer Retail Solutions +, American Games/International Gamco, and electronic gaming brands Diamond Game and Compliant Gaming.
UAE Lottery welcomes Pollard Banknote
Following the announcement, Bishop Woosley, Director of Lottery Operations at The Game—the UAE’s first licensed lottery operator—shared his support on LinkedIn. “Congratulations to the Pollard Banknote Limited team! We at the UAE Lottery look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” he wrote.
The approval is likely to create opportunities for partnerships with lottery operators in the region and further grow Pollard Banknote’s presence in the Middle East.
Part of a wider regulatory effort
The GCGRA began issuing vendor licences in October 2024 as part of its plan to build a strong and internationally recognised gaming industry in the UAE. Pollard Banknote now joins a growing list of major suppliers authorised to operate in the market, including Light & Wonder, Aristocrat, International Game Technology (IGT), Novomatic, TCSJOHNHUXLEY, Scientific Games, Fennica Gaming, Random State, and Konami Gaming, which received its licence last week.
The first full gaming licence was awarded in July 2024 to The Game LLC, followed by Wynn Resorts in October 2024. Wynn’s land-based operator licence covers its Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which is already under construction and scheduled for completion in 2027.
Confidence in the UAE’s regulatory model
As more companies secure licences, confidence in the UAE’s regulatory framework continues to strengthen. In an earlier interview with SiGMA World, Woosley said: “The regulatory landscape has evolved since The Game received the first licence in 2024. What we’ve seen is continued support by the GCGRA to establish and build a robust, transparent, and globally benchmarked framework, one that supports innovation while prioritising player protection and operational integrity.”
He added that the UAE’s approach “reflects growing confidence in its ability to manage the gaming sector responsibly.”
Expanding access to global markets
The Canadian lottery and gaming supplier’s entry into the UAE market demonstrates the country’s goal of developing a safe and well-regulated gaming industry that meets international standards. The GCGRA is licensing trusted suppliers to build a transparent and competitive market.
Founded in 1907, Pollard Banknote has over 100 years of experience in the lottery industry and is known for its work in improving player engagement and increasing revenue for good causes. The company also serves charitable gaming markets in North America.
With its long history, global presence, and wide range of products, Pollard Banknote is well placed to build partnerships in the UAE and help the country achieve its goal of becoming a leading regulated gaming hub.
