UAE regulator picks Sightline’s Jennifer Carleton as licensing chief
The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) gambling regulator has named former Sightline Payments executive Jennifer Carleton as Chief of Licensing and Investigations, as the country continues to strengthen its executive leadership ahead of a major shift in gaming regulation.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) confirmed the appointment in an official statement, describing Carleton as a key figure in advancing regulatory integrity, transparency, and global best practice.
According to the official statement, the appointment aligns with its broader objective of building a world-class framework for commercial gaming across the Emirates. Carleton brings more than 30 years of experience in gaming law, compliance, and regulatory governance, having advised numerous prominent land-based casino brands and entertainment companies.
The GCGRA said her extensive background has fostered strong relationships with international regulators, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted figure in gaming compliance.
Appointed after three decades of experience
Carleton most recently served as Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments, where she led policies relating to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Title 31 rules, the Bank Secrecy Act, and currency compliance across federal and state jurisdictions in the United States. She previously spent a decade as Senior Staff Attorney for the Oneida Tribe, providing legal guidance across casino operations and tribal regulatory matters.
Before joining Sightline in 2021, she spent 14 years in private practice, advising major gaming and investment companies on licensing, risk management, and regulatory approvals. Her career-long focus on gaming law has given her specialised expertise in payments technology, mobile wagering, internet gaming, and sports betting. Analysts note that this experience will be particularly valuable as regulators confront new challenges arising from advances in digital gaming.
Alongside her regulatory work, Carleton teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Boyd School of Law and was recently appointed a Distinguished Fellow. She is helping develop an advanced curriculum focusing on Indian law and gaming governance, reflecting her interest in academic development within the sector.
The GCGRA itself was established in September 2023 and is chaired by former MGM Resorts chief executive Jim Murren. Its chief executive, Kevin Mullally, previously served as a regulator in Missouri and as General Counsel for Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). The authority’s leadership structure has been viewed as a signal of the UAE’s intention to implement a mature compliance culture.
Discussions on new licensing model
Carleton’s appointment comes as the regulator prepares to introduce a new online gaming framework that mirrors the existing land-based casino model. Under the proposal, each of the UAE’s seven emirates may issue a single business-to-consumer online gaming licence, pending local approval. Industry observers say this marks a major step towards a structured and regulated iGaming environment.
Under a similar system for physical casinos, only one licence has been granted to date. US-based Wynn Resorts is developing a $5 billion integrated resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, featuring luxury accommodation, entertainment facilities, and the country’s first regulated casino.
Officials say Carleton’s arrival is expected to support the next phase of regulatory development, as policymakers weigh licensing standards, investigation procedures, and financial oversight requirements.
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