GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally steps down, Jim Murren named interim CEO

• The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) announces CEO Kevin Mullally’s departure for personal reasons.
• GCGRA Chairman Jim Murren is appointed as interim CEO, effective immediately.
• The regulator confirms uninterrupted licensing and operational activities across all regulated sectors.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates has confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mullally has stepped down, marking a leadership transition at the UAE’s gaming regulator.

Jim Murren, the authority’s Chairman, has been named interim CEO, effective immediately. The regulator affirmed that its operations and licensing programmes continue without disruption under its executive team.

Leadership transition

Kevin Mullally joined the GCGRA during its establishment phase, playing a key role in shaping the UAE’s commercial gaming regulatory framework.

The authority was established by Federal Law by Decree as an independent entity within the UAE federal government, with exclusive jurisdiction over licensing and supervision of all commercial gaming activities including lottery, land-based gaming, vendors, internet gaming, and sports wagering across the country.​

Mullally brought more than four decades of global experience across gaming regulation, legislative environments, law enforcement, and policy development.

His leadership advanced the UAE’s commitment to international standards of integrity, oversight, and responsible gaming.

According to his own LinkedIn post, he stepped down for personal reasons, with the GCGRA Board appointing Chairman Jim Murren as interim CEO to ensure continuity of the regulator’s mission.​

Implications for the UAE gaming sector

The GCGRA is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and is operated by internationally recognised experts in commercial gaming regulation, financial crime prevention, and responsible gaming. This transition preserves the authority’s stability as it continues to develop regulatory oversight in a rapidly evolving market.​

Jim Murren, Chairman and Interim CEO, said:

“Kevin has played a significant role in the Authority’s early development, helping to establish its core governance and regulatory structure. We thank him for his contribution and wish him continued success in his future endeavours. The GCGRA remains focused on the next stage of its growth, ensuring regulatory excellence, responsible gaming, and continued confidence in the UAE’s approach.”​

Looking ahead

This leadership change comes as the UAE further expands its commercial gaming sector with robust regulatory frameworks. The appointment of Murren, a figure with extensive experience in global gaming markets, signals a steady hand in maintaining investor confidence and regulatory integrity.

The GCGRA’s smooth transition reinforces its commitment to transparent licensing and strong governance as the UAE aims to enhance its position as a global gaming hub.

This development is closely watched by operators, investors, and regulators worldwide as the UAE continues integrating commercial gaming into its diversified economy, with a strong emphasis on compliance and responsible gaming practices.

​Source: Khaleej Times