Hub88 and Live88 receive UAE gaming vendor licences

• Hub88 and Live88 secure gaming vendor licences from UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA)
• Live88 becomes the first live casino studio licensed in the UAE
• Yolo Group positions itself for strategic regional expansion in the regulated gaming market

Hub88 and Live88, both part of the Yolo Group, have received gaming-related vendor licences from the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), marking a major milestone for international gaming suppliers entering the country’s newly regulated market.

The licences, which were confirmed in October 2025, allow the companies to offer game aggregation and live casino services to licensed operators in the UAE.

Strategic entry into the UAE market

The recently established GCGRA oversees all regulatory aspects of commercial gaming in the UAE. By awarding these initial vendor licences to Hub88 and Live88, the authority signals a new approach to regulated online gaming and business-to-business services in the region.

Live88 is now the first licensed live casino studio in the UAE, with plans to base its live dealer operations in Abu Dhabi. Hub88, as an aggregator, will provide platform services to operators as the market opens up to global suppliers.

​Lara Falzon, CEO of Yolo’s B2B brands, said:

“Securing these licences represents a strong vote of confidence from the UAE’s regulatory body in our brands, our technology and our commitment to operating to the highest standards of integrity and innovation.

“This development reassures our clients and partners of our long-term vision to operate exclusively in regulated markets.”

The two companies will maintain their core product development and testing centres in Tallinn, Estonia, as they prepare to expand operations throughout Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Regulatory context and industry response

The move follows the UAE’s creation of a structured licensing framework in 2023, aimed at both economic diversification and offering alternatives to unregulated gaming.The country remains unique in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for providing a federally regulated commercial gaming environment.

Commenting on the approval in early October, Yolo Group founder Tim Heath said:

“Live88 have set up a live dealer studio in Abu Dhabi and is the first of its kind to be licensed in the UAE. Hub88 will be the first Aggregator to be licensed in the UAE ensuring a seamless supply of third party, licensed content to B2C licensed operators.”

Implications and next steps

Industry observers note that the new licensing regime includes strict compliance requirements, matching high European standards for technical security and responsible gaming.

Looking ahead, Yolo Group and its subsidiaries are expected to play a prominent role in shaping the future of regulated gaming in the UAE. The country’s model could influence future legislation in neighbouring markets, attracting further investment and competitive innovation from established gaming firms worldwide.