UAE regulator appoints Jennifer Carleton as chief of licensing and investigations

• The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) appoints Jennifer Carleton as Chief of Licensing and Investigations.
• Carleton brings 30 years of experience in gaming law, compliance, and regulation, previously Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments.
• Her role supports UAE’s mission to build a world-class regulatory framework for the commercial gaming sector.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates has named Jennifer Carleton as its Chief of Licensing and Investigations. The appointment reflects the authority’s ongoing effort to strengthen its executive team as it develops a comprehensive regulatory framework for the UAE’s commercial gaming market.

Carleton brings three decades of experience in gaming law, regulation, and compliance. She has served prominent land-based gaming and entertainment companies worldwide.

Before joining GCGRA, Carleton was Chief Legal Officer at Sightline Payments, where she led on Anti-Money Laundering, Title 31, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and currency regulation across federal and state levels. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as senior staff attorney for the Oneida Tribe.

The GCGRA emphasised that Carleton’s extensive background fosters strong relationships with global regulators and licensing professionals, making her a trusted leader in gaming compliance and governance.

“Jennifer will play a key role in advancing GCGRA’s mission to regulate with integrity, transparency, and global best practice. We are delighted to have her on board as we continue to build a world-class regulatory framework for the UAE’s commercial gaming sector,” the authority stated.

The organisation is focused on building a regulatory environment that supports sustainable growth and consumer protection in the UAE’s commercial gaming sector.

Carleton joins the GCGRA’s executive management team alongside CEO Kevin Mullally, former Missouri regulator and General Counsel for GLI. The authority was established in September 2023 and is chaired by former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren.

This leadership appointment underscores the UAE’s commitment to regulating its emerging gaming industry with global standards of integrity and compliance. It signals readiness to support both domestic startups and international operators in the launch of regulated commercial gaming offerings. The role will be pivotal in licensing, investigations, and enforcement as the sector matures.

With Jennifer Carleton’s appointment, the GCGRA strengthens its leadership capacity ahead of deploying its licensing regime and regulatory oversight mechanisms to ensure a robust and transparent gaming market environment in the UAE.

This development is closely watched by operators, investors, and regulators internationally, indicating growing confidence in the UAE’s commercial gaming market as it opens under a regulated framework.