Arena Racing Company (ARC) has taken a significant step beyond its UK racing roots by securing a Gaming-Related Vendor License from the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Authority (GCGRA). With this approval, ARC becomes one of the first companies authorised to supply products and services to the UAE’s emerging commercial gaming sector.
The license places ARC among a small group of early entrants into a market that is still taking shape but is already attracting strong international interest.
Entry Into a Newly Regulated Market
Effective immediately, the GCGRA license allows ARC to offer its full portfolio of racing-related products and services directly to licensed operators within the UAE. Importantly, the approval comes under the oversight of the GCGRA, an independent federal authority with exclusive responsibility for regulating, licensing, and supervising all commercial gaming activity in the country.
As a result, ARC can now deploy its established expertise in a tightly regulated environment, aligning its offering with local compliance requirements while supporting the region’s developing gaming infrastructure.
Expanding Racing Content in the Emirates
At the core of ARC’s UAE proposition is its Racing1 Markets service, which delivers both horse racing and greyhound racing content. The product combines international racing coverage with robust market depth, making it suitable for regulated sportsbook environments.
This offering draws on collaboration with several key partners. Content rights come from the Racing1 alliance, including 1/ST content, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and Tabcorp, while Pythia Sports provides the underlying technology. Now, with regulatory approval secured, ARC can introduce this combined ecosystem to UAE-based operators for the first time.
Strategic Timing for Regional Growth
ARC views the timing of the license as particularly important. As the UAE continues to formalise its commercial gaming framework and approve new operators, suppliers that can deliver compliant, proven products are likely to be in high demand.
Jack Whitaker, Commercial Manager at ARC, described the approval as a milestone for both the company and its partners. He highlighted the UAE as an exciting and forward-looking regulated market, adding that ARC is keen to showcase its racing solutions while contributing to the sustainable growth of the local gaming industry.
Positioned Early for Long-Term Opportunity
By securing a GCGRA vendor license at an early stage, ARC has positioned itself well as the UAE’s commercial gaming sector evolves. As regulation matures and more operators enter the market, demand for reliable, compliant racing content is expected to increase.
With its licensing in place and partnerships already established, ARC appears ready to support operators from day one. In doing so, the company strengthens its international footprint while aligning itself with one of the most closely watched new gaming markets globally.
