The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has appointed Kevin Mullally, the former chief executive of the UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), as its inaugural CEO.
As CEO, Mullally will oversee operational capacity, expanding member engagement and building strategic partner relationships. According to the IAGR, the newly created role reflects its growth, expanding global influence and increasingly complex regulatory agenda.
The organisation added that while the appointment of its first CEO will strengthen executive capacity, it will also maintain its member-led governance structure. This includes its strategic direction being set by the board of trustees.
“Kevin brings an extraordinary depth of regulatory experience and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with IAGR’s mission,” IAGR President Ben Haden said. “The board was unanimous in its excitement about bringing on a leader with Kevin’s background to guide IAGR.
“His understanding of regulatory challenges, governance, global industry and international collaboration will be invaluable as IAGR continues to evolve.”
Mullally moves on from UAE regulator
Mullally takes on the new role with the IAGR just weeks after exiting the UAE’s GCGRA.
Shortly after his exit, Mullally established Mullally Group, an independent advisory firm focused on supporting governments, regulators and institutions with regulatory frameworks and governance practices. He will continue to lead the firm as managing director alongside his new role at the IAGR.
Prior to his time with the GCGRA, Mullally spent over 17 years with Gaming Laboratories International, serving in several senior roles. He also led the Missouri Gaming Commission as executive director after a spell within its legal department. Going back even further, Mullally was chief of staff for Senator Harry Wiggins within the Missouri Senate.
“IAGR’s strength lies in its members and their willingness to work together across jurisdictions,” Mullally said. “My focus is on supporting regulators by expanding collaboration, sharing practical solutions, and ensuring IAGR remains at the forefront of addressing the most critical regulatory issues worldwide.”
What next for the GCGRA?
The GCGRA moved swiftly to replace Mullally when his departure was confirmed in early November. Chair Jim Murren succeeded Mullally as CEO on an interim basis when the latter stepped aside in January.
Mullally served as CEO during the GCGRA’s establishment phase from the third quarter of 2023. During this time, he helped establish its regulatory frameworks and oversaw the launch of the UAE Lottery, the Emirates’ first licensed gambling business.
UAE gambling regulations allow for one licensee per emirate, except those observing Sharia Law. Both online casino and sports betting licences are available. In November the UAE’s first online gambling site was launched in Abu Dhabi. Play 971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC. That entity shares an address with The Game LLC, the business behind The UAE Lottery
Several suppliers for sports betting and iGaming have secured vendor certification in the market, including Sportradar, geolocation provider Xpoint and Yolo Group’s Hub88 and Live88.
As for land-based activity, Wynn Al-Marjan Island in Ras Al-Khaimah secured the first commercial gaming licence in the UAE in October 2024. The property, which was already under construction when the GCGRA was formed, is scheduled to open in March 2027.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/people-moves/iagr-appoints-former-uae-regulator-chief-inaugural-ceo/
