Ciarán Carruthers has been appointed as CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) with immediate effect.
Carruthers replaces Jim Murren, chair of the GCGRA, who had been serving as interim CEO since the departure of Kevin Mullally in November last year.
An experienced executive, Carruthers joins having worked in the global luxury resorts and gaming sectors for more than 40 years. Most recently, he was CEO of Crown Resorts from September 2022 to November 2024.
Prior to this, he had a spell as chief operating office of Wynn Macau. He has also worked across a range of senior roles with Sands China, Asia Pacific Gaming and Galaxy Casino. In addition, he spent 11 years as vice president operations and business development at International Casino Services.
“Ciarán brings exactly the calibre of leadership this role demands,” Murren said. “His track record of building trust with governments, regulators, and industry partners across multiple jurisdictions is exceptional. The future of gaming regulation in the UAE is in exceptional hands.”
Mullally swaps GCGRA for IAGR
Carruthers becomes only the second full-time CEO of the GCGRA since the organisation was formed in September 2023.
The GCGRA began life with plenty of leadership experience. Mullally, a Gaming Laboratories International veteran and former Missouri Gaming Commission director, was its first CEO, while ex-MGM Resorts CEO Murren has served as chair since its inception.
However, after just two years at CEO, Mullally stepped down from the role. At the time, he said he intended to return to the US and spend more time with his family.
In February this year, Mullally was unveiled as the first CEO of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The association had been a member-led body since its launch in the 1980s.
Play971 launches as first UAE iGaming and sports betting platform
Carruthers’ appointment comes shortly after the UAE welcomed the entrance of the region’s first licensed iGaming and sports betting platform.
Play971 rolled out certain services in the UAE late last week. At present, players are limited to betting on football, with certain betting options available for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament kicks off later this week.
The launch came after Play971 was also the first operator to secure an online gambling and sports betting licence from the GCGRA late last year. It initially went live with a field trial phase, with the soft launch monitored by the regulator.
The Play971 brand is operated by Momentum, which also run the UAE Lottery via its The Game subsidiary. Momentum is a leading UAE entertainment group.
