Malaysian gaming product distributor RGB International Bhd has been approved by the United Arab Emirates for a vendor license in the upcoming casino market.
According to The Edge Malaysia, RGB International Executive Director Ganaser Kaliappen confirmed that the company’s application had been approved by UAE authorities, noting “This effectively enables us to operate as an approved vendor for the supply of machines, as well as related services and maintenance in the region.”
According to the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), there are currently 22 Gaming-Related Vendor Licensees allowed to operate in the Emirates, including Aristocrat, Novomatic, Light & Wonder, Konami and IGT.
RGB’s entry onto the list of licensees comes ahead of the opening of the UAE’s first integrated casino resort– Wynn Al Marjan Island – which was initially expected to open in 1H27 but could see a “modest delay” due to logistical and shipping challenges caused by the conflict in Iran.
Speaking of the possibilities, Kaliappen noted, “While operations are still some time away, it puts us in a good position to build relationships and explore future business opportunities, whether in machines, services or related offerings.”
The opening up of the UAE market would expand RGB’s operations beyond core markets such as Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia – which continue to see growth.
Chief Operating Officer Chuah Eng Meng said the group is “seeing demand from the Philippines and are also in discussions with Vietnam,” noting that in Cambodia there has been interest by casinos in leasing machines, although the group is “not looking to open new outlets at this point.”
The company saw a 19% increase in revenue in the first three months of this year, hitting MYR87.4 million (US$22.0 million) and buoyed by the strong performance of its core gaming product Sales and Marketing division. However, profit during the period fell by 15% to MYR11.5 million (US$2.9 million) due to foreign exchange losses.
In the results release, the company noted that it “will continue to pursue suitable expansion opportunities … and potential project rollouts across these markets, while maintaining operational resilience.”
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