New department in Ras Al Khaimah to regulate entertainment and gaming operations

A new department has been setup in Ras Al Khaimah to regulate entertainment and gaming operations within the emirate.

The Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation established within the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) will consider the social, cultural, and environmental landscape of the emirate.

Its scope of activities will cover licensing, taxation, operational procedures, and consumer safeguards.

In a statement, RAKTDA said that the foremost priority of this new division is to create a robust framework that will ensure responsible gaming at all levels.

The regulatory structure will reportedly address the entire gaming enterprise within integrated resorts, requiring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (including financial crime laws) from operators, suppliers and employees.

Additionally, the regulations will cover marketing, advertising, and financial transactions, ensuring that these areas comply with the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation.

RAKTDA announced the formation of the new division on Tuesday. It will be focused on the regulation of integrated resorts including hotel operations, convention spaces, entertainment, restaurants and lounges, spa, retail and gaming facilities.

The announcement came on the same day Wynn Resorts, the US-listed developer of luxury resorts, announced plans for a multibillion-dollar integrated resort on the Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort will include around 1,000 rooms, a high-end shopping mall, meeting and convention facilities, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, entertainment options and a gaming area too.

Read: Marjan partners with Wynn Resorts to develop multi-billion dollar resort in Ras Al Khaimah