Former lieutenant appointed as Head of Investigations of UAE’s gaming regulator

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was founded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early this year to oversee the gaming sector. Edward Aylward, a former US lieutenant who will take up the role of head of investigations, is the most recent hire made by the authority, which is led by Chairman Jim Murren and CEO Kevin Mullally.

Aylward offers a wealth of experience managing gaming operations, having previously led the investigation team for the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Gaming Division.

During his tenure as a lieutenant, he supervised about 70 police officers who enforced criminal laws and regulatory powers at seven casinos. Aylward also held a position in the division as an administrator of property control or evidence, showcasing skills in writing, administrative administration, law enforcement, administrative investigations, and background checks.

As a well-known member of the GCGRA, Aylward will supervise gaming operations in the United Arab Emirates by drawing on his thirty years of investigative experience. The nation is getting ready for the opening of a Wynn resort on Al Marjan Island, indicating that it is becoming more open to accepting the gaming sector.

Although it is not currently allowed in the UAE to refer to gaming establishments as casinos, recent developments suggest that the gambling sector is becoming more widely acknowledged.

Contrary to earlier claims made by Dubai officials, MGM Resorts, which is targeting the UAE market, expressed optimism that the nation would soon legalize gaming. The licensing for a casino resort was recently delayed by Dubai, which could impede MGM Resorts’ plans to construct a prominent 150,000-square-foot facility in partnership with Wasl Asset Management Group. MGM Resorts is dedicated to leading the way in the UAE’s growing casino industry, even in the face of the delay.

Original story by: Gambling News