UAE Gaming Regulator Appoints Jennifer Carleton as Chief of Licensing and Regulations
The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has named experienced gaming law specialist Jennifer Carleton as its new chief of licensing and regulations. Carleton, who has more than 30 years of industry expertise, will help shape the country’s emerging commercial gaming and lottery framework.
Three Decades of Gaming Law and Compliance Experience
Jennifer Carleton’s career spans senior legal and compliance roles across both public and private gaming sectors. She most recently served as chief legal officer at Sightline Payments, spending more than four years in the role and holding a board seat for the past two years.
Her background also includes partner positions at US law firms Howard & Howard and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, as well as more than a decade as senior staff attorney for the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin.
Announcing the appointment, the GCGRA emphasized the value Carleton brings to the regulator:
“Jennifer will play a key role in advancing our mission to regulate with integrity, transparency and global best practice.
Her extensive background has fostered strong relationships with global regulators and licensing professionals, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted leader in gaming compliance and governance.”
Carleton expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the UAE:
“I’m honoured to return to the UAE after all these years; it’s been a few years since I lived in Abu Dhabi. I’m excited to be a part of this incredible team.”
GCGRA Management Takes Shape
The GCGRA was launched in September 2023 with the mandate to establish a regulatory framework for commercial gaming and a national lottery in the UAE. The organisation is chaired by Jim Murren, the former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, and led by CEO Kevin Mullally, who previously served as executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission.
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While key leadership remains, the GCGRA has seen some recent changes to its executive team. Notably, Ahmed Barakat has departed from his position as chief operating officer, with no replacement yet named. The investigations component has been moved to Carleton’s new role, changing the focus of Manuela Croci’s position to chief of supervision.
Other vital senior roles remain constant, with Leina El Barasi as chief financial officer, Carlos Gutierrez as chief information officer, Dina Helal as chief human resources officer, and Ourouba El Arab as general counsel and board secretary. The GCGRA board of directors also remains unchanged, including members Chris O’Donnell, John Kelly, Giovanni Lega, Mark Lipparelli, William Grounds, and Nick Casiello.