Pollard Banknote Secures Vendor License for UAE’s Regulated Gaming Market

Canadian lottery and gaming supplier Pollard Banknote Limited has received official authorization to operate in the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step in the company’s international expansion. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which governs the UAE’s legal framework for lottery and commercial gaming, granted Pollard Banknote a gaming vendor license, allowing it to provide gaming-related goods and services to licensed lottery operators throughout the country.

With the new license in hand, Pollard Banknote gains direct access to the UAE’s emerging regulated gaming sector. The company is now positioned to offer its extensive range of products, including instant tickets, digital gaming solutions, and retail merchandising services. This development marks the firm’s entry into a strategically important market in the Middle East, where commercial gaming and lottery activities are carefully monitored and structured under federal oversight.

Pollard Banknote already has a strong presence in the global lottery industry, currently serving more than 60 lotteries around the world. Its operations are well-established in North America and Europe, where it delivers a full suite of lottery services—from printed instant tickets to digital engagement tools.

Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Pollard Banknote, welcomed the GCGRA’s decision with enthusiasm. “We are excited about the opportunities this license presents,” he said. “Pollard Banknote is eager to establish partnerships in the UAE and introduce its lottery and gaming products to help boost revenue and support charitable causes.”

Founded in 1907, Pollard Banknote has evolved into a comprehensive lottery solutions provider. Through its subsidiaries, including Schafer Retail Solutions and American Games/International Gamco, the company manufactures and supplies a diverse portfolio of products. These include pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, and electronic gaming devices, particularly geared toward the charitable gaming market across North America. The company’s expertise in both the retail and digital lottery spaces positions it as a competitive partner in regulated markets worldwide.

Pollard Banknote’s entry into the UAE comes amid a broader movement to formalize and expand the country’s gaming infrastructure. In recent months, several other leading international gaming providers have also received vendor licenses from the GCGRA. These include major industry names such as NOVOMATIC, TCSJOHNHUXLEY, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, and Konami Gaming. The growing list of approved vendors reflects the UAE’s cautious but deliberate approach to building a robust, regulated gaming sector that aligns with international standards.

As the UAE continues to shape its commercial gaming environment, Pollard Banknote’s presence is expected to contribute to both economic activity and social causes, in line with the company’s track record of supporting charitable gaming initiatives. With the license now secured, the company’s next steps will likely focus on forming local partnerships and tailoring its offerings to the specific needs of the UAE market.

By fLEXI tEAM