Konami Gaming joins list of licensed vendors in the UAE
Konami Gaming, the US-based 바카라 games and systems division of Japan’s Konami Group, has received a vendor licence from the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), further supporting the country’s push to build a well-regulated and globally recognised gaming industry.
The licence allows Konami to supply products such as slot machines and its well-known Synkros floor-management system to licensed commercial gaming operators within the UAE. In a statement released on Thursday, the company described the UAE as “a key emerging market for commercial gaming”.
Support for a growing regulated market
Commenting on the milestone, Thomas Jingoli, President and Chief Operating Officer at Konami Gaming, said: “Since Konami Gaming’s inception, our global growth has been achieved with an unwavering commitment to compliance. As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same integrity, innovation, and excellence we bring to all 431 gaming jurisdictions we serve worldwide.”
Konami Gaming is a subsidiary of Japan’s Konami Group Corp. The company manages its international 바카라 business through Konami Gaming Inc. in the United States and Konami Australia Pty Ltd in the Asia-Pacific region.
Part of a broader regulatory push
The GCGRA, established to oversee all commercial gaming activity in the UAE, began issuing vendor licences in October 2024. Konami now joins a growing list of global gaming suppliers approved to operate in the country. These include Light & Wonder, Aristocrat, International Game Technology (IGT), Novomatic, TCSJOHNHUXLEY, Scientific Games, Fennica Gaming, and Random State. Several payment platform providers have also received approval.
The first full gaming licence was issued in July 2024 to The Game LLC. Wynn Resorts followed in October 2024, receiving a land-based operator licence for its Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Construction of the project had already begun before the licence was granted. The resort, a joint venture with local partners, is scheduled for completion by 2027.
Confidence in the regulatory framework
As more companies obtain licenses, trust in the UAE’s gaming regulations is growing. In a previous interview with SiGMA World, Bishop Woosley, Director of Lottery Operations at The Game, said the framework has developed well.
“The regulatory landscape has evolved since The Game received the first licence in 2024. What we’ve seen is continued support by the GCGRA to establish and build a robust, transparent, and globally benchmarked framework, one that supports innovation while prioritising player protection and operational integrity,” said Woosley.
He added that the UAE’s approach reflects growing confidence in its ability to manage the gaming sector responsibly.
Leadership changes at Konami Gaming
Konami’s latest licence comes as the company undergoes a leadership reshuffle. Tom Jingoli has been promoted to President and COO of Konami Gaming Inc. and also appointed Managing Director of Konami Australia Pty Ltd, taking over from Steve Sutherland in that role.
Jingoli, a long-time executive at Konami since 2003, now oversees all internal departments and operations across seven global locations. His new role includes leading daily business execution and partnerships.
Steve Sutherland, who continues as CEO of Konami Gaming Inc., has been appointed Corporate Officer of the parent company, Konami Group Corp. He will continue to guide the global organisation toward its long-term strategic goals.
“Considering Tom Jingoli’s exceptional industry tenure, commitment, vision, and impact, it is especially rewarding to announce this leadership change within the organisation,” said Sutherland.
Financial growth and credit strength
Konami’s gaming and systems division is doing well financially. For the year ending 31 March 2025, the division made about JPY 42.67 billion (US$295.6 million) in revenue, a 7.4% rise from last year. Its operating profit also grew by 18.4% to nearly JPY 7.36 billion.
Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) recently kept Konami’s long-term credit rating at ‘A’ with a ‘stable’ outlook. It pointed to the company’s strong cash flow, steady income from different business areas, and good performance in digital entertainment, gaming, sports, and pachinko.
“The company’s performance is strong, centred on its mainstay digital entertainment business,” JCR said. It also noted that the gaming and systems division and other areas are now back to their pre-COVID-19 levels.
For the nine months ending 31 December 2024, Konami Group earned total revenue of JPY 310.83 billion (€2.04 billion), which is 22.8% more than the same period last year. In the gaming and systems segment, revenue was JPY 30.44 billion (€199 million), a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
Because of this strong performance, Konami raised its full-year revenue forecast to JPY 412 billion (€2.71 billion) and its net profit estimate to JPY 70 billion (€460 million), which is 17.6% higher than earlier predictions.
Supporting the UAE’s growing gaming industry
Konami Gaming’s addition to the UAE’s list of licensed vendors demonstrates the country’s commitment to creating a safe and well-regulated gaming market. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is attracting trusted global companies and is focused on clear rules and responsible gaming.
With strong leadership, increasing revenue, and global growth, Konami is well-positioned to support the UAE’s expanding gaming industry while continuing to expand internationally.
