Who’s who at the UAE gambling regulator?

The GCGRA was established in September 2023 to oversee regulation across the Emirates, though at the time only chairman Jim Murren and chief executive Kevin Mullally were named as those involved. 

However, the regulator’s website now confirms the full board of directors, as well as the C-level executives across all key functions. This comes after it made its first big call, selecting The Game LLC to run the UAE Lottery,

Who’s on the GCGRA board?

Former MGM Resorts chief executive Murren chairs the board, and it features a number of recognisable industry names. 

Nick Casiello

A lawyer who previously led Fox Rothschild’s gaming practice, he co-founded International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and serves as a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA). 

William Grounds

Formerly president and COO of Dubai-owned Infinity World Development Corp, which was involved in the development of CityCenter Las Vegas, Grounds also sat on the MGM Resorts board, and is a director of PointsBet.

Mark Lipparelli

The former Nevada Gaming Control Board chair also serves as chairman of Galaxy Gaming and casino operator Golden Entertainment. 

Giovanni Lega

Founder and managing partner at the law firm LCA, Lega has been involved in M&A, real estate and gaming transactions. 

John Kelly

A partner at London law firm Harbottle & Lewis, Kelly is described as an expert in reputation protection, privacy, data protection and defamation, representing high-profile clients and companies around the world. 

Chris O’Donnell

A real estate and investment specialist, O’Donnell is currently managing director of CNN Advisory. He previously served as a director of CityCenter Holdings in Las Vegas.

The board has already visited the site of Wynn’s development in Ras Al-Khaimah, iGB understands.

The executive team at the UAE gambling regulator

Also confirmed is the GCGRA’s executive team, led by chief executive Kevin Mullally who took on the role in September last year, after leaving Gaming Laboratories International. 

The C-suite is made up entirely of executives who have previously served in key roles for high profile Abu Dhabi institutions. 

Ahmed Barakat, chief operating officer

A former banker who has worked at Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch and the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

Manuela Croci, chief of supervision, investigations, FCP

Previously served as head of internal audit and compliance at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

Ourouba El Arab, general counsel and board secretary

El Arab also worked for the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, as well as First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Leina ElBarasi, chief financial officer

Previously head of budgeting and planning for Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Carlos Gutierrez, chief information officer

Worked as general manager for TEC Evolution Technology Services, which provides solutions for sectors including banking, aerospace and healthcare among others.

Dina Helal, chief human resources officer

Helal has worked for a number of banks, most recently First Abu Dhabi Bank as SVP and head of employee relations and policies.