Momentum Group has entered into a strategic joint venture with Fanatics to scale its regulated commercial gaming operations in the UAE, merging its local market leadership with the digital sports platform’s extensive technological infrastructure.
Through the joint venture, Momentum and Fanatics intend to invest in technology, product, and customer experience; advance industry standards for responsible gaming and player protection; expand access to world-class regulated gaming products in the UAE; and contribute to the wider development of the UAE’s digital economy.
The partnership will operate and grow the commercial gaming activities currently licensed to Momentum in the UAE including lottery, iGaming, sportsbook, and content websites with a focus on customer experience, technology, and sustainable long-term growth.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which has recenlty appointed Ciarán Carruthers as its new chief executive officer, to support the authority’s mission to establish a world-class, transparent and responsible regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE, has approved the change in control of Momentum’s existing licensed entities.
The GCGRA’s approval reflects its regulatory mandate to ensure that commercial gaming activities are conducted in the UAE by persons with the highest standards of fitness and propriety, in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Fanatics, a global digital sports platform, operates licensed sportsbook and iGaming products across multiple U.S. states with proven scale, product depth, and technology infrastructure. The joint venture represents Fanatics’ strategic entry into the UAE commercial gaming market through partnership with the country’s leading regional operator.
Scott Burton, Chief Operating Officer, Momentum Group, said: “The UAE has built one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets, and this joint venture is a reflection of the confidence that brings. Combining Momentum’s regional experience with Fanatics’ global product capability creates a partnership well placed to grow alongside this market for the long term.”
The partnership has been structured to support long-term, sustainable growth in alignment with the UAE’s regulatory framework and national vision for the sector.
“The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like,” added Conor Grant, President of Fanatics Gaming. “We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together.”
Fanatics and Momentum believe that responsible gaming and player protections are core tenets and a part of each company’s DNA. Full compliance with the GCGRA framework remains foundational to how the new business will operate in the UAE.
