The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority has confirmed the appointment of Ciarán Carruthers as its new chief executive officer.
Carruthers becomes the GCGRA’s second permanent CEO, succeeding Kevin Mullally, who led the authority from its inception in September 2023 before stepping down in November 2025.
Jim Murren, former CEO of MGM Resorts and GCGRA chairman, served as interim CEO during the leadership transition period.
Carruthers brings nearly 40 years of experience across the global luxury resorts and gaming sectors to the role.
He most recently served as CEO of Crown Resorts between September 2022 and November 2024, prior to which he spent nearly six years as chief operating officer at Wynn Macau.
Carruthers has also held C-suite positions at Galaxy and Sands China, cementing his reputation as one of the most experienced executives in international gaming.
During his tenure at Crown Resorts, Carruthers was credited with steering the company through a major overhaul of its anti-money laundering and responsible gambling processes.
He joined Crown following the Bergin Report, which uncovered evidence of money laundering, links to criminal operations, and poor responsible gambling safeguards at the company’s properties.
GCGRA chairman Jim Murren said: “Ciarán brings exactly the calibre of leadership this role demands. His track record of building trust with governments, regulators, and industry partners across multiple jurisdictions is exceptional. The future of gaming regulation in the UAE is in exceptional hands.”
Carruthers commented: “The UAE is establishing itself as a global benchmark for modern and responsible gaming regulation, and I look forward to working closely with the team, licensees, and government partners to deliver on that ambition.”
The GCGRA recently oversaw the launch of Play971, the first licensed online iGaming and sports betting platform in the UAE, operated by Momentum.
Wynn Al-Marjan Island, the UAE’s first casino resort, faces a modest delay to its planned opening, with CEO Craig Billings having told analysts the project would push beyond the originally scheduled Q1 2027 timeline.
Carruthers will now lead the GCGRA as it continues developing regulatory frameworks across lottery, betting, and online gaming in the rapidly expanding UAE market.
