RGB International Bhd received approval to supply electronic gaming machines in the United Arab Emirates. According to executive director Ganaser Kaliappen, the company applied around a year ago. The company has also paid roughly RM10,000 in processing fees.
UAE Approval Puts RGB in the Supplier Queue
The approval doesn’t mean UAE sales have begun. Instead, it gives RGB a spot at the table during those initial conversations with operators, project teams, and partners before the casino even opens its doors. Kaliappen mentioned that the approval includes machine supply, related services, and maintenance, which is helpful for RGB. Since casino projects need ongoing support after delivery, related services and maintenance may be covered in the supplier contract, too.
Wynn Sets the Opening Timeline
The UAE casino market is still in the pre-opening phase, with Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah leading the charge. Wynn Resorts received the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. The resort is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
For suppliers, preparations have to start way before the launch – installing machines, doing tests, planning, and organizing service teams even before any customers walk in. RGB’s recent move makes sense then; they aren’t capitalizing on an existing market, but trying to position themselves for when that first big resort finally opens.
Public Record Still Needs Watching
There’s one thing still undecided. While RGB has made the announcement, we’re waiting on the formal public record. Next up, we need to see if RGB shows up on the GCGRA’s licensee list. This would give us the licensing details and tell us officially how RGB can do business in the UAE. It’s a practical issue in a new market. The UAE commercial gaming market is still moving through its first licensing stages. Supplier approvals might come through in phases.
Asia Remains RGB’s Core Market
The UAE provides RGB with new market opportunities, but Asia still drives the company’s main business. This year, RGB targets around 3,000 machine sales. It has secured about 2,000 orders so far, including 500 machines sold in the first quarter. According to Chuah Eng Meng, the COO for leisure, sales might reach 3,500 to 3,800 if some regional problems settle down, like those in the Middle East and between Cambodia and Thailand. The Philippines is leading the demand. Also, RGB is discussing plans in Vietnam and getting lease requests from Cambodia.
The company’s first-quarter results are mixed. Revenue jumped 19% year-over-year, hitting RM87.38 million. However, net profit dropped 23%, coming in at RM9.32 million. Sales helped increase revenue, but earnings were still stressed.
Takeaways
RGB’s UAE approval should be seen more as market positioning. It likely won’t boost revenue immediately. The real test will come when Wynn and later UAE projects choose suppliers, and when service work follows the first equipment orders.
