Big Ticket lottery announces suspension of draws

Big Ticket, a popular lottery company in the United Arab Emirates, has announced that it will suspend draws from 1 April 2024. Its kiosks at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain airports will be closed.

“Big Ticket is temporarily suspending its operations in line with new directives from the UAE Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority effective from 1 April 2024. Stay tuned for updates!”, the company said on its official website.

Meanwhile, it is clarified that the 262 series draw, for which tickets have already been sold, will take place on 3 April. All prizes, which include a “guaranteed grand prize” of AED 10 million, will be drawn.

Maserati Ghibli and Range Rover Evoque cars will also find their new owners. The company said it will honour all its commitments to customers. For more information, please call +971 2 201-9244 or email help@bigticket.ae.

It is understood that lottery draw companies, including Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, have suspended operations in the United Arab Emirates from 1 January 2024 until further notice.

These lotteries offered prizes ranging from a few dirhams to AED 200 million. The suspension of their operations is based on an industry-wide mandate, the objective of which is to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the United Arab Emirates.

In September 2023, the UAE created a new federal body, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, to develop a regulatory framework for gambling and lotteries.

Kevin Mullally, who has 30 years of experience in the field of national and international regulation of gambling, was appointed Director General of the new agency. Abu Dhabi controls the activities of the department, but the rulers of the emirates can independently decide whether to allow gambling on their territory.

Article No. 355 of UAE law treats all forms of gambling as a criminal offence. Casino activities are currently banned in the UAE, but back in 2022, Wynn Resorts said it would build an integrated resort with a gambling house in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027.

The new authority is expected to create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, it will ensure that all industry participants adhere to strict regulations. The Authority will also manage licensing on a national level and help unlock the economic potential of commercial gaming.

Source: Gulf News

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