UAE defines lottery operators

In the United Arab Emirates, only three companies have been authorised to conduct lottery draws, while the rest must cease operations. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has issued a clarification to this effect.

The UAE’s only licence to conduct lottery draws was issued to The Game, LLC, also known as The UAE Lottery. Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free will also be able to run lottery activities at airports and will continue to operate under the supervision of the GCGRA.

All other companies that previously ran lottery draws have been ordered to shut down. The authority had earlier issued a warning to UAE residents about the risks associated with unlicensed lottery and commercial gambling operators.

Earlier, The Game said it would draw a jackpot of Dh100 million as early as 14 December. Big Ticket at Abu Dhabi International Airport is offering a Dh30 million jackpot, scheduled to be drawn in January 2025. Dubai Duty Free is raffling off US$ 1 million.

Lottery operators such as Emirates Draw and Mahzooz suspended their operations in the UAE on 1 January 2024. They tried to apply for a lottery licence, but the attempts were unsuccessful.

Earlier, the national regulator published rules for commercial gambling. So, they are defined as any gambling in which bets are placed on winning a certain amount of money or valuable items.

The website outlines the future of gambling in the UAE, including how to apply for gambling house licences, as well as plans for slot machine networks and poker tables.

Gaming licences can be applied for from any of the seven emirates. The authority will regulate lottery companies, sweepstakes and casinos that practice games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps.

Source: Khaleej Times