The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has restricted lottery activities in the country to just three operators, mandating the shutdown of all others. This announcement emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a tightly regulated gaming industry.
The Game: The Sole National Lottery Licence
The only national lottery licence has been awarded to The Game, LLC, operating as The UAE Lottery, under the GCGRA’s regulatory framework. This operator is authorized to run lottery activities across the UAE.
In addition, the authority has allowed Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free, two long-standing airport lottery operators, to continue their operations. These entities, which have been operating for nearly three decades, fall under a special provision for preexisting activities.
Other preexisting lottery operators, including popular names like Emirates Draw and Mahzooz, have been ordered to cease UAE operations. Both operators paused activities from January 1, 2024, after failing to secure the national lottery licence.
Consumer Advisory and Risks of Unlicensed Gaming
The GCGRA has issued a consumer advisory notice, warning residents about the risks associated with unlicensed lottery and gaming platforms. The notice highlights potential dangers, including:
- Financial loss or fraudulent schemes.
- Data theft and misuse of personal information.
- Increased vulnerability to cybersecurity threats such as phishing or malware.
- Legal or reputational consequences from involvement with unregulated operators.
Consumers are urged to engage only with licensed operators to ensure transparency, security, and compliance with UAE laws.
Upcoming Milestones in UAE’s Lottery Landscape
- The UAE Lottery: Scheduled to host its inaugural live draw on December 14, featuring a jackpot of AED 100 million.
- Big Ticket: The Abu Dhabi International Airport lottery will offer a record-breaking AED 30 million prize in January 2025.
- Dubai Duty Free: Continues to attract participants with its “one-in-5,000” odds of winning $1 million.
Regulatory Framework Overview
The GCGRA, as the federal authority for commercial gaming in the UAE, regulates and supervises all gaming activities, ensuring they align with the country’s legal and ethical standards. It is the only entity authorized to issue licences for commercial gaming.
Unlicensed commercial gaming remains illegal for both operators and players. The GCGRA’s strict measures aim to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the industry.
