UAE: Only 3 operators approved for lottery; others shut down
Only three entities, including the UAE Lottery, Big Ticket, and Dubai Duty Free, are authorized to run lottery activities in the country
UAE Restricts Lottery Operations to Three Licensed Operators
Only three operators in the UAE can operate lottery and related activities in the UAE, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has said.
The Game, LLC, which operates the UAE Lottery, has been granted the country’s sole lottery license. This is the only lottery license permitted under the GCGRA regulatory framework, the authority said.
In addition, the law allows “certain existing lottery operations” to continue. Within this framework, only Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free – the airport lotteries that have been operating for approximately 30 years – are allowed to operate under the supervision of the GCGRA. All other existing lotteries will not be considered for continued operations and the GCGRA has ordered their closure.
The GCGRA issued a consumer advisory notice warning of the risks of doing business or playing with unlicensed lottery and commercial gaming operators.
In November, the UAE’s first lottery was formally inaugurated, with a 100 million dirham prize. The date of the first live draw is set for December 14. In January 2025, Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Big Ticket will hold its largest draw to date, with a guaranteed grand prize of 30 million dirhams.
Dubai Duty Free is offering a “one in 5,000” chance of winning $1 million.
Raffle draw operators such as Emirates Draw and Mahzooz have suspended their UAE operations since January 1, 2024, in line with GCGRA’s orders. Both operators applied for and failed to obtain a national lottery license.
After the license went to Abu Dhabi-based The Game, they said they would apply for other gaming opportunities.
In its consumer advisory notice, the GCGRA said, “Consumers who choose to play or do business with an unlicensed operator face significant risks, including financial loss, exposure to fraud or scams, theft or misuse of their personal data, increased risk of malware, phishing or other cybersecurity threats, and regulatory or criminal investigation and subsequent reputational damage.”
The GCGRA is the federal authority that oversees commercial gaming in the UAE. It regulates, licenses and supervises all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE. It is the only body authorized to issue commercial gaming licenses to individuals and businesses engaged in the industry.
