The United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has granted the first official lottery license, marking a significant move for the country’s commercial gambling sector. The move was announced on 28 July 2024, with The Game LLC established as the first licensed operator under the UAE Lotteries brand. This milestone is part of GCGRA’s broader efforts to foster a well-regulated and consumer-protected gambling environment in the UAE.
The Game LLC offers a variety of lotteries and other games customized to suit players’ different interests and financial preferences. According to a press release issued by the regulator, this initiative is in line with GCGRA’s principles of transparency, accountability and responsible gaming.
GCGRA Chairman Jim Mullen expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the UAE’s commercial gambling sector through a disciplined regulatory framework. “The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined, world-class regulatory framework for lottery activity, but also underscores our commitment to fostering a safe and enriching commercial gambling environment in the UAE,” said Mullen.
GCGRA CEO Kevin Mulally reiterated the authority’s commitment to adopting global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. According to Mulally, the regulatory framework aims to ensure honesty, fairness and transparency of commercial gambling activities in the UAE. The framework also provides consumers with tools to monitor and manage their gambling activities, and new technologies are being leveraged to create safe and enjoyable gaming.
Release date TBA
The announcement comes after previous gambling operations such as Emirates Draw and Mazooz were suspended late last year while GCGRA worked to establish a regulatory framework. No launch date for the UAE lottery was specified, but details are expected to be announced soon.
The introduction of the lottery operation is seen as a major development for the UAE’s gambling industry, following news that the UAE may soon grant casino licenses to each of its seven emirates, signalling a wider expansion of the legalisation of commercial gambling in the region.
The regulatory framework set out by GCGRA guarantees permanent licenses if operators comply with regulations, suggesting a stable and potentially profitable environment for gaming operations. This approach, which is more similar to the Nevada model rather than the Macau or Singapore concession models, could result in high valuation multiples for commercial gaming operations in the UAE.
The establishment of the UAE Lottery marks a significant step towards diversifying and strengthening the country’s entertainment and tourism sector, as the region prepares to open its first licensed casino, by Wynn Resorts, on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.