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UAE regulators made a historic move on Sunday by approving the country’s first lottery licenses and publishing comprehensive casino and gambling regulations.
This landmark decision makes the UAE the first Gulf country to legalize gambling, marking a major shift in the region’s economic and entertainment landscape.
Commercial games
The General Commercial Gambling Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has launched its official website, which was previously password protected.
The website outlines the future of gaming in the UAE, including the issuance of casino licences and plans for slot machines and poker tables.
The application for a gambling licence states that applicants can choose from all seven emirates, indicating that gambling could span the whole of the UAE, not just Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Additionally, the GCGRA website lists the “Minimum Requirements for Responsible Gaming.”
GCGRA’s Vision
“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 fulfilling commercial gambling environment in the UAE,” GCGRA Chairman Jim Mullen said in a press release.
According to GCGRA, “Commercial gambling refers to games of chance, or a combination of chance and skill, in which a fixed sum of money, either cash or a cash equivalent, is wagered or wagered and the object is to win money or other valuables.”
GCGRA regulates lotteries, internet gaming, sports betting, and land-based gaming establishments, including games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and craps.
Current License Status
The only license approved so far is a lottery license granted to The Game, a commercial gaming operator specializing in game development, lottery operations and gaming-related content. The announcement was made in a press release posted on the GCGRA website.
Casino Outlook
A licensing framework for gaming operators is currently operational, suggesting that casinos could soon become a reality in the UAE.
However, no establishments have yet been officially granted gambling licenses, and those that do receive gambling licenses will be subject to biennial audits by GCGRA to ensure compliance.
Socially Responsible Gaming
GCGRA requires gaming operators to implement a “socially responsible gaming program” in accordance with the Responsible Gaming (RG) Framework.
This includes player education, responsible marketing, employee training, and an evaluation plan to measure the effectiveness of these efforts. Each licensed company must appoint a person responsible for maintaining these efforts.
In addition, businesses must establish or have a relationship with a “Qualified Domestic Entity” (QDE) in the UAE. A QDE is defined as a UAE company that has substantial business activities in the jurisdiction.
GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally reiterated: “GCGRA remains steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure integrity, fairness and transparency of commercial gambling activities in the UAE, including lottery games, and to provide consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and control gambling activity.”
“Furthermore, we are leveraging new technologies to facilitate the creation of safe, fun games and drive consumer-centric innovation.”
Rules for players
GCGRA has laid out some rules for players.
Only play with licensed operators: Associating with unlicensed operators, including lottery operators, is illegal and may result in severe penalties. Be informed: Players should understand the games they play, including the odds and risks involved. Manage your time and money: Players are encouraged to set limits on their gaming activities, using tools provided by operators and/or GCGRA. Take advantage of available support: Support services are available for players experiencing problematic gaming behaviour. Voluntary self-exclusion: Players can opt for a self-exclusion programme to take a break from gaming activity.
Player Management
Operators set deposit limits on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, specifying the maximum amount a player may deposit within a given period of time.
A “cooling off period” will also be introduced for online gaming, allowing players to restrict their access to gaming platforms for a minimum of 72 hours upon request.
The UAE’s move to legalise gambling reflects the country’s broader economic and social strategy, which aims to bolster its position as a leading global tourist destination.
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