The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is simplifying lottery operations in the United Arab Emirates, ushering in a new era in the gaming sector.
Only three operators—The UAE Lottery, Big Ticket, and Dubai Duty-Free—have been approved by the GCGRA ahead of the lottery’s first draw, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 14.
Leading the way is The UAE Lottery, run by The Game LLC, which obtained the only lottery license in the country. Residents are already excited about the lottery because its first draw offers a huge Dhs100 million jackpot.
The Countdown Is Under Way!
Theuaelottery.ae sells tickets for the draw, which cost Dhs 50. Six numbers (1–31) and one number (1–12) are selected by participants; complete matches result in the jackpot. Digital scratch cards with prices ranging from Dhs5 to Dhs50 give instant winnings of up to Dhs1 million, while secondary rewards accommodate incomplete matches.
While unauthorized lotteries like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw have been shut down, Big Ticket and Dubai Duty-Free continue to operate under the close supervision of the appropriate authorities in the United Arab Emirates. As required by the GCGRA, both operators are shifting to new gaming verticals.
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GCGRA Establishes Regulations for Conscientious Gaming
Consolidating lottery operations is in line with the GCGRA’s overarching objective of encouraging transparent and safe gambling. This involves taking a strong stand against unlicensed businesses to shield customers from viruses, fraud, and improper use of their personal information.
It is highly recommended that consumers stay away from unauthorized operators in order to safeguard themselves from unfavorable outcomes. Independent assessments of fairness, advertising regulations, and financial management, including reserves for prize payouts, are absent from unlicensed firms.
Apart from protecting players, the GCGRA warned of possible penalties for advertisements, payment solution providers, and other organizations who collaborated with unregistered operators. Respecting the law preserves the community’s integrity in addition to each player’s financial and personal safety.
Unlicensed Operators Could Be Closed
The federal authority has made it plain that under the new framework, only three providers are allowed to operate: Dubai Duty-Free, Big Ticket, and The UAE Lottery. Every other lottery that already existed has been told to stop running.
Following orders from the GCGRA, Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, two well-known companies in the UAE, stopped operations on January 1, 2024. While preparing to seek for licenses in additional locations, both businesses are now concentrating on new gaming verticals.
The GCGRA seeks to improve customer confidence and guarantee the financial viability of regulated operators by simplifying the lottery industry. The authority’s choice demonstrates its dedication to promoting a responsible gaming environment and is consistent with the UAE’s more general regulatory objectives.
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