In a landmark decision the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued the first-ever lottery licence in the Muslim nation.
The government’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has awarded the lottery licence to The Game LLC, a commercial gaming and lottery specialist based in Abu Dhabi to operate the official “UAE Lottery”. licence.
And the regulatory body, established in September last year, has also opened pre-license applications for other gambling activities.
The Game LLC has been given a 10-year permit to run the UAE Lottery and offer “a diverse range of lottery games and other games designed to cater to players’ variety of interests and financial preferences,” said GCGRA.
“This is a landmark moment for the UAE as we introduce a regulated lottery system that ensures fairness and transparency,” affirmed GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullaly.
GCGRA Chair Jim Murren added: “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 activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”
The regulator has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework, the GCGRA stressed in a press statement: “Based on best practices for consumer protection and designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE.”
Sea Change
The launch of the UAE Lottery–to be followed by other forms of commercial gaming–signals a sea change for the Islamic nation of 9.4 million people.
Until now all forms of gambling have been outlawed, “haram”, on religious grounds.
So strict was the anti-gambling stance that according to the UAE’s Penal Code (art. No. 355), partaking in gambling could result in a fine not exceeding Emirati Dirham 20,000 (approximately £4,300) — or up to two-years in prison.
Operating illegal gambling activities, meantime, could result in 10-years in prison.
Going forward, engaging in, conducting, or facilitating commercial gaming activities will only be illegal if performed outside the GCGRA’s licensing regime.
Sports Betting
With the lottery ready to go, the GCGRA has now turned its attention to regulating and licensing other forms of commercial gambling, with land-based casinos, Internet gaming and sports betting all on the agenda.
The GCGRA website is now open to the public and accepting pre-applications from operators wanting to apply for a land-based facility license, lottery, internet gaming, or sports betting permit.
Once submitted, if the GCGRA considers the applicant eligible, they can make a complete permit application.
Interested parties can also view all licensing documents, regulatory compliance guides and more online.
While there’s no formal timeline for when the GCGRA will begin licensing other forms of gambling activities and operators, industry insiders expect Wynn’s Ras Al-Khaimah Resort–currently under construction, and set to open in 2027–to be the most likely recipient of the UAE’s first-ever land-based casino licence.
Sports betting and iGaming could go live far sooner.