UAE launches its first national lottery

Abu Dhabi: The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has given the green signal to UAE’s inaugural national lottery. The licence has been awarded to ‘The Game LLC’, a commercial gaming operator, for the new lottery named ‘UAE Lottery’.

Currently, the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket and Millennium Millionaire Lottery draws are active, though these are run by private organisations. Indians have won substantial prizes through these lotteries. The introduction of the new ‘UAE Lottery’ is expected to benefit many Indians. This new lottery comes in the wake of the suspension of other lotteries, such as Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, which had been operating without official approval since January 1 of the previous year.

‘The Game LLC’ will offer a variety of lottery games tailored to meet the diverse interests and financial preferences of participants. GCGRA Chairman Jim Murren stated, “This move aims to control the unlicensed lottery gaming industry.”

Established in September last year, the GCGRA has implemented regulations designed to ensure transparency, accountability, consumer protection, and adherence to best practices in gaming. Engaging in commercial gaming activities in the UAE without GCGRA’s approval is considered an offence.