In a statement released on December 9, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) emphasized that The Game LLC remains the exclusive lottery licensee in the UAE.
The Game successfully obtained the UAE Lottery license this past July, with tickets for the AED100 million Lucky Day draw becoming available on November 27.
### The UAE Lottery Leads the Market
According to legal provisions that founded the GCGRA, only two lotteries can legally operate in the UAE. These are Big Ticket at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai Duty Free, in addition to The UAE Lottery.
The GCGRA firmly stated, “All other pre-existing lotteries will not continue operations and have been mandated to cease activities.”
### Identifying Potential Targets of the GCGRA
While the GCGRA didn’t name specific businesses targeting UAE residents, many fiat and cryptocurrency gaming operators are believed to be active. Semrush reports 39.6 million visits to gambling-related sites this year, though this includes those with licenses.
Historically, Mahzooz and Emirates Draw operated lotteries in the UAE. Mahzooz has stopped its UAE operations as of January 1, 2024, following The Game’s acquisition of the lottery license, and is now looking to explore other gaming sectors. Emirates Draw also halted operations from the beginning of this year following a GCGRA request and plans to apply for licenses in different sectors.
### GCGRA CEO Advises Caution
The GCGRA has warned consumers of the “considerable risks” associated with gambling through unlicensed operators. This includes potential financial losses, becoming victims of fraud or cheating, risks of data theft or misuse, and exposure to malicious software. Consumers could also find themselves involved in regulatory or criminal investigations.
GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally advised, “Playing only with licensed operators protects both your personal and financial safety while maintaining community integrity.” He further stated that unlicensed operators lack independent evaluations for fairness and security. They are not obliged to act responsibly nor to include consumer protection measures. Without regulation, these operators may bypass advertising laws and fail to manage finances properly, such as not keeping funds for prize payouts or complying with anti-money laundering laws.
Mullally strongly encouraged avoiding unlicensed operators to avoid negative outcomes. This warning extends beyond players to advertisers and service providers, who might face penalties or barriers when engaging in the regulated UAE market.