The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is launching a national lottery, overseen by The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
On Sunday, the GCGRA awarded the ‘UAE Lottery’ contract to The Game LLC, responsible for launching the Gulf region’s first national lottery and related services.
This announcement coincided with the launch of the GCGRA’s official website, establishing it as the sole authority to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE.
In 2023, the UAE appointed former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren and associate Kevin Mullaly as Chairman and CEO of the GCGRA. Their appointments indicated the UAE’s plans to launch exclusive tenders for casino resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
The GCGRA’s website states its mandate to regulate and oversee all commercial gaming activities in the UAE, including lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based integrated gaming facilities or resorts.
The GCGRA is responsible for launching a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the UAE, focusing on transparency, accountability, consumer protection, and responsible gambling practices. It reports to the government and oversees all businesses and individuals involved in UAE gambling activities.
The GCGRA’s role includes creating a safe environment for commercial gaming to thrive, ensuring all activities are conducted responsibly. This involves implementing a Socially Responsible Gaming Program that covers player education, responsible marketing, employee training, and evaluation plans to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Gaming operators in the UAE will undergo rigorous audits every two years to ensure compliance with the GCGRA’s Responsible Gaming Framework. Each licensed business must appoint a key person responsible for maintaining socially responsible gaming standards.
Licensing will require operators to be a qualifying domiciled domestic entity (QDE) or have a relationship with a regional business. The GCGRA defines a QDE as any UAE company with substantial business operations in the jurisdiction.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to be the first recipient of a gaming license, with other potential sites including mega resorts like Atlantis Dubai and the upcoming MGM Dubai.
Analysts at CBRE project that UAE casinos could generate up to $8.5 billion in revenue, highlighting the significant market potential.
The launch of the UAE lottery marks the initial step in establishing a regulatory framework for gambling in the Emirates. The Game LLC operates as a registered subsidiary of Momentum, an Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in mobile game development and publishing, virtual reality, iGaming, and esports management.
The GCGRA has not commented on the license award, and the launch date for the UAE Lottery remains unclear.
Jim Murren stated, “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.”