Key points:
- The UAE gambling regulator, GCGRA, has warned residents against gambling with unlicenced operators
- This consumer advisory notice comes just days before the country’s first ever regulated national lottery draw
A consumer advisory notice has been issued to UAE residents against unlicensed lottery and gaming operators by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority ahead of the nation’s first ever regulated lottery draw.
The UAE gambling regulator has provided a warning of the dangers of playing with illegal gaming operators in the country, including becoming victim to fraud, cheating, data theft or misappropriation, cybersecurity threats and risk of becoming criminally implicated.
After granting a licence to The Game LLC for its first ever regulated lottery operation in July, all other lottery operations – aside from airport lotteries Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free – are now outlawed in the UAE.
Residents aged 18 and over will be able to enter the draw for the top prize of AED 10m (US$27.2m), alongside a range of other prizes.
Commenting as part of the announcement, Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, said: “The GCGRA is committed to ensuring a safe and legal gaming environment in the UAE. Stay vigilant and informed, to protect yourself from the risks associated with illegal gaming.
Good to know: The nation’s debut lottery draw will take place on this Saturday 14 December
"Your adherence to the law not only safeguards your personal and financial security but also upholds the integrity of our community. If you choose to play, do so only with licensed operators."
Additional news from the UAE this quarter saw the GCGRA grant its first gaming-related vendor licence to Aristocrat, allowing the supplier to operate within the nation.
This announcement fell in the wake of the announcement that the UAE’s first commercial gaming licence had been awarded to Wynn Resorts for its land-based venues.
A deep dive analysis into the fast-developing UAE market can be found in the latest issue of Gambling Insider magazine.
