UAE suspends raffle draws, lottery effective January 1

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s recently established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has mandated that all gaming operations, including well-known lottery businesses like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, be suspended as of January 1.

The action aims to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the United Arab Emirates and enhance the gaming experience in compliance with the existing GCGRA laws. Emirates Draw and Mahzooz have both temporarily halted operations; the duration of the halt has not been disclosed.

“We’ve temporarily paused our activities from January 1st, 2024, to enhance your gaming experience in line with the latest directives from the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), with the aim of establishing a well-regulated gaming environment in the UAE,” Emirates Draw stated on its Facebook page.

Mahzooz’s draws are open to all participants, while Emirates Draw is only open to citizens of the United Arab Emirates. Paul Chader, director of commercial at Emirates Draw, expressed satisfaction with the GCGRA’s execution and indicated a want to work with the agency. The players located in the UAE are impacted by the temporary stoppage, which complies with regulatory directives.

Since its founding in late 2017, the GCGRA has made rapid progress in implementing changes that show its dedication to creating a socially conscious gaming environment and upholding the highest standards and local laws. Local laws usually forbid gambling, but lottery companies have been able to operate thanks to exceptions made by the Ministry of Economy. The most recent suspension suggests that the regulatory landscape is shifting and that a new licensing scheme may be implemented soon.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief