The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates, announced on Sunday the award of a license to operate the UAE’s first authorised lottery operation. The announcement marks a new milestone in the GCGRA’s endeavour to establish a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the UAE, built on the principles of transparency, accountability, consumer protection and responsible gaming practices.
The lottery license was awarded to The Game LLC, a commercial gaming operator specialising in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content. Operating under the banner of the ‘UAE Lottery’, the GCGRA’s first licensee will offer a diverse range of lottery games and other games designed to cater to players’ variety of interests and financial preferences.
Jim Murren, the Chairman of the GCGRA, said "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.”
Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, reaffirmed "The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE, which include lottery games. It also provides consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and manage their gaming activity. Additionally, we are leveraging new technologies to foster the creation of safe, entertaining games and drive consumer-focused innovation.”
The GCGRA has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed towards protecting consumers and the legitimate interests of all stakeholders.
Engaging in, conducting, or facilitating commercial gaming activities within the UAE without approval from the GCGRA is illegal and exposes offenders to severe penalties. Playing as a consumer via unlicensed operators is also illegal, according to the GCGRA framework.
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Regulators award licence for UAE's first authorised lottery Launch of UAE Lottery seen as a vital step forward for the country's gaming sector The National
28 July, 2024
Regulators in the UAE have awarded a licence for the country’s first authorised lottery.
It will be operated by The Game LLC under the banner UAE Lottery and it is expected to offer a diverse range of games for different interests and financial preferences.
Announcing the move on Sunday, the UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority said it marked a milestone in establishing a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the country.
More information about how to play is expected soon with representatives from the GCGRA stating it was a “pivotal” step for the country.
The GCGRA was established last September. It is led by gaming industry veterans and is the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities in the country.
“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,” said Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA.
Kevin Mullally, chief executive of the GCGRA, said the authority's regulatory framework was designed to ensure the integrity, fairness and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the country “which include lottery games”.
“The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight,” said Mr Mullally.
“It also provides consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and manage their gaming activity. Additionally, we are leveraging new technologies to foster the creation of safe, entertaining games and drive consumer-focused innovation.”
The development of the first license comes months after some operators of the UAE's prize draws were required in January to pause business.
One of the operators at the time said the pause was the result of an “industry-wide mandate” that was consistent with the regulators’ new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the country.
Before this step, prize draws had drawn increasing numbers of participants hoping for significant windfalls.
Since its formation in September, the GCGRA has sought to develop a regulatory framework to protect consumers and stakeholders.
It was underlined that engaging in, conducting, or facilitating commercial gaming activities within the UAE without approval from the GCGRA is illegal and anyone flouting the rules could face severe penalties.
Playing as a consumer through unlicensed operators is also illegal, according to the GCGRA.
According to the GCGRA's website, which went live on Sunday, it is the only entity that can regulate, license and supervise commercial gaming activities and centres within the UAE, which include lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated gaming facilities or resorts.
“Commercial gaming” refers to “any game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered – placed as a bet – for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items”.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/07/28/regulators-award-licence-for-uaes-first-authorised-lottery/